Repainting the interior of your home is never a small task. The interruption to the household can be substantial. It’s not just the fact you have to move furniture and put down drop-sheets to protect against paint drips, but the fumes tend to stick around for a few days.
Repainting is often an important step in preparing your home for sale. It freshens up the property and allows you to smooth out dents in the walls and erase the inevitable scratches and marks that come with everyday living.
There are several tell-tale signs that should encourage you to pick up a brush and roller.
Painting is one of the easier DIY projects. However, it does require patience and a Zen state of mind that prevents boredom and rushed workmanship.
There are only three basic steps to painting, but they feel laborious:
Set-up – Remove anything attached to the wall and push furniture clear.
Preparation – Clean Remove dust, dirt and grease from the walls. Vigorously wipe down the surface with a degreasing cleaner. Then, repair cracks or imperfections before applying a primer. This is essential if the wall has a glossy or uneven surface, or you want a light shade over a dark one.
Painting – A roller is great for the walls, but you must use a brush to cut-in along the ceiling line and baseboards. Never paint an additional coat before the previous one is completely dry.
So, why would you want to repaint your home? Here are five common reasons:
Fading color – Paint colors do tend to fade over time. Often whites and creams can “yellow”. If you have a wood fire, smoke will accelerate this process.
Bubbling – If moisture has become trapped under your paint, it will bubble. You can release the moisture by scraping back the affected paint, filling and sanding to create a smooth surface before repainting.
Scratches and stains – At some point, marks on the wall convince you it’s time to head for the paintshop. Even regular cleaning cannot hide the problems. This is especially true if you have a fireplace.
Fashions change – Using a bright color in the living room might have been fashionable once upon a time, but eventually the urge for a bright orange or brash red wears off, and you wonder what on earth you were thinking! Your home will benefit from a neutral color that will deliver visual cohesion.
Change of scenery – Sometimes, we just want to experience something different in our homes. A feature wall of a soft green or ocher is fashionable right now. However, avoid multiple colors throughout the property because your home will feel choppy and disjointed.