New year, new DIY project? Before you crack open the paint and get stuck in, eco paint brand Victory Colours share their top tips on what NOT to do when giving the home a new look.
Victoria Yardley, Founder of Victory Colours, said: “When it comes to DIY, we have seen it all. And while it’s great to see some homeowners pushing the envelope when it comes to creating inspiring décor, others may benefit from a little more guidance.”
Here, Vicky shares her top 10 tips of what not to do when decorating the home with paint.
1. “I would never gloss a ceiling.”
Choosing the right type of paint for your project is paramount and if there’s one paint that should never be applied to the ceiling, it’s gloss.
Vicky said: “Gloss on the ceiling will highlight every bump, brush mark and microscopic roller line. Unless you deliberately want your ceiling to look damp, avoid at all costs.”
2. “I’d never paint a whole house in one shade of white.”
Never use the same shade of white throughout the entire home. It’s a sure-fire way to make south-facing rooms look warm, north-facing rooms look cold, and every surface look slightly mismatched.
Vicky said: “Whites are like wines, different ones suit different rooms.”
3. “I’d never skip the prep.”
According to Vicky, those who fail to prepare should prepare to fail. Achieving the perfect finish is all in the prep, so make sure you clean the area thoroughly, fill in any holes and sand the surface.
Vicky said: “Anyone who says ‘It’ll be fine once it’s painted’ is lying to themselves. The finish will only be as beautiful as the surface beneath it.”
4. “I’d never commit to a colour on the spot.”
Lighting changes everything and the colour you see in the shop may not look the same at home.
Vicky said: “A soft clay pink can become full-blown salmon once it’s on the wall. Samples exist for a reason, and I would encourage homeowners to use them before committing.”
5. “I’d never rely on photos for colour.”
Screens mutate undertones so it’s important to see the colour for yourself.
Vicky said: “Never choose a paint colour from a screen. Order plenty of sample tins and colour cards. What looks like a lovely warm neutral on Instagram may be full-on peach when the tin arrives. Always use a sample.”
6. "I’d never forget the woodwork.”
Don’t make woodwork an afterthought. After poring over samples and undertaking the perfect paint job, don’t squander the hard work by leaving the trim to chance.
Vicky said: “A gorgeous wall colour with the wrong trim shade is like wearing a great outfit with the wrong shoes. Technically it’s fine, but deeply unsettling.”
7. “I’d never block a small room out in harsh white.”
Don’t make white your go to in small spaces, instead, embrace soft neutrals and mid-tones.
Vicky said: “People think white makes small rooms bigger. It doesn’t, it makes them feel colder.
Go for something softer to bring in warmth.”
8. “I’d never underestimate a green with too much yellow in it.”
It might be renowned for bringing calm into the home, but if you’re going to decorate the home in green, make sure you select the right shade.
Vicky said: “Proceed with caution if you’re opting for a green colour scheme and try to avoid shades with too much yellow. It might start as ‘fresh’ but soon ends up ‘mould.’”
9. “I would never paint a hallway last.”
The hallway should be at the heart of every interior scheme, not an afterthought.
Vicky said: “The hallway is the spine of the house. If the hallway colour is wrong, everything else feels wrong, no matter how beautiful the other rooms are.”
10. “I’d never paint around furniture.”
It might seem obvious but always move furniture and fixtures before painting.
Vicky said: “People do it. We’ve all seen it. Please don’t do it!”
Victory Colours’ range of wall paints are available now, with prices starting at £44.95 for 2.5-litres.
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