If looking at cost-effective ways to improve the aesthetics of your home, it’s hard to bet against a paint job. It might seem like a simple option, but a few coats of premium paint can do wonders.
One source says the average return on investment for painting inside a home is approximately 107%, which can translate to an extra $2,140 to $16,50 in resale value.
You can give your home a new lease on life for a relatively low sum. All it’ll take is some paint, paint brushes, drop cloths, and time to transform drab walls into something spectacular.
Even so, simply slathering the walls with paint isn’t the answer. You need to know what you’re doing.
Consider these six things before you roll up your sleeves to paint your residence.
1. Surface Preparation
When embarking upon a painting project, you’ll get better results if you invest time and effort into preparing the surfaces. You should clean, repair, and sand surfaces before painting so the paint adheres and lasts longer. Some skip this step because it can be tedious, but that’s a mistake. Surface preparation will lead to better overall results.
2. Select the Right Paint Type
Choosing the right kind of paint is also essential. If you’re’ doing interior painting to beautify say, the kitchen, bathrooms, or bedrooms, acrylic or latex paints are ideal for ceilings and walls.
Meanwhile, if painting exterior surfaces, paints designed for exterior applications are necessary for weather-resistant properties that will hold up well to the elements.
3. Consider Paint Finish
In addition to considering the types of paint, you should also consider the paint finish. The finish you choose will depend on the room or area of the house. Glossy finishes are suitable for doors and trims, while satin or eggshell finishes are good options for high-traffic areas in your residence. Meanwhile, matte or flat finishes are suitable if you want to obscure imperfections. On the flip side, however, such finishes are more challenging to clean.
4. Color Selection
Selecting the right colors for your home is a matter of personal preference. While you can do whatever you like, it doesn’t hurt to think things through. For instance, you can select light colors to make rooms appear bigger, brighter colors to create a cheerful vibe, and darker hues to make a room appear smaller.
If you’re unsure how to proceed, visit a retailer specializing in paint. You can consult with one of the subject matter experts for recommendations.
5. Quality of Paint
You’ll also want to invest in quality paint. While you can get cheap paint that’ll do the job, premium paint will do a much better job. Yes, it will come at a higher price point. But it’s worth spending more money to get quality paint that leads to better results and a higher ROI.
The right architectural paint enhances the resistance of architectural paints so it holds up better to abrasion, UV, burnish, and other environmentally damaging effects. Again, it’ll cost more for high-quality paint. But if you want long-lasting results, that’s the only way to go.
6. Tools and Equipment
Unless you plan to hire a professional painter to do the work for you, you’ll need the tools and equipment of the trade to ensure the job is done correctly. The good news is it won’t cost much to get rollers, painter’s tape, brushes, and drop cloths. Depending on the project, you might also need a ladder.
Before embarking on a paint project, consider these six points. Painting is one of the easier projects for a DIYer, but that doesn’t mean you should go about it without thinking things through.
