The 5 most common (and costly) paint mistakes. And how to avoid them.

There is a common misconception in the world of renovation: "It’s just paint. If I get it wrong, I can just paint over it."

Technically, this is true. But anyone who has actually painted a room knows the reality is different. Painting is labour-intensive, disruptive and when you factor in quality paint and materials—surprisingly expensive. The cost of a "do-over" isn't just the price of a few more tins of paint; it's the loss of your weekends, the frustration of living in chaos and the disappointment of a result that doesn’t feel right.

At Pigment, we believe the best way to save money on your renovation is to get the colour right the first time. Here are the five most common mistakes we see homeowners make and how you can avoid them.

1. The patch test pitfall.

We’ve all done it. You buy a test pot and paint a small square directly onto your existing wall.

The Mistake: When you paint a new colour onto an existing coloured wall (even if it's an old off-white), your eye immediately compares the two. The existing colour changes how you perceive the new one. Likewise, painting small patches of different options right next to each other causes colour bleed, where the colours influence one another.

The Fix: Never paint your walls to test colour. Instead, paint two coats onto large pieces of A3 card (leaving a white border). This allows you to move the colour around the room and see it in isolation, without your old wall colour tricking your eye.

2. Ignoring the Light.

You fell in love with a colour in the paint shop, or perhaps in a magazine. But when you put it on your walls, it looks completely different.

The Mistake: Colour is light reflected. The artificial fluorescent lighting of a hardware store is vastly different from the natural light in your lounge. A colour that looks like a warm cream in a magazine shoot might turn a muddy grey in your south-facing bedroom.

The Fix: Test your colours in the room they are intended for. But don't just look at them once. Observe your large sample in the morning light, the afternoon sun and under your artificial lights at night. The right colour needs to work 24 hours a day or at the very least when you spend the most time in the room.

3. The false economy of cheap paint.

When you’re at the counter, saving $20 or $30 per tin can feel like a win.

The Mistake: Lower-quality paints often have fewer solids and pigment. This means they don't cover as well (forcing you to buy more paint for extra coats) and they aren't as durable. In high-traffic areas, cheap paint can scuff easily or fade quickly, meaning you’ll be repainting years sooner than necessary.

The Fix: As independent consultants, we aren't tied to one brand but we are tied to quality. Investing in premium paint ensures better coverage, washability, and longevity. It’s cheaper to paint once with quality product than twice with a budget one.

4. Forgetting the fixed elements.

You’ve found the perfect wall colour. It’s fresh, modern and exactly what you wanted. But once the room is finished, something feels... off.

The Mistake: Treating walls in isolation. Your wall colour has to live in harmony with the things that aren't changing: your flooring (carpet or timber), your cabinetry, your joinery and even your furniture. A cool grey wall can clash horribly with warm, orange-toned timber floorboards.

The Fix: Bring samples of your fixed elements into the decision-making process. Hold your paint sample against the carpet, the sofa fabric and the floorboards. The goal is a cohesive palette where every element speaks the same language.

5. Chasing the trend instead of the feeling.

Peach Fuzz might have been the colour of the year, but does it belong in your kitchen?

The Mistake: Choosing a colour because it is fashionable, rather than because it suits the architecture of your home or the mood you want to create. Trends pass quickly; your home is a longer-term commitment.

The Fix: Go back to your story. How do you want to feel in the space? If you want calm and serenity, a trending bright red is likely a mistake, no matter what the magazines say. Choose colours that resonate with your personal style and support the function of the room.

Get it right the first time.

Avoiding these mistakes requires time, patience and a trained eye. This is where an expert partner becomes your best investment.

A consultation with Pigment acts as insurance for your renovation. We help you navigate the undertones, the lighting and the finishes to ensure that when you pop the lid on that paint tin, you do so with absolute confidence.

Stop guessing and start painting with confidence. Book your consultation with Amie today.