EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR PAINTING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
High quality interior and exterior paints cost a little more but generally have much better coverage and, therefore, require fewer coats of paint. In the end you will save money and be happier with the results. Some quality brands to consider include: Benjamin Moore Paints®, Behr Premium Plus Paint®, Valspar American Tradition Paint®, Dunn-Edwards Paints®, Pratt and Lambert Paint®, Dutch Boy®, Glidden®, and Sherwin-Williams Paint®. Find professional “Homeowner Approved” painters in Charlotte here.
PAINTING TIP – SELECT THE RIGHT COLOR AND FINISH
There are a few key factors when selecting paint. Latex paint works well for both interior and exterior painting. Oil-based is best for outdoor projects, especially in cold climates. Color boils down to personal preference. Be sure to test colors on a small area of the room because lighting may alter the color’s appearance, and you’ll get a better sense whether the color achieves the desired look and feel. Many paint companies offer small, affordable samples to help you determine how the paint will translate in your home. The final thing to consider is finish. Flat paints are appropriate for ceilings, living areas, and bedrooms; glossier paints are generally recommended for bathrooms and kitchens because of their durability.
PAINTING TIP – CHOOSE A TECHNIQUE
Antiquing, Rag Painting, Sponge Painting, Stenciling, and Masking are painting techniques commonly used by homeowners to create a desired look, setting the “mood” in a room. Ask your painter for recommendations, and pictures of different painting techniques from previous jobs. If you are doing the work yourself, ask your local home improvement or paint store expert for tips on painting techniques and their various applications around your home.
PAINTING TIP – ALWAYS PREPARE SURFACES
If your interior walls have holes, cracks, or other blemishes, repair them properly before painting. Fiberglass tape can be used to cover large cracks or holes, spackle will fill small cracks and holes, and texturizing products will help match your existing wall surface. Similarly, be sure to pressure wash, replace rotted wood, and apply caulk to cracks, holes, and crevices before painting exterior surfaces. Finally, be sure to paint a primer coat if you will be painting over a darker color.
PAINTING TIP – USE PAINT STRATEGICALLY
If the room is too long, try painting a warm color on one wall of a predominately neutral room. The warm wall will appear to advance, making the room seem shorter. Conversely, if the room seems too short, paint one wall a cool color, leaving the rest of the walls warm. The cool wall will appear to recede, giving the illusion that the room is longer. If the ceilings are too low, paint the ceiling a light color and paint the baseboards the same color as the walls. If the room has no windows, paint the walls a light color with a glossier paint finish to reflect light back into the room.
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