Moving to Portland is an exciting time, but many newcomers make common painting mistakes when trying to refresh their new home. Whether it’s changing colors, adding new accents, or bringing a personal touch, paint often plays a big role in home improvement. However, newcomers should be cautious to avoid these painting mistakes, as they can lead to costly repairs. Some household features are better left untouched by the brush, and painting them could lead to expensive fixes down the road. Avoid these painting mistakes to ensure your new home in Portland stays beautiful and functional.
1. Electrical Appliances
When relocating to Portland, one of the most exciting parts of setting up your new space is personalizing it. You may be tempted to paint over kitchen appliances, especially if you have older models you’d like to update. However, this is one of the biggest painting mistakes homeowners can make. Electrical appliances are not made of paint-friendly materials, and attempting to paint them can lead to peeling and flaking in a short period of time. Moreover, appliances are exposed to heat, moisture, and regular use, which accelerates the breakdown of any paint you apply. Rather than dealing with a peeling appliance, consider replacing or refinishing with factory-grade coatings designed for these surfaces.
Some newcomers make the mistake of thinking that painting appliances like refrigerators or dishwashers is a quick and budget-friendly upgrade, but it almost always ends up being more trouble than it’s worth. Stick with manufacturers’ colors or opt for appliance-safe vinyl wraps if you want a colorful twist without the commitment.
2. Hardwood Floors
After moving to Portland, many people look for ways to refresh or modernize their home’s flooring. If you’re fortunate enough to have hardwood floors, resist the urge to paint them. Painting hardwood floors is one of the most detrimental painting mistakes because it can cause long-term damage. Hardwood floors are meant to showcase their natural grain and beauty, and painting over them conceals this feature. Even worse, painted floors are prone to chipping, especially in high-traffic areas. Once the paint starts to chip, your floors will need expensive refinishing to restore them.
A better solution for updating hardwood floors is to use stains that enhance their natural look or to add area rugs for a fresh appearance without risking damage. Newcomers to Portland who are unsure about the best approach to updating their floors should consult a flooring specialist for advice on how to maintain or refinish hardwood without sacrificing its durability and charm.
3. Faucets
Many new residents in Portland decide to update their bathrooms or kitchens shortly after moving in. Changing out the faucets is a great way to upgrade these spaces, but painting them is one of the most common painting mistakes. Faucets are frequently exposed to water and moisture, making it difficult for paint to adhere properly. Over time, the paint will start to chip, leaving you with an uneven finish and potential health risks, especially in the kitchen where water is used for cooking and washing dishes.
Instead of painting, consider replacing your faucets with modern, durable materials that suit your style. There are plenty of affordable faucet options in different finishes, such as brushed nickel or matte black, which will give your kitchen or bathroom an upgraded look without the risk of paint failure.
4. Tile and Tile Backsplash
If you’ve just moved to Portland and are thinking about giving your kitchen or bathroom a facelift, resist the urge to paint your tiles or tile backsplash. While painting tiles may seem like an easy and inexpensive way to revamp these areas, it’s a painting mistake that often leads to disappointment. Tiles, especially those in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens, are not typically made to hold paint. The smooth, non-porous surface of most tiles makes it difficult for paint to properly adhere, and it is likely to chip away quickly, particularly when exposed to heat and water.
If you’re looking for a change in your kitchen or bathroom, consider installing new tiles or adding decorative accents. For those looking for a more budget-friendly solution, removable tile decals or peel-and-stick options are a great way to update the look of a backsplash or wall without the commitment or risk of chipping paint.
5. Bathtubs
After relocating to Portland, your bathroom might be high on your list of spaces to renovate. But when it comes to your bathtub, painting it should not be part of the plan. Painting a bathtub is a major painting mistake because bathtubs are frequently exposed to water, and even the most durable paint won’t hold up against constant moisture. Over time, the paint will begin to peel and flake off, leaving you with an unattractive, chipped tub. This is not only a visual eyesore but can also make cleaning more difficult and lead to future renovation costs.
Instead of painting, homeowners can consider refinishing the tub with a professional service. This process involves applying a durable, waterproof coating specifically designed for bathtubs, ensuring a longer-lasting result that won’t peel or chip like paint.
6. Leather and Upholstered Furniture
Many newcomers to Portland bring their furniture with them, and some may want to update old or tired pieces by painting them. However, attempting to paint leather or upholstered furniture is a significant painting mistake. Leather, in particular, is a tricky material to paint and requires special techniques and products to ensure the finish holds up. A botched paint job on your couch or chairs can ruin the furniture permanently, leaving you with regret and potentially an expensive replacement bill.
If you’re set on changing the look of your furniture after moving to Portland, consider reupholstering instead. There are plenty of affordable reupholstery options available that will refresh your furniture without the risk of damaging it. For leather pieces, professional conditioning or restoration can breathe new life into your items without the risks associated with painting.
7. Dishware
Customizing your kitchen after relocating to Portland can be fun, but painting dishware is one project that should be avoided. It’s a common painting mistake that poses significant health risks. Most traditional paints contain chemicals that are not food-safe, and when applied to dishes, those chemicals can leach into your food. Additionally, painted dishes will not hold up under the regular wear and tear of dishwashing or exposure to heat in the microwave or oven.
If you want to personalize your dishware, look for food-safe paints and glazes designed specifically for ceramics. These products are made to withstand high temperatures and regular use, ensuring your custom designs will last and remain safe to use.
By keeping these tips in mind, newcomers and new residents in Portland can avoid common painting mistakes and keep their homes looking fresh and stylish. Whether you’re updating faucets, floors, or furniture, it’s important to understand which items should never be painted to prevent costly repairs and ensure a smooth transition into your new home.
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