Painting your home’s interior is a labor-intensive task under the best of circumstances. What’s more, it’s disruptive to your entire household—everything’s out of place, there are tarps and drop cloths everywhere, and the smell of paint permeates everything. It takes a little organization and plenty of patience, but you can get the look you want without spending a lot of money, hiring a contractor to finish the job, or completely losing your cool. Read on for some insights from House Painting Info.
Get Inspired
Creating an idea board can be a fantastic way to inspire your interior paint choices. Start by collecting images of rooms, color palettes, and design elements that catch your eye. You can enhance your board by easily removing the background from a picture using a digital tool online, which helps clean up images and focus on the key elements. Arrange these cleaned-up images on your board to visualize how different colors and styles will come together in your space, making it easier to decide on the perfect paint choices.
Paint and Supplies
Include the cost of primer and figure anywhere from $30 to $60 per gallon for a good quality flat, semi-gloss, or high-gloss paint. Consider going with Behr or Valspar, which tend to be at the lower end of the price spectrum, while Olympic will be more pricey. Also, don’t forget to include the cost of supplies like brushes, rollers, drop cloths, tape, and small brushes for touch-up work. You can save a significant amount on supplies by staying away from specialty paint stores (always more expensive) and using offer codes, which will save plenty when you factor in the lower price you’re paying.
The Right Paint Type
You need to match the paint to the surface you’re covering. Not all paints adhere well to every material, so choosing the right type is crucial for a long-lasting finish. For example, ceilings can be well-covered with a flat ceiling paint that will conceal dings and other irregularities, go with latex for the walls due to its versatility, and use acrylic paint for masonry. Consider using oil-based paint for trim and doors to provide a durable and smooth finish.
Color Matching
Once you’ve settled on the type of paint required for your project, it’s important to consider the color. Color can have a profound effect on the mood of a room. Choosing the right color is a matter of matching your decor, woodwork, carpeting, and other aesthetic and structural details. Much of it comes down to common sense, such as not blending earth tones with pastels. Be prepared to test out multiple colors and color combinations before settling on the perfect scheme for each room.
Preparation
You’ll need to factor in time to prep each room, including removing furniture, cleaning walls, taking off switch plates and outlet covers, outlining, and doing touch-up work. Allow for drying time between coats to ensure the best results. Try spreading the work out over a couple of days so you’re not having to rush.
Other Considerations
Hiring an electrician is a crucial step if you need to install electrical wiring or fixtures. It’s important to finish painting before the electrician’s phase of the project to avoid any potential damage to your new paint job. When in doubt, ask an electrician about your specific situation to ensure everything is done safely and correctly. You can easily connect with a qualified electrician using a home maintenance and repair app, which simplifies the process of finding and scheduling professional help for your project.
Doing It Yourself
Assuming you’re going the DIY route to save money, plan ahead for your big painting job. Make sure to gather all necessary tools and equipment before starting. Talk to a consultant about the best paints for your surfaces, bear your home’s palette in mind, opt for less expensive paint brands, and watch for discounts on painting supplies.
