Revamping your home’s interior with paint can be one of the most cost-effective, yet dramatic, remodeling projects. But before you rush to the store and start slathering paint, follow these essential tips for getting the most out of your painting project.
Choose a scrubbable, washable paint with the right sheen level for your needs (gloss, semi-gloss, eggshell or flat). Opt for low or no-VOC paint to reduce unhealthy off-gasing.
Paint is an affordable and effective tool for making a room more comfortable. It also helps a home feel more like a “home.” Interior painting is one of the top returns on investment relating to home improvement and can be done year-round with proper preparation. If you are considering a spring home sale, sprucing up your interior can help increase the value of your house.
A successful paint job requires careful planning and execution. Regardless of what room you are painting, if your walls are not properly prepared before painting, your finished product will not look as good as it could.
The first step in preparing for interior painting is clearing the space. This means removing any furniture that can be moved and covering larger pieces with drop cloths. Removing any mirrors or pictures from the wall and moving them somewhere safe is also a good idea. The clearer the space, the easier it will be for your painter to work.
Once you’ve cleared the area, you’ll want to thoroughly inspect the walls for any cracks or damage. If you find any, patch them with a spackling compound. You can also use a drywall repair kit. After the patches are set, smooth the area with a sanding sponge and vacuum any dust left.
After you’ve done this, it’s time to prime the walls. A good quality primer will create a base that will allow your new coat of paint to adhere properly and last longer. Be sure to choose a primer that is formulated for interior walls. This is important, as different types of primers are used for different surfaces and will react differently with your paint.
Once the primer has been applied, let it dry completely before you begin painting. It is also a good idea to cover the floors with canvas drop cloths to protect them from any accidental drips of paint. It’s also a good idea, before starting to paint, to test a small section of the wall with your chosen color to make sure you like it.
Color Selection
Painting a room is an inexpensive way to make a dramatic impact on the overall feel of your home. For many homeowners, the color selection process is one of the most fun parts of the project. However, it is also often the most frustrating.
When selecting a paint color, it’s important to take time to evaluate the hues under your home’s actual lighting conditions. This is a simple step that can prevent costly mistakes down the road.
It’s best to test colors on a piece of scrap wood instead of directly on the wall, as this will give you an idea of how the color will look with your furniture and other decor elements. It’s also a good idea to keep the existing color of your trim in mind, as it should complement the new shade you are considering.
Most paint supply stores have ways to help you view samples under different simulated lighting conditions, but nothing takes the place of seeing a potential paint color in your own space. This is especially true for whites, which can sometimes appear different under certain circumstances. For example, a tan paint sample may appear to be a neutral shade but when applied to your walls could ultimately turn into a pink or green tone.
Choosing the right color for your room can be a difficult process, but if you follow these tips it will be much easier and less stressful. The last thing you want is to waste gallons of expensive paint because you chose the wrong shade for your space.
For some inspiration, here are a few interior painting ideas from our favorite designers.
Painting
Painting interior walls can dramatically change the look of a room. It’s also a relatively simple and inexpensive home improvement project that will increase your home’s value.
Interior paints protect walls from physical and environmental damage like scuffs, scratches, humidity, mildew, and mold. Moreover, interior paint can help lighten the space to make it feel larger and airier, or darken the space to make it cozier and more intimate.
The cost of hiring a professional to paint your home’s interior depends on the size of your home and how much work needs to be done. In addition to the paint and labor, painters may charge extra for preparing the surface of the wall, which includes cleaning stains or mildew, sanding rough areas, patching cracks, and caulking holes. Additionally, if you want to paint high ceilings or difficult-to-reach areas, these factors will increase labor costs.
When painting your walls, it’s important to follow the proper preparation steps so that your paint job lasts longer and looks better. It’s also important to take your time and be patient when painting. If you rush, your paint will not dry properly and may peel later on.
Once you’ve prepped your walls, it’s time to start the actual painting process. Depending on the type of paint, there may be multiple coats required. When applying the paint, it’s important to use a clean brush and apply it evenly. If you’re using latex paint, clean brushes with water and a rag frequently to remove any spills or drips. If you’re working with oil-based paints, you will need to clean the brushes with mineral spirits.
It’s also helpful to have a paint tray for each color and to keep your paint brushes, rollers, and trays clean between coats. Keeping all your materials organized will prevent them from contaminating other bare surfaces.
When you’re finished painting, be sure to wait for the paint to fully dry before removing tape and trimming. If you pull up tape while the paint is gummy, it will pull up bits of the wall with it.
Finishing
A fresh coat of paint can transform your home. It can be an inexpensive way to give your space a lift and make it feel new again. It’s also one of the best ways to improve your home’s value, especially if you plan on selling it in the future. A professional painting company can help you choose the right colors and finishes for your living spaces that will complement your furniture, artwork, and décor.
Your local painting contractor will start the project with a quick overview to assess the job, identify any repairs, and determine how much paint is needed. They will then begin the prep process which includes cleaning stains, mildew, and dirt, and sanding rough spots. They will also tape and cover areas that are not being painted, such as trim and windows. They will also make sure to protect any hardware that is on the surfaces being painted and cover any items that cannot be removed with plastic.
Once all the prep work is completed, it’s time to get started on the actual painting. A professional painting contractor will use a high-quality brush to apply the first coat and let it dry completely before applying the second. This allows for the proper adhesion of the paint and will create a smooth surface. Typically, two coats of interior paint are necessary to provide adequate coverage and protection.
There are many different paint finish options available for your home, and the choice depends on what you’re using the paint for and how often it will be used. Flat paint offers a high level of coverage but has very little durability, while eggshell provides a more durable option but is still relatively fragile. Satin paint is a popular choice, as it provides a happy medium between durability and washability.
If you’re concerned about the environment, there are also low and no-VOC interior paints that don’t release any harmful chemicals into the air. These paints are also easy to apply and dry quickly. They do require a bit more upkeep as they can be more sensitive to stains and scratches, but the health benefits far outweigh any drawbacks.
