Painting Myths

What is a myth anyway?

The term myth comes from the ancient Greek language. It stands for a narrative, a legendary story or a fairy tale. A myth always claims to be the truth. But since the Enlightenment at the latest, most myths have been banished to where they belong: Into the realm of fantasy. We are now doing the same with the myths that have arisen around painting.

Easy painting - without myths

Paint myth #1: You must always sand before painting

No varnish lasts without sanding - or so they say. But can varnish last without sanding?
If a piece of furniture has an intact surface, you generally don't need to sand it. You can simply paint over a natural wood surface. The only exception is that you may need to apply a primer first.
If your wooden surface is stained wood or oak and similar woods that release resins, do one with our To Bond & Block - MissPompadour Primer.
If your workpiece has an intact varnish, you do not need to sand it, but simply apply the new varnish layer. Only if the old varnish is damagedand flaking off do you need to sand off the loose parts. You also don't need to sand particularly smooth surfaces such as plastic veneer. Prime with a To Bond & Block instead. Your colour will then adhere perfectly.

Painting myth #2: An aggressive cleaner is needed before painting

Chlorine, alcohol or leaching agents - you can't get the surface clean without a strong cleaner! Or can you?
It's true that you need to clean the surface thoroughly before painting. Dust, fine dirt particles and grease prevent your paint from adhering.
However, we strongly recommend that you do not use an aggressive cleaner. It doesn't make sense to paint with environmentally friendly, non-hazardous paint if you've used a chemical cleaner beforehand. It has even happened that an overly aggressive cleaner has damaged the subsequent coat of paint.

Brush myth #3: You will definitely see brushstrokes on large surfaces

If you paint varnishes with a brush, does the brush leave marks? That doesn't have to be the case, but it is necessary to use the correct brush for your colour.
Synthetic hair brushes are best for water-based varnishes, as you can find them in our shop.
With our brushes, it is no problem to evenly paint large areas. The bristles on these brushes are made of such fine synthetic hair that they leave no visible marks. So if you prefer to work with a brush instead of a varnish roller, reach for this perfect tool. With their bevelled cutting edge, you can also easily reach all corners and angles.

Coating myth #4: Colour is not durable or washable without a topcoat

varnishes only last with an additional protective layer and can only withstand cleaning? Not true! All MissPompadour Paints are extremely durable and washable.
The matt qualities are slightly less resistant than the stable varnish Eggshell Varnish or the washable wall paint The Functional Wall Paint.
However, our To Seal protects against higher mechanical stress if you still want additional protection. It is suitable for floors, stairs, tiles and kitchen furniture.

Paint myth #5: You can tell straight away that something has been painted by yourself

We've already disproved the myth about brushstrokes. But what about this one? Can you really always tell that you've painted your furniture yourself?
If you work with our varnishesn, you will achieve a flawless result. Just take a look at the many results that our customers have uploaded! You won't be able to tell that many of them were actually painted at home. These jobs look absolutely professional. See for yourself with our many customer photos.

Painting myth #6: Paint doesn't stick to smooth surfaces such as tiles, metal, glass or plastic

Smooth surfaces don't take varnish - but is this really true? Even surfaces that appear slick at first glance can be painted.
Provided you prepare them accordingly. In this case, we recommend our To Bond & Block primer. This primer ensures that the paint adheres perfectly to even the smoothest surfaces.
If the surface is not subject to heavy wear, a coat of the stable Eggshell Varnish will suffice.

Paint myth #7: I can scrape off the varnish, so it won't hold

This myth - or rather the experience of many impatient stringers - is lived more often than it needs to be. The impatient among you are particularly familiar with this experience.
You have painted, do the scratch test after 4 hours and the varnish is found under your nail.
Then the panic sets in and it's time to take a deep breath. Because it's not as bad as it looks: our water-based varnishes continue to harden. Although they already look dry on the outside, the bottom layer has not yet bonded to your workpiece. varnishes can be painted over after 4 hours, but are only hard-wearing after around 14 days. In the industry, durability is only tested after 30 days, only then are the colours considered cured.
This applies to both varnishes and wall paints. So don't let the scratch test discourage you! After all, you don't take the cake out of the oven after just five minutes.

Paint myth #8: You can't paint in the living room because the paint stinks

varnishes stink - that's true. But does that also apply to our varnishes and colours?
Because all MissPompadour Paints are VOC free. This means that they do not release any volatile compounds into the environment. That's why they don't have an intense odour. Of course, odours are perceived differently, which is why we can never say that the varnishes don't smell at all.
However, unlike conventional colours, you can use them indoors without any problems, even in bedrooms and children's rooms.

Painting myth #9: Walls are rarely painted

If a wall was painted several months ago, there's no need to paint it again as long as the colour is OK - that's the general assumption. But what if you no longer like the colour from spring in autumn?
This myth is no reason not to beautify your home! Simply move your furniture off the wall, apply a little masking tape and you're ready to paint again. As our wall paints hardly splatter, your furniture can stay in the room.
All you need is a cover in case of an emergency and you can repaint your walls as often as you like!

This disproves the most important prank myths

The eternal repetition of these "prank myths" doesn't make them any more true, because they really do belong in the realm of fantasy.
Don't let such stories put you off your DIY ideas and slow down your creativity! If you are ever unsure, our competent and friendly customer service team is always happy to help.