Homeowner Tips for Painting
Ready to paint a room in your house? There are a lot of strategies you can pick up from home owners who have learned some tricks of the trade. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Tint Your Primer
If you are starting with drywall or covering a darker wall, prime first. According to Olivia in NY, add a small amount of your paint color to the primer. After a massive home renovation, Olivia found that this strategy was a time saver. Not only did the primer give her a fresh start, but the paint required less coats for a high end look.
Flat vs. Eggshell vs. Satin vs. Semi-Gloss vs. High Gloss
Bob in CA says, “Choose wisely!” Think about cleanability. To be able to clean the walls, without too much shine, I default to satin. Also consider semi-gloss for bathrooms and kitchens. When you get your samples, be careful! Ask the paint department if they are available with the finish you want. Colors look different depending on the finish so your sample should match the paint you intend to use.
Painting a Nursery
Shannon, in CA, is designing a nursery. Friends for twenty years, I know she enjoys cheerful colors and the beach. Now, instead of a traditional nursery, she is choosing a design based on her personality. The colors are orange and blue with a Hawaiian theme. Rooms like this are wonderful because they will last beyond infancy. Shannon reminds us, it’s okay to hire help. Expecting parents need a break. For those who do choose to paint, consider Benjamin Moore’s Natura No-VOC.
Hide Your Technology
John in CT enjoys technology, but doesn’t want it to take over a room. When he paints, he takes this into consideration. Find coordinating colors that allow a neutral to transition well with a darker tone. Paint the neutral on all of the walls except for the one behind the technology center. Paint this wall the darker tone, and your technology will contrast less with the design of the room.
Include the Family
My advice is to include your family in paint decisions. My youngest daughter loves pastels and butterflies. While you should take these preferences into consideration, you should also think about the practicality of your choices. After all, one day their preferences will change. For us, it worked to include the kids in the planning process and then surprise them with an outcome they love!
