Home transformations don’t necessarily have to be layout-centered, extensions, or even whole new constructions. Sometimes, all a home or office needs is a fresh coat of paint to bring it back to life. Since everyone can do some strokes and call it a day, painting seems like one of the simplest home improvement projects. But only because you know your way with a paintbrush doesn’t mean you’re the master of it all. House painting is a delicate process that, if not done right, can result in permanent damage and severe financial loss.
Before you decide to buy gallons of your favorite color and start slapping it on every wall in your house, here are some things you need to take into account:
DIY Vs. Professional House Painters
The first and crucial choice you need to make is whether you will do it yourself or hire a professional team of house painters. If you’re planning on going the DIY route, ask yourself first if you’re truly up for the task. House painting is a physically demanding job that requires time, effort, and precision. If you don’t think you can commit to doing a good job, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Professional interior painting jobs in Odessa, Texas, cost between $1.1 and $2.7 per square foot. Painting an 8 x 8ft room will range from $400 to $900. However, that’s not the only cost to factor in when opting for a professional team. You’ll also have to look for man camps in odessa tx, for your workers to stay in since most of them will be coming from out of town.
If you have multiple items that require attention, like cabinets, trims, or doors, and you’ve got a hefty budget, it’s best to call in a team and save yourself a lot of hassle.
What Kind of Paint Should You Use?
You will be bombarded with choices when you head to the market to get a bucket to slather. However, deciding on the right paint is crucial since it will dictate the quality of the job, how long it will last, and the type of finish you’ll end up with.
The three main types of paint are:
Latex:
Latex is the most commonly used type of paint since it’s easy to work with, dries quickly, and is less toxic than oil-based paint. It’s also the most affordable type, making it a great option for those on a budget. The only downside to latex paint is that it isn’t as durable as oil-based and alkyd paints.
Oil-based Paint:
This paint takes longer to dry and is more difficult to work with, but it’s much more durable than latex. It’s also great for high-traffic areas, trims, and doors since it doesn’t show wear and tear as easily. However, it’s more expensive than latex and emits strong fumes, so make sure you open all the windows when using it.
Alkyd Paint:
Alkyd paint is a synthetic oil-based paint that dries quickly and is more durable than latex. It’s the most expensive paint on the market but also the best quality. So if you can splurge, go for alkyd paint.
What Finish Should You Choose?
Yep, it’s not over yet. Besides the type of paint, you also need to pick a finish. The finish determines the sheen, texture, and durability of the paint. It also affects how effortless it is to clean. Moreover, certain areas and furniture might require a specific finish. For instance, a high-gloss finish is ideal for doors and trims since it’s easy to clean. However, it’s not recommended for walls since it shows imperfections.
Below are the most common types of paint finishes:
- Eggshell: A soft, velvety finish that’s easy to clean and great for walls
- Matte: A non-reflective finish that works well for low-traffic areas
- Satin: A smooth, velvety finish with a bit of sheen. It’s easy to clean and great for walls and high-traffic areas
- Semi-gloss: A shiny finish that’s easy to clean and ideal for doors, trims, and cabinets
- High-gloss: A highly reflective finish that shows imperfections. It’s easy to clean but should only be used for doors, trims, and cabinets.
Picking the right paint is essential to getting good results. If you’re unsure what to choose, it’s best to ask the experts.
Check the Characteristics of the Paint:
Painting a house includes interior and exterior jobs. It might tempt you to use the same paint for both surfaces, but that’s not always the best idea. It is because the exterior of a house must withstand UV rays, wind, and rain.
On the other hand, interior paint doesn’t need to be as durable since it’s not exposed to the same conditions.
Remember this when picking out paint, and ensure you get the right type for each surface.
The material you’re painting on also matters. For instance, if you’re painting metal, you’ll need to use a different type of paint than you would for wood. We know it may sound like a lot of work, but if you want to mitigate blunders and achieve a great paint job, it’s best to do your research.
Get Everything Ready Before You Start:
Painting your house isn’t a task you can start and finish between dusk and dawn. Instead, it’s a time-consuming job that will likely take several days, if not weeks.
Before you start painting, it’s important to get everything ready. It includes:
- Cleaning the surface that you’re going to paint
- Removing any old paint or wallpaper
- Filling in holes or cracks
- Sanding the surface
- Covering furniture and floors
Investing your time in all these preparatory tasks will pay off in the end. Your paint job will look better and last longer if you take the time to do it right.
Another key aspect of preparing before slapping paint on the walls is adequately priming the surface. Primer provides a smooth base for the paint and helps it stick to the surface better.
Final Thoughts:
Your job doesn’t end with priming and painting the walls. Once the job is done, you also need to clean all your supplies and put everything back in its place.
Moreover, allowing enough drying time is crucial, especially if you’re painting over a dark color with a light one. If you don’t wait long enough, the new paint job will start to peel.
It’s natural to want to rush the process and see the results as soon as possible. But if you want your paint job to look good and last long, it’s best to be patient. Hire professionals to get the job done more smoothly but make sure you can arrange a place for them to stay and rest since painting an entire house might take several days. Good luck!
