Decorating Do's and Don'ts

Home Painting Decoration Do's and Dont's

Make sure your interior or exterior painting job is a big success with these top tips from house painting experts.

Do's:

• Take your time to select paint colours. (Read our article on: "Colour Basics - Choosing Colours, Colour Schemes and more".) The more time you spend planning, the fewer mistakes you will make. Walk around your home noting the furnishings and take a good look in your wardrobe. Get a sense of the colours you tend to gravitate towards. If you don't have any red coloured clothes in your wardrobe then it likely that you won't like red walls in your house. Get to understand your own personal style and work with it to develop a colour scheme.
  
• Use semi-gloss or gloss paints in high traffic areas. High gloss or sheen paints are easier to clean and more stain resistant.
• Use light colours in small rooms.
  
• Choose a colour scheme to suit the room location. Pick cool colours for west facing rooms and warm colours for east facing rooms.
• Note the architectural details of your home and choose colours that will compliment the style.
  
• Buy tester pots so that you can try out paint colours. Try them in different areas of the room and look at the colours in varying light.
• Use strong shades in moderation.
• Take into consideration the function of the room: when it is used, by who, light sources, location.
  
• Hire a professional painter (see "Choosing a Painter, Paperhanger (Wallpaper Installer) or Colour Consultant"). Painting is a skilled trade that requires training and appropriate tools. Professional painters know how to properly prepare surfaces, which paints to use in each situation and how to get the job done with minimal disruption.

Don't

• Skimp on paint. Premium quality paints will provide lasting performance and appearance. Read our article on "Paint Types - Selecting the Right Paint or Stain".
  
• Cut corners on the prep work. Most paint failure and problems are caused from inadequate preparation. Scrape, sand and prime all surfaces before applying topcoats. Allow enough drying time between coats.
  
• Paint in rainy, windy or humid weather or in direct sunlight as it can affect the paint finish, drying times, and can lead to premature paint failure.
• Use complicated colour schemes if you are a novice home decorator. Seek the advice of a colour consultant or stick to three or less colours in your colour scheme. Again, read our article on "Choosing a Painter, Paperhanger (Wallpaper Installer) or Colour Consultant" for more information.
• Use high gloss or high sheen paints on surfaces with imperfections.
• Be influenced by the latest design trends unless you plan to redecorate frequently. A good paint jobs will last a long time!
• Paint your walls first then look for furnishings second. Paint comes in almost every colour. It is best to choose your upholstery, carpet, furniture and curtains before you choose the paint colour for your walls, doors and celings.