Painting your home’s interior is a wonderful way to refresh a room or get your home ready for sale. It’s also a fairly simple task that you can complete yourself — no professionals required! But beware that there is some bad advice out there that you should avoid. That’s why we’ve put together a list of six painting myths that you should not believe!

You can paint over wallpaper

We’re not sure where you’re getting your advice, but you should not paint over wallpaper. While wallpaper can be a wonderful way to cover your walls, it should be removed if you decide to paint instead. Otherwise, it’s unlikely you’ll get a smooth, even finish. And what happens if the wallpaper starts to peel down the line?

Dark colors make a room appear smaller

Some people will tell you that light colors make a room feel bigger, while dark colors make it feel smaller. But this isn’t always the case. When you’re choosing a paint color for a room, think about how you want the room to feel. Dark accent colors add variety and can make a small room feel larger. Dark colors can also make a large room feel cozier.

You don’t need a primer

Just because your current paint is smooth with no chips or cracks doesn’t mean you can get away with not using primer. If you want your paint job to look professional and last a long time, then you must prime the walls first. Primer helps the paint adhere to the walls and leads to a smooth and polished surface.

Always paint your trim white

Yes, white trim is a very classic look that goes well in most spaces. But that doesn’t mean you need to follow the crowd. The trim is a great way to show off your personal tastes. Instead of painting your trim white, consider painting it the same color you paint the wall. That can make the room appear taller than it actually is. You can also choose a color that complements the wall color for something unique. Another classic choice is to paint the trim black.

It doesn’t matter which brand of paint you choose

While it’s tempting to just buy a gallon of the cheapest brand of paint, you should know that you’ll get what you pay for. There is a big difference in quality between brands of paint. You should research what brands of paint are of the highest quality and choose the best one you can afford. When in doubt, ask a professional at the store. They can help you find just the right paint for your specific project.

You always need at least two coats of paint

Finally, there is a persistent myth that you must use at least two coats of paint regardless of what it is you’re painting. But honestly, it just isn’t true. The number of coats you need for your painting project depends a lot on the condition of the surface and the quality of the paint you’re using. If you’ve used primer and a top-quality paint as we have recommended, then in some cases you will only need one coat. Think of the time and money you’ll save!

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