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7 House Painting Myths In Omaha, NE

Written by Bill Carlson | Feb 3, 2020 6:07:07 PM

In the world of painting houses, there are some myths that just don't seem to want to go away.

Some of them are silly and harmless and it's no big deal if you really want to believe them, the kind of thing like rubbing a certain key-chain before you get into your car for good luck, which doesn't affect anyone other than making your commute about ten seconds longer.

Other myths really need to be put away into the bin where they belong as they are. As they are not helpful for the people to know the truth about their next painting project.

At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE, we have been a residential painting company since 1996. With our many years of experience, we have found what really works to provide a lasting paint job from prep to our 9-year-warranty.

In this article, we will discuss 7 house painting myths. By reading this article, you can get the truth about painting, which may save your next project.

7 Myths About Painting

1. If You Use Several Coats Of Paint, You No Longer Need Primer

There's more to primer than just being another layer that you put on that which you are painting. Primer serves multiple essential functions that go beyond merely adding an extra coat.

It does a fantastic job of preparing a surface to get the actual paint that you are going to be using. This preparation includes sealing the surface, which helps to prevent stains and previous colors from bleeding through. It also provides a uniform base that enhances the adhesion of the paint, ensuring that it sticks better and lasts longer.

Additionally, primer can help to smooth out minor imperfections and create a more even texture, which is particularly important when painting over surfaces that have been patched or repaired.

There are paints out there that incorporate a primer, often marketed as "paint and primer in one," but if you aren't using one of those specialty paints, you will always want to use a primer prior to putting on that first layer of paint.

Even with these all-in-one products, using a separate primer can still be beneficial, especially for challenging surfaces like bare wood, metal, or walls with significant stains. Skipping the primer step can lead to a less durable finish, requiring more frequent touch-ups and repainting in the long run. Therefore, investing the time and effort to apply a primer can save you both time and money by extending the life of your paint job.

2. That If Your Walls Are Smooth, You Do Not Need Primer

Primer does so much more than that, and has bonding agents that allow the paint to stay on the surface being painted better, and also last longer. It acts as a preparatory coat that ensures the paint adheres properly to the surface, providing a stable foundation.

This is particularly important for surfaces that may have been previously painted, as the primer helps to cover old colors and stains, creating a clean slate for the new paint.

Additionally, primer can help to seal porous surfaces, preventing the paint from being absorbed unevenly, which can lead to blotchy and inconsistent finishes. 

Plus, walls have texture and can easily have minor repairs that you may not notice instantly, so primer helps mask these surfaces.

3. Two Or More Coats Of Paint Are Always Necessary

This is a common belief, driven by the idea that more paint equals better coverage and durability. However, this is not always the case — you can often make do with just one coat of paint on top of the primer, which is still a must.

The primer already provides a solid base, ensuring that the paint adheres well and covers the surface evenly. If you finish the first coat and it dries and it, well, looks good — meaning it has achieved the desired color and coverage without any visible streaks or patches — you might not need that second coat of paint.

This can save you both time and money, as well as reduce the amount of paint you need to purchase. Of course, there are exceptions, such as when dealing with very bold or dark colors, or when painting over a significantly different color, where a second coat might be necessary to achieve a uniform finish.

But in many cases, a single coat of high-quality paint over a well-applied primer can be more than sufficient to achieve a beautiful, lasting result.

In so very many circumstances, someone gets done putting on a layer of paint, allows it to dry (always necessary) and then looks at it and thinks, "Time for the second coat of paint." This is a common belief, driven by the idea that more paint equals better coverage and durability. However, this is not always the case — you can often make do with just one coat of paint on top of the primer, which is still a must. The primer already provides a solid base, ensuring that the paint adheres well and covers the surface evenly. If you finish the first coat and it dries and it, well, looks good — meaning it has achieved the desired color and coverage without any visible streaks or patches — you might not need that second coat of paint. This can save you both time and money, as well as reduce the amount of paint you need to purchase. Of course, there are exceptions, such as when dealing with very bold or dark colors, or when painting over a significantly different color, where a second coat might be necessary to achieve a uniform finish. But in many cases, a single coat of high-quality paint over a well-applied primer can be more than sufficient to achieve a beautiful, lasting result.

4. Your Indoor Paint Can Work Outdoors And Your Outdoor Paint Works Just As Well Indoors

This is one of the worst myths that needs to go away and fast. The idea that paint is paint and you can paint with anything anywhere is bad for you, bad for your budget in the long term, and just bad in general! Paints are specifically formulated for different environments and surfaces, and using the wrong type can lead to disastrous results.

