Painting your home: 5 common myths debunked
It’s the perfect time to give your interiors a freshen up with a new coat of paint, but are those hand-me-down painting tips really helping you achieve the best results? Time to investigate…
Image: Lick
Paint is the perfect starting point for a quick home renovation, whether you just want to refresh your existing scheme or completely re-design your room. Plus, it’s something that most of us can take a swing at, no matter our DIY skills, making it an ideal project during these social distancing measures.
This week, we discovered a new paint brand called Lick, which specialises in delivering its range of paint, wallpaper and painting supplies straight to your door, making your DIY-solation projects a little easier to achieve.
We asked the team at Lick to bust some of the biggest myths when it comes to decorating your home, so that you can arm yourself with the knowledge to help achieve a near-professional quality finish with your DIY.
Image: Lick
MYTH: Use the cheapest paint you can find for the ceiling
Ceiling paint deserves the same level of investment as wall paint. Opting for cheaper paint will highlight any different textures or direction of the paint, as well as brush strokes, meaning you don’t get as clean and smooth a finish. You will also get less coverage with a cheaper paint, resulting in more coats and therefore more paint, so less cost efficient.
MYTH: I need a clear weather day to paint to air out fumes
Low VOC paints, such as Lick Home’s selection, work for any space. This type of paint has reduced amounts of volatile organic compounds, meaning it doesn’t off-gas as much as traditional paints. Low VOC paints make decorating a safe project, suitable for any weather.
Image: Lick paint in Pink
MYTH: The higher the gloss, the easier it is to clean
This is not the case – modern water based matt paints provide high durability and washability. Modern water based paints are incredibly durable with minimal odour. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the glossier the paint, the more likely it is to show dirt.
MYTH: White walls are boring, sterile and unoriginal
Despite being popular for giving a light and airy feel to a room, white can sometimes feel sterile and boring. However, this doesn’t have to be the case – “layer the room with a palette of exciting neutrals” says Lick Home Colour Specialist, Tash Bradley. “Whether that’s a feature wall, skirting board or complementary furniture, there are so many ways to bring white to life”.
MYTH: Leave it to the professionals
Anyone can paint and decorate when armed with the right tools and information. Look to social media, where lots of brands and individuals will upload tutorials and guides to walk you through the process. Good quality tools are key – quality brushes and rollers will give you a smooth application and top finish, while top quality decorating tape will stop the bleed of the paint, giving you more professional, clean cut lines. When it comes to wallpaper, paste-to-wall (as opposed to paste-to-paper) is an easier option. Essentially, with the right kit and following the right advice, anyone can do it!
Tackling some home decorating? Let us know! Tweet us @goodhomesmag or post a comment on our Facebook page!