Painting is a lot of work. Thanks to our friends at Domino, we’ve got all the insider tips on how to paint like a pro!
1. Overly-Saturated Colors
“Sure, a glossy black might appear stunning in swatch form, but once executed on a much larger scale, an all-over look has the potential to overwhelm the eye,” writes Lydia. The solution? Try an accent wall or opt for a more muted version of your must-have color.
2. Skipping the Sample
“It’s crucial to test out the paint color on a large area (at least 24 x 24 inches) on the walls you plan to cover. Live with those samples for a couple of days and check how they change throughout the day and into the night,” says Amber Lewis, of Amber Interiors.
3. Choosing Cheap Tools
“The tools often make the difference between an easy job that looks great and a hard job that doesn’t look so good when it’s finished,” explains Mike Mundwiller, Field Integration manager at Benjamin Moore. “A good quality brush will apply more paint quicker and give you a good clean straight line. Not to mention, it will last a lifetime if you take care of it.”
4. Not Using the Right Brush
“I recommend Wooster brushes and rollers—they are the finest, highest-quality materials, allowing for easy application,” suggests Jessica Barr, a national sales and development trainer at Behr Paint.
5. Committing a Finish Faux Pas
“There are certain finishes (flat, high-gloss, eggshell, semi-gloss, satin) that look better in certain rooms and on certain surfaces than others. For instance, it’s best to avoid using a flat paint on the walls in a high-traffic area as this type of paint is often harder to clean and soaks up light, rather than reflects it. And, remember: The higher the sheen the more defects it will show,” says Lydia.
