Let's Get Painting!

A guest post by David Leston

​You have finally decided that you are going to repaint that room.  Giving a room a nice new coat of paint will do wonders on giving it a refreshed look.  Maybe you have some plans in the works to change the function of the room.  Is it a spare bedroom that you want to convert into an office space?  Or maybe the family is growing and it’s time to plan for the nursery for the new addition to the family? 

​Whatever the reason that is driving your motivation, you have choices to make.  Here are a few tips to making your project as successful as you envision.

Color and design are the first thing you will want to nail down.  There is ample supply of samples of rooms found online, in magazines, and even in some home improvement and paint stores. 
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Take into consideration the natural light source found in the room.  Is the space well light by windows?  Or is the space somewhat dark.  If you add brighter, light shades to a room, you will increase the brightness in the room.  Darker colors can add to a sense of calm.

Looking at the furnishings in the room can help you find the color from the samples of the material that will be in the room.  Such as curtains, cushions, rugs, pictures, and any other accents you plan on using.  Connecting the colors found in items connects the pieces to the room overall. 

Once you have the color choice nailed down in your mind, you will need to get some samples from your paint store.  They supply a wide range of sample strips that you can bring home and visually compare what the right shade or shades are perfect for your room.

Now, you will need to determine the right type of paint finish.  There are 5 common types of finish available, and depending on your project, each produce different end results.

 Matte/Flat paint does not give off a shine when dried.  It does cover well, but it is not resistant to damage.  It is best suited for areas where there will not be a lot of traffic and less likely to be touched.  Such as ceilings or possibly dining rooms. 

Eggshell is another type of finish that is slightly more lustrous than matte finish and slightly more durable as well.  This type of paint is good for mid traffic areas such as hallways, entrance ways, and living rooms. 

Satin finish is the most common for interior rooms in the home.  It is durable enough to stand up to higher traffic areas, where cleaning may be more common.  This finish is great for kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, family rooms, and other high traffic areas.

Semi-Gloss has a shiny finish but it is very durable and stands up well in areas that are exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.  It is mildew-resistant. 

And High-Gloss is the most durable paint.  It will stand up to daily cleaning or scrubbing.  It’s a great choice for doors, trim, and cabinetry, where surfaces are going to be touched a lot.

You will also need to grab some brushes and rollers to complete the job.  There are many different types out there.  The cheaper brushes are often used by professional painters as a “throw away” brush, in that they are not very durable and may be used for touch ups or singular use.  The more expensive type of brushes tend to produce the best results.  And are considered a reusable brush with proper care.  You can really get more value by paying a bit more for a high quality brush.  They produce the best results.  And they will be an investment, as you will more than likely use them on the next room you choose. 

You will also need a roller frame (at least 9 inches wide) and roller pads.  You can get packages of multiple pads, so as to have a clean one on hand while working on the project.  The roller pad needs to be able to absorb the paint evenly so that it can be applied evenly to the surface.

You should also grab a roll or two of painters tap.  This is a masking tap that you will use to tape off areas that you do not want painted on the wall (such as outlets). 

Make a list of all the above items when you head to the paint store.  Getting the basic items to start you off on your project will remove extra trips back to the store.  And remember to grab plastic drip sheets to protect your floors or furniture from being splattered with paint.

With proper planning and prep work, your painting project will be a snap!  And you will be motivated to move onto the next room as well!  Whether you choose to do the project yourself, or hire a professional painter, the end result will be outstanding!