7 Common House Painting Myths

There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint to update your home. While most people understand the importance of a new paint job, there are many myths about doing it right. It may seem easy to pick up a few cans of paint from the nearest hardware store. In reality, there’s a lot more to painting your home than you think.

We’ve compiled a list of seven house painting myths we frequently hear from clients, friends, and family members. We hope this information helps clear up some common misconceptions and improves the success of your next painting project.

1. It Doesn’t Matter What Brand or Type of Paint You Choose

The truth is, not all paint is created equal. There are a variety of water-based and oil-based paints on the market and each is designed for different surfaces. Choosing the right finish is also important. Flat or matte is usually the least expensive but is also the least durable. It’s best for low-traffic areas like adult bedrooms and formal living spaces. Satin and semi-gloss are resistant to moisture and are good choices for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. DIYers should research and choose a top-performing brand to get the best results. 

2. Use Color Swatches to Select Paint Color

The color swatch cards at your local hardware store can be helpful but don’t make your decision based on only a tiny swatch. There are several designer tips that can help make choosing paint colors easier. Paint colors often look dramatically different based on the surface being painted and the lighting in the room. To get a better idea of what a paint color will look like in your home, get several small paint samples and apply them to large pieces of white cardstock. Move these larger samples around the room throughout the day to see how a color looks with your furnishings under different lighting conditions.

3. You Don’t Need to Use Primer

Many people assume that if a surface is smooth and in good condition, there’s no need to apply primer. There are several reasons to use a high-quality primer before painting interior or exterior surfaces. Stains and imperfections that have not been properly primed can bleed through and ruin a new paint job. If you are making a drastic color change, it can take many coats of paint to hide the existing color, so using a good primer can save time and money. Primer will make your final paint color easier to apply and give your project a more polished and professional look.

4. Dark Colors Make Rooms Look Smaller

It’s often not the color of the walls that makes a room look smaller. It’s a combination of the walls, trim, and ceiling and the amount of light and furnishings in a room that can make a space feel small. Although white is still the most popular color for ceilings, painting the ceiling a shade or two darker than the color you are using on the walls can make a room look taller and more spacious. Dark colors tend to recede, which can make a space appear larger. The right dark or vibrant color on an accent wall can make a room appear more spacious. Sherwin Williams has a great article citing research on dark versus light-colored walls for more information on this topic.

5. Prep Work Isn’t Necessary

Some DIYers want to skip prep work, and that’s understandable. Prep work can be tedious and time-consuming. Even with today’s advanced paint formulas, proper preparation is still necessary for every successful painting project. You will most likely need to sand, spackle, and repair most surfaces before you begin applying paint. Paint will not adhere properly to a dirty surface, so walls and trim must be properly cleaned and allowed to dry before any paint is applied.

6. Painting a House is Not Necessary to Sell It

Most real estate experts recommend that homeowners invest in new paint before putting their home on the market since it will look fresher, cleaner, and better maintained. The majority of homebuyers are looking for something that is in move-in condition. Choosing light, neutral paint colors for interiors allows prospective buyers to imagine their furniture and decor in your house. Having a fresh coat of paint applied throughout your home is a relatively inexpensive investment that will likely pay off when you’re ready to sell your home.

7. Hiring a Professional Painter is Expensive

Working with a professional painter isn’t necessarily more expensive than doing the work yourself. Especially if it’s your first painting project, you’re unlikely to own all of the necessary tools and supplies to complete the job. Brushes, rollers, drop cloths, tape, primer, paint, ladders, and other items can quickly add up and are often more costly than people realize. On top of that, the amount of time needed to clean, prep, and paint is frequently underestimated. And unless you are an experienced painter, you may not like the results you get. Unless you have the time, tools, and expertise, it’s best to work with a professional painting company to have the project done right the first time.

Let the Professional House Painters Help

Walla Painting is a locally owned business that specializes in residential painting. Our fully insured, bonded, and skilled painters are equipped to handle any size project. We are proud to have received Angie’s List Super Service Award 10 years in a row for our customer service and detailed workmanship.

We are here to serve Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, Noblesville, Fishers, and McCordville homeowners. We offer residential interior and exterior painting, as well as cabinet and trim painting. Contact us online or at (317) 620-0695 for a free estimate.