Little Paint Lies: 8 DIY Myths Social Media Gets Wrong (And What Pros Actually Do)
It started with a TikTok where someone painted their kitchen cabinets with a sock.
Or maybe it was the clip where someone dumped half a box of baking soda into leftover eggshell paint to “make chalk paint on a budget.” That was the moment we knew: we’ve entered a parallel reality where hashtags matter more than primers.
We love a creative solution—but painting is not where you want to test kitchen hacks or swipe-up inspiration. Let’s just say we’ve seen more than our fair share of trending shortcuts gone sideways. So consider this a guide from the side of reality—where good paint jobs don’t go viral, but they do last.
These are eight of the most misleading DIY myths making the rounds on TikTok, Pinterest, and beyond—paired with what actually works when you want results, not regrets.
“Use Fabric Softener to Remove Wallpaper” (#renterhack #wallpaperremoval #easydiy)
The myth: A splash of softener + hot water will peel wallpaper like magic. You’ll be painting by lunch!
The reality: Fabric softener can leave a sticky film behind that ruins adhesion and causes bubbling down the line. It may work on light, modern wallpaper—but not the layered vintage stuff that’s actually hard to remove.
The Stanwich Way: We assess the type of paper and use professional-grade gel removers or steam. Clean walls = paint that lasts.
“Paint + Primer in One Saves You a Step!” (#onecoatwonder #paintmagic)
The myth: These combo products mean you can skip priming. Perfect for covering that red accent wall with eggshell white, right?
The reality: Paint + primer works for touchups or same-color repaints—but not for new drywall, wood, stains, or major color shifts.
The Stanwich Way: New sheetrock? We prime. Glossy or stained areas? Bonding primer. We build the right foundation every time.
“No Tape Needed—Just Use a Credit Card for Edges” (#paintedgehack #nobluetape)
The myth: Fold a notecard or swipe a gift card along your baseboard for crisp lines, zero prep.
The reality: Edges come out jagged or smudged. And that card? It’s now covered in semi-gloss.
The Stanwich Way: We tape, caulk, and cut clean lines with a 2.5-inch sash brush. Years of practice—not life hacks—make for seamless trim.
“Roll First, Cut In Later—It’s Faster!” (#paintingtips #prohack)
The myth: Skip the slow edge work and hit the roller first.
The reality: This creates “picture framing”—visible lines where brush strokes don’t blend with roller texture. Especially noticeable with darker colors.
The Stanwich Way: Cut in first, roll while it’s wet, blend as we go. It’s not TikTok fast, but it looks flawless IRL.
“Vinegar Is the Only Wall Cleaner You Need” (#nontoxiccleaning #greenclean)
The myth: Skip degreasers—just use vinegar to prep walls before painting.
The reality: Vinegar doesn’t lift oils or dust effectively, especially around kitchen cabinets or hand-height baseboards.
The Stanwich Way: We use professional degreasers (like TSP) and follow with a rinse. Because clean walls = real adhesion.
“Glossy Paint Is Always More Durable” (#paintfinish101 #satinvsflat)
The myth: Gloss = long-lasting. So slather it on the hallway, bathroom, bedroom... everything.
The reality: Gloss shows everything—imperfections, roller marks, and fingerprints. It doesn’t belong everywhere.
The Stanwich Way: Eggshell or matte for calm spaces, satin for trim or kitchens. Gloss is a design decision, not a default.
“Make DIY Chalk Paint with Baking Soda” (#chalkpaintrecipe #furniturediy)
The myth: Mix baking soda into leftover paint to create that velvety matte chalk finish.
The reality: This hack leaves gritty textures and compromises adhesion. Furniture often ends up chalky, streaky, or peeling.
The Stanwich Way: We use real mineral-based chalk paints when that finish is desired—especially for furniture and cabinetry. (And we use a brush, not a sock.)
“You Don’t Need to Sand Glossy Surfaces—Paint Sticks to Anything Now!” (#prepwhocares #lazyhack)
The myth: Bonding primers and miracle paints stick to anything. Just slap it on.
The reality: If you skip scuff sanding, that miracle paint might peel within weeks. Especially on trim, doors, or cabinetry.
The Stanwich Way: We sand or degloss glossy surfaces every time. Adhesion is earned—not assumed.
Closing: Prep Work Isn’t Sexy. But It’s Everything.
We get it—watching someone transform a room in 60 seconds is satisfying. But viral shortcuts don’t show you what happens six months later: peeling paint, rough edges, uneven color. That’s when we get the call.
At Stanwich Painting, we believe good work starts before the brush ever hits the wall. Clean surfaces, smart prep, real tools, and premium paint lines like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Fine Paints of Europe.
Painting isn’t just about color. It’s about process—and we’d rather go slow and do it right than fix another #paintfail.
Ready For That Estimate? Call 475-252-9500 or Text “Free Estimate” To 475-252-9300.