A common home service that people work on is painting. And since so many people have painted or worked with contractors to paint their homes, they may have or have heard a few myths. We do not want you to be confused during your painting process, so here are some paint myths debunked.
You Don’t Need Primer
Anytime you paint your home’s walls, you need to prime them. Primer is the foundation undercoat that seals the surface of the wall, which allows it not to seep into the walls, lasts longer and increases the paint’s durability. We always recommend priming your walls before painting, especially if you want the best outcome.
Dark Colors Make the Room Smaller
A very common myth that people believe is that dark paint colors make a room look smaller. Lighting and the items you place in the room ultimately affect the way it looks. A dark-colored room can look huge if you have enough windows, lighting and the right pops of neutral colors. If you want dark colors but are afraid to paint the whole room that color, then we recommend trying out an accent wall.
You Don’t Need to Clean the Walls
Believe it or not, your walls can collect loads of dust and debris. Painting over these particles will only cause you to have bumpy or rigid walls. Your paint will not glide on smoothly. And what homeowner likes lumpy paint? Plus, cleaning your walls helps the primer stay on easier. Before painting away, wipe down the walls.
You Must Use Two Coats of Paint
We were always taught to apply multiple coats or layers of paint if we want the color to be even or show. However, with interior paint, that is not always the case. If you clean, prime and use high-quality paint on your walls, then you can get away with one coat of paint. Good thing at Valor Home Services, we clean, prime and use Sherwin-Williams paint every time we have a painting job.
Paint Trim White
For years, the unspoken ‘rule’ homeowners had about their wall’s trim is that it has to be white. Many homeowners go with white because it is an easy neutral color that pairs with any other color. However, you can paint them however you like. For example, some homeowners paint their trim to bring a bold look into the home or complement the wall color.
Paint Can Go On Any Surface
Before you start painting everything in sight, we want you to know that interior wall paint cannot go on any surface. Instead, always read labels to see the type of paint it is for. For example, there are interior, exterior, decal and furniture paint. All are paint, but they cannot be universally used. Using these paints on any surface can damage the item, not last long or seep into the product.
You Don’t Need to Paint If You Are Selling Your Home
While you are not required to paint your home if you are selling it, painting adds value to your home while also adding window shopping appeal. Would you rather buy a house that has dull, sun-faded or dirty walls or a home that has bright, fresh walls? A few weeks before listing your home, give each room a paint refresh.
Don’t Need to Prep
Many people believe that you do not need to prep before painting. While painting your home does not seem like a large or difficult task, many steps go into it. For example, you need to move or cover all furniture or large decor pieces before painting. Other prepping steps you need to take include taping or removing light switches, taping window seals and wall edges, clearing the room of debris and other items, cleaning the walls, gathering and setting up your supplies and getting the paint ready to go.
Never get stuck because of one of these painting myths. Instead, keep all your interior and exterior painting needs for the experts. At Valor Home Services, our skilled experts have decades of experience painting the inside and outside of your home. Book an appointment with us today.