If you take paint that is meant for indoor use and use it outdoors, you'll know exactly how you made a mistake the first time you hit a bad snowstorm, or a hot day comes along and your house suddenly goes from nice to bad in a short time. Indoor paints are not designed to withstand the harsh elements of the outdoors, such as UV rays, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. They lack the necessary additives that provide resistance to mildew, fading, and cracking. As a result, the paint will deteriorate quickly, leading to peeling, blistering, and an overall unsightly appearance.

On the other hand, using outdoor paint indoors is equally problematic. Exterior paints contain more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to help them endure the elements, which can be harmful to your health when used in enclosed spaces. These paints also tend to have a rougher finish, which may not be desirable for indoor aesthetics.

Please do yourself a favor — don't cut costs by buying paint that is not meant for the purpose that you have it and just buy the right paints! Investing in the appropriate type of paint for each specific area of your home will ensure a longer-lasting, more durable, and visually appealing finish.

It will save you time, money, and effort in the long run, as you won't have to deal with frequent touch-ups or complete repaints due to premature wear and tear. Always consult with a professional or do thorough research to determine the best paint for your project, ensuring that you achieve the best possible results.

 

5. It Isn't Necessary To Paint When You Are Selling Your House

Some people have the logic that it's silly to paint when selling the house because the new people are likely going to just paint as soon as they get there. They believe that since the new homeowners will want to personalize the space to their own tastes, there's no point in investing time and money into painting before selling. However, this line of thinking overlooks the significant impact that a fresh coat of paint can have on a potential buyer's first impression.

There's a reason that you'll see people on popular television shows that are trying to flip homes doing one thing just about every time -- painting a room or all the rooms or the exterior of the house -- it works!

Fresh paint can make a home look well-maintained, clean, and move-in ready, which can be incredibly appealing to buyers. It can also help to neutralize the space, making it easier for potential buyers to envision their own belongings and style in the home.

They generally even break it down how much they spent on paint and painting versus the return on investment, and it's usually quite generous! For a relatively small investment, painting can yield a high return by increasing the home's market value and helping it sell faster.

In many cases, the cost of painting is more than offset by the higher selling price and reduced time on the market. So, while it might seem unnecessary to paint before selling, the benefits can be substantial, making it a worthwhile consideration for any homeowner looking to sell.

 

6. Glossy Paint Is More Durable Than Paint That Is Not Glossy

There's just no reason for this myth to be out there, so let's just squash it right here. The durability of paint is not determined by its finish, whether it be glossy, matte, satin, or eggshell.

Instead, the longevity and resilience of paint are primarily influenced by its quality and the preparation of the surface before painting. High-quality paints are formulated with superior ingredients that provide better adhesion, resistance to wear and tear, and protection against environmental factors.

Additionally, proper surface preparation, including cleaning, sanding, and priming, plays a crucial role in ensuring that the paint adheres well and lasts longer. So, whether you prefer the sleek shine of glossy paint or the subtle elegance of a matte finish, focus on choosing a high-quality product and preparing your surfaces correctly to achieve a durable and long-lasting paint job.

There's just no reason for this myth to be out there, so let's just squash it right here. The durability of paint is not determined by its finish, whether it be glossy, matte, satin, or eggshell. Instead, the longevity and resilience of paint are primarily influenced by its quality and the preparation of the surface before painting. High-quality paints are formulated with superior ingredients that provide better adhesion, resistance to wear and tear, and protection against environmental factors. Additionally, proper surface preparation, including cleaning, sanding, and priming, plays a crucial role in ensuring that the paint adheres well and lasts longer. So, whether you prefer the sleek shine of glossy paint or the subtle elegance of a matte finish, focus on choosing a high-quality product and preparing your surfaces correctly to achieve a durable and long-lasting paint job.

7. Dark Colors Make A Room Look Smaller

It's not the color of the wall itself that makes the room look smaller or feel smaller; it's a combination of several factors, including the walls, the trim, and the ceiling — a sort of formula, as it were. The mixture between these elements can create various visual effects that influence our perception of space.

For instance, dark walls can add depth and drama to a room, making it feel cozy and intimate rather than cramped. When paired with lighter trim and ceiling colors, dark walls can create a striking contrast that enhances the room's architectural features and adds a sense of sophistication.

Of course, if dark walls make the room feel smaller to you personally, that's a valid consideration, and you should absolutely not let the color remain if it doesn't suit your taste or comfort. Your home should reflect your preferences and make you feel at ease, so choose colors that make you happy and comfortable.

Painting Your Home in Omaha, NE

There is a widespread of misinformation that can misguide you during your painting projects. By clarifying these misconceptions, the article provided you with accurate information and practical advice, ensuring you can achieve a high-quality, durable paint job. 

At Brush & Roll Painting, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. From meticulous surface preparation to the application of premium-quality paints, we take every step necessary to deliver a flawless finish that stands the test of time. 

To get started with us, click the button below or call us on 402-932-9764 for more details.

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