5 Painting Myths and Misconceptions

Whether you’re at home or walking around town, painted buildings, walls, and surfaces are all around us. However, despite how paint is all around us, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding the painting process. If you’re curious and want to learn how to tell fact from fiction for an upcoming project, let’s take a look at five exterior and interior painting myths and misconceptions.

Primer Is a Must

One common painting myth is that primer is always required. However, some modern formulations of paint are self-priming, making primer redundant for certain surfaces. This streamlines the entire project — depending on the circumstances.

While primers aren’t always necessary for walls that are in good condition, they’re still needed for new drywall, porous surfaces, and other specific walls. Professional painters will know how to assess if a surface needs primer.

You Can’t Paint in Cold Weather

Many people assume that painting in low temperatures is impossible. While this was true at one point, today’s advanced paint formulas have made this belief largely a myth. Modern paint products, especially those from brands like Sherwin-Williams, have been formulated to perform well in lower temperatures. 

While painting exterior surfaces in freezing conditions is still not the best idea, interior painting in cold weather is definitely feasible. Proper ventilation and allowing extra drying time will help achieve a successful paint project regardless of the season.

The Type of Paint You Use Isn’t Important

The misconception that any kind of paint will do for a new paint job overlooks quite a bit. For example, quality paint varies by composition, purpose, and finish. Using expensive paint with a high gloss finish for an accent wall, for instance, will result in a more vibrant and durable paint color. 

Interior paint should be chosen based on the room’s function, lighting conditions, and desired longevity. It’s also worth noting that different surfaces may require specific types of paint, like oil-based paints for metal or flat finishes for ceilings. As such, selecting the right paint ensures your paint job looks terrific and will withstand wear and last longer.

Only Two Paint Coats Are Needed

Some believe that two coats of paint are always sufficient, which is another prevalent painting myth. While two coats may suffice for lighter colors or high-quality paint, dark colors and deep colors sometimes require multiple coats to achieve a uniform appearance.

Additionally, surfaces in poor condition or those receiving a drastic color change might need more than two coats to cover imperfections fully. Professional painters understand that the number of coats depends on factors like the paint product, surface condition, and desired finish. Overlooking can result in a patchy and worn-out appearance.

Essential Oils Can Make Paint Smell Good

The idea that adding essential oil to paint will make it smell good is not only wrong, it’s incredibly risky. Although essential oils or alcohol-based fragrances might mask the initial odor, they can interfere with the paint’s chemistry. 

Adding essential oils can prevent the paint from curing properly, leading to a subpar finish. Today’s zero VOC paints are designed to emit lower fumes and cause fewer health problems, making additional scents unnecessary. Instead, choosing low-VOC paint products and painting in well-ventilated areas will help maintain fresh air and reduce odor without compromising the paint job’s integrity.

If You Need Help With Your Next Painting Project, Call the Experts at Noles Home Maintenance

At Noles Home Maintenance, our professionals know how to paint properly and will be there to assist with all your painting projects. We offer exterior and interior painting services for both residential and commercial properties. To learn more about our business and to start planning your next painting project, get in touch with our team today.