Debunking 4 Myths About Painting

Most of us have heard you can’t paint in winter, or that oil-based paint is more durable than latex. Another common myth is that adding more paint to a surface is better than using primer, or that using any old paint is fine. None of these statements are actually true, so today we will debunk four common painting myths and why you shouldn’t believe them.

Paint Won’t Dry In Winter

In truth, paint often dries faster in winter than it does in the summer. Ambient air temperature and moisture content greatly affect the drying time of most paints. In summer, the air tends to be considerably more humid, as condensation and evaporation come and go with the weather. In winter, the outdoor air is generally drier, so as long as the paint is designed to cure in the appropriate temperature range, painting in winter is possible. Many manufacturers offer low-temperature paint, which essentially contains polymers and other additives to allow the paint to cure at temperatures approaching freezing.

Using Old Paint Is Fine

Generally speaking, using old paint is not recommended. Using paint more than a few years old can actually cause more problems than it solves unless it has been very carefully stored. Most of us just grab a can from the garage and go for it. Unfortunately, old paint gets dirty (and rusty) while in the can, and the air stored inside the can causes it to begin to harden. When we stir the paint, we are actually mixing pure paint with dried paint. This often ruins what paint in the can was still usable as the paint must now be strained before it can be used.

More Is Better

How many times have we found gallons of paint and decided to just paint multiple coats instead of using primer? The myth is that applying more paint will make the job last longer, when the reality is that the bond is often more important than the thickness. Primer (and sealer) create a chemical bond with paint that essentially glues them together. Primer is designed to adhere to most surfaces, so using primer before painting virtually locks the surface and paint together.

However, many paint problems are caused by flaking and peeling, not wearing off. This is often the result of applying paint to a raw surface and then piling more on top. If the first coat cannot adhere to the surface, neither will the fourth. Using primer often saves on material because primer is usually less expensive than paint, and avoids all the unnecessary coats.
Doing Your Own Painting Saves Money
This might not always be mythical, but in many situations hiring a professional will actually save you money. If we consider the time, tools, and effort required to complete some painting projects, we can quickly realize that our time may be better spent elsewhere. In fact, some folks spend more time collecting the tools than they do on the actual job.

Hiring professionals is not only faster but likely cost-effective. Professionals already have the tools and know-how to complete the project the right way, and do it safely. Pros will have all of the appropriate safety gear, training, and expertise to perform the job correctly the first time. Hiring a pro eliminates all the little hassles DIYers often encounter while providing a safe, attractive result.