Paint is one of the most versatile and affordable tools you can use to transform your home. However, with so many myths floating around, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are five common paint misconceptions:
Dark Colours Make Rooms Look Smaller
Dark colours make a room look cosier and more intimate. However, if you’re worried about making a room look too small, try lightening the ceiling colour. Even if you use the same dark paint as the walls, diluting it with white in an 80:20 ratio will make the ceilings appear higher and the space lighter.
You Don’t Need to Use a Primer Before Painting
Primer helps paint stick to your walls and stops it peeling over time. In general, you need primer if you are changing colour from dark to light or if the surface is stained, glossy or porous. If you’re not sure whether you need to use a primer on a surface, consider hiring a professional painting and decorating company such as Scott Anson Painters and Decorators Ltd.
You Need to Use a High-Gloss Finish for Durability
High-gloss finishes are durable and stain-resistant. However, they’re also reflective, so they’ll highlight all the imperfections in your walls. If you’re looking for a durable and shiny paint that won’t be so reflective, try satin; it’s easy to clean too, so it’s perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms and kids’ rooms.
Old Paint Never Goes Bad
Everybody has some old half-empty cans of paint in their loft, but they don’t stay good forever; the shelf life of an open paint can is around five years. However, if your paint smells sour or changes texture, it’s time to throw it out! Old paint won’t adhere properly and might even give off toxic fumes.
All White Paints Are the Same
All white paints have different tones and shading and suit different uses. Pure white paint is usually too bright for a room that gets direct sun, for example. A warm-toned white is a much better pick for a sunny south-facing space. Also, not every paint works for every surface; the warm-toned white paint you pick for your walls might not work for your wooden trims. Always make sure you research how to paint each specific material before you start.
