Here's some help with the basics on painting from a home stager in New York. Most homes need fresh paint to be competitive in today's real estate market.
Thanks to Carmela for sharing this information.
Painting, 8 tips to get you started!! As a home stager and redesigner of Abella Home Staging & Redesign, I often recommend painting. Painting is the least inexpensive way to change the look of your home without going broke!! But many times my clients are lost as to where to begin and what they need. Here are some very helpful hints that can get you started.
- Get the right brush. If you don't have the right brush it can make the job more difficult then it has to be. Look for brushes that are tapered, split and set in multiple lengths, this will form a slim tip, good for cutting along the ceiling and doors.
- Choose the right roller. Synthetic is great for latex. Natural-fiber such as mohair or lamb's wool, for oil paint. There are different thickness to a roller, 3/4" nap for textured wall (stucco, brick), 3/8" to 1/2" nap for lightly textured walls (drywall, wood), 1/8" to 1/4" nap for very smooth surfaces (plaster, laminate, metal). Here's a tip I learned from my husband who was a professional painter. Take blue or masking tape and pull out about 3-4 ft and run the roller over it several times. This will eliminate all the loose lint from the roller so it won't get on your surface!!
- Pick quality paint. Using inexpensive paint won't save you money, if you have to prime the wall, plus put on two coats of paint and hope for coverage. Using a quality paint with a primer will save you time and money. Making your job easier!! I recommend Sherwin William super paint.
- Choose between oil or latex. Latex paint is water-based and easier to clean up, and dries quickly. Oil paint is solvent-based, dries slower and must be cleaned up with mineral spirits. It also has a more durable finish.
- Low VOC. Volatile Organic Compound, gases that are created when using latex paint. A potential hazard to your health. Using low or no VOC won't sacrifice good color or even coverage.
- Calculating paint. Divide the square footage of your surface by the coverage per gallon listed on the can. This will give you and idea of how many gallons to purchase. Don't forget to add if it will take two coats.
- Spout. A lot of companies are now producing cans with a spout, making it easier to pour and prevent the lids from getting clogged.
- The right finish. Choosing the right sheen for you surface is critical. Low sheen hides imperfections, glossier paint is more wear-resistant but shows all imperfections. Here is a guide to help you choose the right finish.
- Flat. Great for ceilings and high traffic areas.
- Matte. Use for bedroom, living rooms, dining rooms.
- Satin/Eggshell. Good for high traffic areas like foyers.
- Semigloss. Use for trim, doors, and kitchen carbinets.
- Gloss. Good for trim and doors.
These are just 8 tips that can help you get started. I always tell my clients getting started is the hardest part, but i guarantee you that the rewards are worth the effort!!
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This post provided by Maureen McCabe HER Realtors*
Contact Maureen McCabe of HER Realtors* - 614.388.8249
email: MaureenatMaureenMcCabe.com at = @
*Real Living HER
Information is deemed to be accurate but should be verified to your satisfaction. Information provided herein is supplied by several sources and is subject to change without notice. Opinions expressed are solely those of Maureen McCabe.
