5 Classic Mistakes DIYers Make with Paint
There are few interior design projects that pack more value than a fresh coat of paint: In fact, the cost to paint a room is less than 50 bucks. But even though the cost is low and the impact is huge, getting the desired outcome can be more than a little tricky. There are a few classic mistakes unsuspecting DIYers tend to make. Take these tips into account and you’ll pull off your project like a pro!
Toward the light
Poring over swatches is still the most popular way to choose a color before buying a can and breaking out the paintbrush, but the exact hue you get on your walls is going to vary slightly from those swatches. Paint always goes on darker than it looks, so when you find a paint chip you really love, choose a hue that’s a shade or two lighter to get your perfect outcome.
Dr. Pepper test
Vintage marketing for Dr. Pepper encouraged people to drink one at 10 am, 2 pm and 4 pm. Same goes with your paint. When you find a color you like, paint a few test areas and note how they look every four hours. Natural light and the materials around it have a big impact on color. For best results, swatch some paint on each of your four walls and check out their changing nature by the light of morning, afternoon and night.
Go all in
Some people don’t think accent walls will ever go out of style, but others are like, “They’ve had their day.” A sole wall of color can make a space feel unfinished. Hey, if you want to make a statement with a bold color, then make the statemen—on all four walls! There’s a loophole, though: Almost everybody loves an embellished accent wall. If you’re looking to elevate your space on a budget, this is how you do it.
Trim treatment
Your trim color matters just as much as the color of your walls. To ensure your room gets the complete transformation you’re going for, makes sure to plan for your baseboards, trim and crown molding. Trim takes time, but it is worth the effort.
Fifth wall
Never use anything but flat paint on your ceilings. Light reflects off ceilings even more than it does off walls, which puts a virtual spotlight on uneven drywall and inconsistencies. A flat or low-luster sheen will more successfully mask any ceiling flaws.
Pro tip
An easy way to remember the color of a room or accent wall is to unscrew a switch plate, write the color and sheen on the back, and then screw it back on.
