A Splash Of Paint Can Make A Big Difference To Your Home

By Matheson Penkovsky

Many aspects go into total home improvement, but the most noticeable changes are often the ones you make to your paint color. The color of the room will set the whole mood. It is easily one of the biggest aspects of changing the decor. Painting can also protect some parts of your house if you do it regularly and correctly.

External painting is important because it gives a buffer to your outer walls. It is one small layer that keeps the wood from being directly exposed to the sun and weather. Unpainted wood succumbs to rot far more easily. Though many think that internal painting is just for looks, it can actually be quite important on windows and doors. These get more exposure to the elements than inside walls, so windows and doors should be painted correctly every few years.

Water damage can be a particular problem, so try to get paints with some degree of water resistance for any part of your house with external contact. Even the inside sills of windows could start to rot just from the close proximity to rain. This is why windows, doors, and outer walls should be painted at least every five years. Many proactive residents prefer fresh paint every two years.

Make sure to tape around all edges before you start to paint. Use masking tape, as it peels off easily. Do not forget door knobs, light switches, electrical outlets, crown molding or wainscoting, and window sills. If you are painting windows, tape carefully around every single pane of glass. Accidentally getting paint on the glass is extremely irritating, as it can only be scraped off with a razor. Use a smaller paint brush to reduce mistakes.

When you paint a large area, make sure your brush keeps going in the same direction. Up-and-down motions are the most recommended. If you switch between that and a side-to-side motion, the brush strokes will be different and the paint will look bad. For this reason, many people prefer using rollers to paint. The rollers are sponges that will not show any strokes. You can paint in any direction and it will go on evenly. It also tends to be a great deal faster, though it only works for large, flat areas. Corners will require a brush.

Ornate architecture requires more time on your part. Do not rush this. Use a small brush and do at least two careful coats to make sure you got into all nooks and crannies. It you use a big brush and use too much paint, it will build up in small areas, filling it and making it look bad. Take your time, because if too much paint dries in these areas, you will have a difficult time clearing it out.

When deciding on a wall color, use the furniture you wish to put in that room for a guide. Accent shades in the furniture are often the wisest choices. It will make the room look very vibrant and stylish, especially if the accent colors are subtle, like pin stripes. This is also where wainscoting or molding can be really useful. If you are looking to make your home stand out but are afraid of being too bold with your color choice, use the wainscoting to experiment. It is a small area that can easily be painted over a little cost to you.

Any home improvement store will have a wide selection of options in their paint section. Ask a sales associate for some good ideas, since there is so much you are capable of doing. For example, you can get glossy paint that has a slight shine. You could also make your walls look more antique by doing crackled paint. Sponge painting is a favorite option for many.

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