14 DIY Don'ts to Avoid

Heed our advice (and that of some trusted HGTV pros), and you’ll never make the same mistakes again.

Don’t close a bottle crafts glue immediately after using it. This is a surefire way to clog the cap. To keep it clear, wipe the tip with a damp paper towel, then before closing the bottle, stand it upright for several seconds so the glue can drain down.

Don’t paint directly from the can. You may end up contaminating an entire gallon if you dip a dirty or dusty paintbrush into a can of paint. Instead, pour some into a smaller container and keep the larger can closed, opening it only when you need more.

Don’t cut fabric for upholstery without laying it over the piece of furniture first. Always drape the fabric—especially if it’s a pattern—over whatever you’re covering to make sure you have enough fabric to work with and the design is centered. Only once you know exactly how it will line up should you make your cuts.