As a professional painter with many years of experience, we’ve heard many common myths about house painting. Some are based on unfortunate experiences, and some on outdated information.
1. The Brush & Roll Technique is Always Best For Exterior Painting
One of the most common myths about house painting is that the best result in exterior painting only occurs when you brush and roll the paint. This information is outdated and based on a practice from back when home exteriors were made from actual wood. The wood had a natural texture that was best covered by a brush or roller that could get into the nooks and crannies of that texture.
Nowadays, the exterior of most homes is made from different types of composite. These newer substrates actually do better when they are sprayed with a paint sprayer. Spraying, if done by an experienced painter, will give a more complete and even coverage. The trim on homes is typically still wood and can be painted using the brush and roll technique.
2. It’s Cheaper To Complete the Painting Project Myself
Thinking you can complete a painting job yourself for less money is another one of the most common myths about house painting. To get a smooth, professional looking result, it’s important to purchase high-quality painting tools. Lower end brushes, rollers, and paint will result in uneven coverage that takes twice as long to apply. Further, the results are usually not optimal. Other investments the typical DIYer doesn’t think about are tall ladders, step ladders, paint scrapers, sanders, paint trays, and buckets. Drop cloths, plastic sheeting, and painter’s tape are also a must have.
We’ve had many clients hire us to clean up and finish a job they thought they could do, until they got into it. By the time they decided they were in over their heads, they’d already wasted money on tools and paint. Not to mention the time they’d wasted in the process, which is a valuable commodity.
Hiring a quality professional painter means you will get a quality paint job in a quick time frame. For many, when compared to doing the job themselves, the cost difference is minimal. Especially when considering the value of your time.
3. Paint Brands And Types Don’t Matter
There are many common myths about house painting when it comes to the actual paint. An overwhelming number of paint brands and types are available on the market today. Knowing how to choose the correct paint for the job requires substantial research and knowledge.
Regarding types of paint, choices are available for exterior, interior, decks, and other surfaces. These paints can also be broken down into sheens. The different sheens go from flat to gloss and knowing which is best for your project is critical.
Within all these choices, some brands and types have been tested by unbiased, third parties such as Consumer Reports. These tests show some different brands and types outperform others. Don’t be fooled into thinking all paint is the same, do your research!
4. You Can’t Paint In Cold Temperatures
While this is one of the common myths about house painting, it isn’t completely true. The ideal temperature for exterior painting should be between 75-85 degrees. However, the temperature recommendation really depends on the climate.
With today’s advanced technology in paint, you can paint from 35 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 if the humidity is low. There is a caveat to temperature recommendations in the winter, however. When temperatures dip below freezing, you not only have to wait for the temperature to reach at least 35 degrees, but you also must wait for the surface to reach that temperature. There is always a side of the house that will be in a shaded area where the temperature is lower than in the sun. If the temperature of the surface isn’t up to the manufacturer’s recommended temperature, it could result in adhesion issues.
5. Any Paint Brush Will Work
If you’ve been to the big box stores or even a specialty paint store, you’ve seen the wall of paint brushes to choose from! Another one of the unfortunate common myths about house painting is that any brush will work. There are different brushes for different surfaces, jobs, and paints. Selecting the right brush for the job will ensure the most professional and best application of paint.
For example, synthetic brushes typically have nylon or acrylic bristles and are best for water-based latex paints. Natural bristle brushes are made from natural animal hair. These natural brushes are for use with oil-based paints. If you choose the wrong brush for the job, the paint can be very difficult to spread.
Brush shape is also important. Angled brushes are best for cutting in, getting into corners, and painting straight lines. A square or rounded brush is best used for flat surfaces to apply larger amounts of paint.
6. High-Quality Paint Eliminates the Need for Primer
A prevalent myth is that using high-quality paint negates the need for a primer. However, primer serves a unique purpose in improving paint adhesion, covering stains, and providing a uniform base. Even with top-tier paint, skipping the primer on surfaces like raw wood or heavily stained areas can lead to subpar results.
Q&A: Addressing Your House Painting Concerns
- Q: Does the paint brand matter? A: Absolutely. Higher-quality brands offer better coverage and durability. I’ve consistently seen superior results with brands like [Brand X] and [Brand Y].
- Q: Can I paint my exterior in cold weather? A: Yes, with limitations. Modern paints work well down to about 35°F, but always check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Q: Is it cheaper to paint myself or hire a professional? A: While DIY seems cheaper, professional painters bring efficiency, skill, and the right equipment, often making them cost-effective for large or complex jobs.
- Q: Do I always need to use a primer? A: In most cases, yes. Primer ensures better paint adhesion and longevity, especially on untreated surfaces.
- Q: How do I choose the right sheen? A: It depends on the room’s function and lighting. Higher sheen for bathrooms and kitchens, and lower sheen for living areas and bedrooms.
In Conclusion:
There are so many common myths about house painting and we’ve only addressed a few. If you’re starting a new project it’s always best to fully research the latest information and the best tools to use for the job. If you’ve chosen to do your paint project yourself, good up-front work will save you money and a ton of grief throughout your journey!
