Devin Jacobs
Not everything looks better with a coat of paint! In fact, some items can get ruined if you even try. Before you head to the hardware store, let’s talk about the 15 household items that should never meet a brush. You’ll save yourself a big hassle and maybe even some cash!
Leather Furniture
The natural finish of leather is what makes it so appealing. Paint can ruin this soft texture, making it stiff and uncomfortable. Instead of painting, try conditioning leather to refresh its look. According to the Leather Repair Company, once leather is painted, removing it without damage is almost impossible.
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are beautiful, but painting them isn’t a good idea. Paint will chip and peel over time due to foot traffic, which leaves an unsightly mess. Refinishing or staining the wood is a better option. As per the National Wood Flooring Association, which refinishes the extend the life of hardwood floors significantly.
Brick Fireplaces
A brick fireplace has a timeless look, but painting it can lead to problems. Paint tends to trap moisture in the brick, causing it to crack over time. The paint can also peel under high heat. If you want to refresh the look, consider whitewashing or using a sealant instead.
Stainless Steel Appliances
These are clean and modern but not meant to be painted. The paint doesn’t adhere to the smooth surface, leading to streaks and peeling. If your appliances need an update, try stainless steel polish or professional appliance wraps, as these are safe and reversible options.
Wooden Cutting Boards
Painting a cutting board seems like a fun way to add color to your kitchen, but it’s a no-go. Paint can flake into your food, which makes it unsafe. Wood is naturally porous, so it can also trap bacteria. Instead, keep your boards oiled to maintain their natural beauty and hygiene.
Fabric Upholstery
Though it might seem like a creative fix, painting fabric furniture can result in disappointment. Paint makes the fabric stiff and uncomfortable. Reupholstering or using slipcovers is a better option if you want a new look. Fabric paint exists, but it’s best reserved for small projects like throw pillows, not couches.
Kitchen Countertops
Painting kitchen countertops can sound like an easy DIY upgrade, but it doesn’t hold up well over time. Daily use will cause the paint to chip and wear. Epoxy or professional refinishing are much better alternatives for durable and stylish countertops. This way, you’ll avoid having to repaint every few months.
Antique Furniture
Antiques are often better left untouched. Painting them can lower their value and erase their history. According to experts from the Antiques Roadshow, the original finish can be important in determining an antique’s worth. If you’re looking to refresh an antique, restoration is a better option than painting.
Radiators
Giving your old radiator a fresh coat of paint might be harmless, but it can affect the heat efficiency. Paint can create an insulating layer, which makes it harder for heat to escape. Plus, paint can crack due to the heat. If needed, use specialized high-heat paints designed for this purpose.
Outdoor Decks
Outdoor decks endure all kinds of weather, and regular paint just can’t hold up. It tends to crack and peel under constant sun, rain, and snow. Instead of painting, consider staining or using weather-resistant treatments to protect the wood while maintaining its natural look. It’s a much longer-lasting option.
Terracotta Pots
These pots are naturally porous, allowing water to evaporate through the sides, which helps prevent overwatering. Painting such terracotta pots seals the surface, disrupting this process. As a result, your plants might get too much water and start to rot. If you want to change their look, try a breathable sealant instead.
Natural Stone Surfaces
Natural stone surfaces, such as marble or granite, are beautiful because of their unique patterns and textures. Painting over them can cover up their natural beauty and ruin the finish. These materials are porous, and paint can get trapped, causing damage. Opt for a professional polish or sealant to maintain the stone’s look.
Electrical Outlets
It might seem like a small thing, but painting electrical outlets is a safety hazard. Paint can get into the outlet, causing malfunctions or even electrical fires. If you want a color change, simply buy new outlet covers in your desired finish. It’s a quick, affordable, and much safer solution.
Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron skillets and cookware are built to last, but paint? Not so much. Cooking with painted cast iron can cause the paint to chip, making your food unsafe to eat. Instead, seasoning your cast iron will keep it non-stick and looking great. Stick to tried-and-true care for these kitchen staples.
Ceramic Tiles
Having ceramic tiles painted, especially in high-traffic areas like bathrooms, is rarely a good idea. The constant moisture and foot traffic will cause the paint to wear quickly and leave you with chipped tiles. A better option is to use tile-specific decals or a grout refresh for a more durable look.