Painting is one of the least expensive and easiest home improvements you can make. You will discover so many small changes you can perform to boost your homes look and worth, simple changes like painting a wall can produce a huge difference. Painting is the cheap and straightforward home improvement and can also be easily changed should you decide you want a change afterward. There is a huge choice of paints available in different colours and finishes so there is almost definitely bound to be something to fit your home. If you can’t find a ready made colour, then you could always mix paints to achieve different shades and variations.
Selecting paint:
People are moving home less the very reason is the recession and they are daring to experiment with new design ideas. This means that they are having a go at painting their homes in bold colours and shifting away from the neutral, beige trend of the past. Along with choosing something to suit their personal style. Look at the rooms you intend on repainting, consider their size, shape and function along with the kind of furniture they hold. These things will all influence which paint you select, for example, a small room could potentially be made to appear bigger with light colours, a kitchen will benefit from humidity resistant paint, you might need a shade that compliments your existing furnishings. Bear in mind, paint is absolutely not only for walls, you may also apply it to window frames, skirting boards or furniture. Using one colour or varying shades of the same colour in a room can really produce a unified look, especially when you have a whole lot of mismatched household furniture.
Types of paint:
Solvent based paint - these paints have high volumes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can be harmful to the environment, especially if when it gets poured down the sink. Eco paints are now available which contain no VOCs; these even include new odour reducing paint and self cleaning paints.
Ensure that you select the appropriate paint type for your project:
Water based paints - these are a more environmentally friendly option that doesn’t reek of chemicals. The downside is that water based paint is not quite as durable and thick as the solvent kind - so you may want to apply more than one coat.
Emulsion paints - these water based paints are perfect for ceilings and walls because they’re thicker and simple to apply. Humidity resistant emulsion paints have also been developed to be used in steamy rooms like kitchens or bathrooms.
Gloss - you might want to use a gloss instead of a standard paint regarding painting pieces of furniture. Gloss is usually applied to wood or metal surfaces and is usually a thick, solvent based substance. For an alternative, you can use acrylic paint to do this type of work.
Matt and silk paints can be found in a matt or gloss finish. Matt gives a flat, non-reflective look whereas silk results in a shiny, reflective coat.
Undercoats - depending on what kind of surface is being painted, you might need to apply a primer and an undercoat before painting on your top layer. This seals and evens out the area which will give a polished finish.
Metal paints - You could use bituminous paint for iron fittings like pipes, tanks or gutters. This paint offers waterproof protection by forming a bituminous layer when dry.
Painting tips:
Test colours first on a medium sized portion of the wall and think about the choices for a few days before you make your final choice. It is possible to even have a go at mixing paints to generate your perfect shade. Lighten with white, darken with black. Never throw left over paint down the drains, this will pollute water ways. Remember and check whether you will want to re-plaster the wall before you paint. Always remove wallpaper before painting and always keep the rooms well ventilated while working. In the event you do choose to paint it yourself, always use gloves and a great quality paintbrush. If you are not using the brush, keep it in a pot of warm water to avoid hardening of the brush or wrap it in cling film.
I understand how hard it can be to carry out these tasks which I have written about in this article. I have used these tips on many painting projects over the years. I frequently go to a company called Painter London. They have some great ideas on how to save you money.
I have been heavily involved in the property business for over twenty years. My work ranges from gardening, electrics and diy. Gasically I can turn my hand to pretty much anything.