20 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Paint
What colors decrease your home value?
According to home staging experts, the worst colors are lime green, bold pink, red, purple, bold orange, and mustard yellow. These shades are seen as too personal or intense for potential buyers.20 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Paint (And How to Get Perfect Results!)
Buying paint seems simple-pick a color, grab a can, and start transforming your space. But hidden pitfalls can turn your dream DIY project into a costly, frustrating mess. From ending up with the wrong shade to discovering peeling walls months later, paint-buying mistakes are far too common. The good news? with a little know-how, you can avoid these headaches and achieve stunning, long-lasting results.
Why Paint Selection Matters More Than You Think
Choosing the right paint isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about durability, ease of submission, and even the health of your home environment.Skip the guesswork and costly do-overs by steering clear of these 20 frequent blunders:
The Big 20: Paint-Buying Mistakes You Can’t Afford to make
1. Skipping the Paint Sample Test
That serene blue swatch might look gray under your living room lights. Always test samples on your actual wall, observing them at different times of day. Natural and artificial light dramatically alter color perception.
2. Ignoring Primer (Especially on New or Problem Surfaces)
Primer isn’t just an extra step-it’s crucial for adhesion, hiding stains, and ensuring true color payoff.Skip it on bare drywall, glossy surfaces, or over stains, and you’ll regret it.
3. Underestimating How Much Paint You Need
Running out mid-project leads to mismatched batches.Calculate your square footage (length x height of walls, minus windows/doors) and check the paint can’s coverage (usually 300-400 sq ft per gallon). Buy 10% extra for touch-ups!
Choosing the Wrong Type of Paint
4. Picking the wrong Finish for the Room
A high-gloss finish in the wrong spot highlights imperfections.Match the sheen to the room’s function:
| Finish | Best For | Avoid In |
|---|---|---|
| Flat/Matte | Ceilings, low-traffic adult bedrooms | Kitchens, bathrooms, kids’ rooms |
| Eggshell/Satin | Living rooms, hallways, dining rooms | High-moisture areas |
| Semi-Gloss | Trim, doors, cabinets, bathrooms | Large wall surfaces (shows flaws) |
| gloss | Front doors, furniture accents | Walls (except for dramatic affect) |
5. Using Interior Paint Outdoors (or Vice Versa)
Exterior paints contain additives to withstand weather. Interior paints lack these and will crack and peel outside. Always check the label!
6. Overlooking Paint Formulation (Latex vs. Oil-Based)
Latex (water-based): Easier cleanup, dries fast, low odor.Best for most walls.
Oil-based: Durable for trim/cabinets but requires mineral spirits,longer dry time. Check if existing paint is oil before applying latex over it.
Prep & Application Oversights
7. Neglecting Surface Preparation
Painting over dirt, grease, or peeling paint is a recipe for disaster. Always:
- Clean walls with TSP substitute
- Sand glossy areas
- Scrape loose paint
- fill holes/cracks
8. Forgetting About Ventilation & Drying Time
Poor airflow traps fumes and slows drying.Open windows, use fans, and respect recoat times listed on the can-rushing leads to streaks and poor adhesion.
9. Using Cheap Brushes/Rollers
Low-quality tools shed bristles, leave streaks, and make application tedious. Invest in quality synthetic brushes for latex paints and natural bristle for oil-based.
Budget & Quality Blind Spots
10. Choosing Price Over Quality
budget paints frequently enough require more coats, fade faster, and are less washable. mid-range paints offer better coverage and durability, saving money long-term.