The Unexplainable Urge
When was the last time you saw a “Wet Paint” sign? Did you feel the strange compulsion to touch it—just to check if it’s actually wet?
You’re not alone.
Most people, even if they resist, feel the impulse to reach out. This oddly common behavior is known as “Wet Paint Syndrome.” It’s the human tendency to disobey direct instructions—especially when we’re explicitly told not to do something.
What Is “Wet Paint Syndrome”?
The term comes from a curious psychological observation: people are more likely to touch a wall that has a “Wet Paint” sign than one with no warning at all. It’s counterintuitive, but also incredibly common.
Writer JD Thompson explored this phenomenon in his insightful post, The Wet Paint Syndrome, describing it as “the rebellion impulse” built into human behavior.
Even more surprising? Adults are often more guilty of this than children.
Why It Matters for Painters and Tradies
In my 40+ years in the painting industry, I’ve noticed that grown adults—on worksites, in schools, in public places—regularly ignore clear signage. This happens despite the abundance of safety warnings and caution signs.
It’s possible that the overload of signs in workplaces makes them easy to overlook. But ignoring them isn’t just a quirky habit—it’s a real safety risk and a costly problem for tradies.
Freshly painted walls get damaged. Clients get frustrated. Work gets delayed. You end up fixing what was already done right the first time.
So, What Can You Do About It?
As tradespeople, painters, and site workers, we can’t completely change human nature. But we can adapt:
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Use highly visible signage and place it where people naturally look.
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Explain the sign’s purpose to clients when possible.
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Include warnings in your project briefs or quotes — like we do in our Client Preparation Guide.
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For public or high-traffic jobs, set up barriers, not just signs.
These small changes save time, protect your work, and avoid unnecessary repairs.
