Spring is just
around the corner and a lot of us are ready for a fresh look either inside or
outside our humble abode.
Where and how to
start can sometimes push us into panic mode.
Not to fear. With a little time
spent looking at some of the latest magazines can go a long way.
Better Homes,
Country Living, House Beautiful to mention a few. These will be filled with pictures of the
latest trends and colors. Look
specifically at where the changes are being done.
These pictures will
also show you what colors are popular.
As you look through the pictures you will begin to think of areas or
places you want to change. Some are
interior and some are exterior.
You will need to
look beyond all of the accessories.
These are pretty but most of us do not have any of them. Just focus on the colors. Look at the walls, woodwork, cabinets and the
flooring.
If the flooring is
something like yours then you will begin to formulate an idea of what you want
to do with your walls , ceiling, trim and cabinets.
Look at the exterior
of the homes pictured and locate those that are the same style of house you
have. This will also give you a starting place.
The exterior of the
home usually only gets painted once every 15 to 20 years. The interior is changed much sooner. Some people will repaint at least one room
every year.
This is because a
fresh coat of paint is relatively inexpensive compared to other things we might
do to change the home.
This being said be
sure and pick a good quality paint. For the
exterior I recommend a Paint and Primer combination product. They do cost a little more but are well worth
the extra few bucks because the paint job will be easier and last a lot longer.
If you are going to
do your own painting outside you will need all the help you can get to make it
easier. Good quality paint, High quality
tools, a very good ladder and adequate time will get you started.
If you are painting
inside you will still need premium paint and the same high quality tools
mentioned above. Inside jobs require
additional items.
- Tape
- masking
- Drop Cloths
- A very good sash brush
- High quality roller and handle
You will need to do
2 coats of paint wherever you plan to paint.
And if you are painting inside you will want to paint the ceiling first
and work you way to the floor. If you
are painting trim or cabinets start with them first then the ceiling and then
the walls.
If you are using a
dark or vibrant color be sure and get enough paint. If you get 2 gallons then you will need to
mix them together so eliminate any difference in the 2 cans. And if you do not get enough paint there is
the risk that the next gallon will be slightly different from the others. And never buy just a quart to go with a
gallon. They are never the same, EVER.
The same is
especially true if you are painting the exterior of your home. I once saw a house being painted Blue. The painter purchased the paint 1 five gallon
bucket at a time. You could tell where
each batch of paint started and ended and each bucket was different. After painting the whole house he had to
repaint. The second time he painted it
he purchased all of the paint he needed and kept mixing throughout the process. This produced a good paint job. Lesson Learned.
Also, please prime
all woodwork or cabinets with a premium Acrylic primer before you paint. This will make sure the paint will stick and
last.
You can cover up
your bucket of paint at the end of each day with plastic or a plastic bag with
the roller suspended in the bucket but not down in the paint. It will then be ready for the next day. Clean up your brush at the end of each
day. Brushes do not do well if they are
left in paint overnight.
Once the job is
done, plan on throwing away the roller cover.
Even if you buy a good one for around $10.00 a project of any
considerable size will pretty much use it up and it is not worth the time to
clean it up. The brush, if it is a good
one can be saved for the next project.
But you must clean it up and shake out the water.
Take your time in
choosing the colors or the project you want to tackle. But make a schedule and set a goal for your
decisions.
You can buy samples
for most paints and this is a good way to narrow your choices. It is a small price to pay to make sure you
pick the color you want and that it looks like you want it to in your
home. Some people buy several samples
and paint a big patch on the walls of each color in several places in the room
or around the outside of the house. This
lets you see it in different light and times of the day.
Well, that is about
it. Don’t be afraid. Very few people cannot make a decision. You can do it.
Happy Painting
Ken Rader
Ken Rader Interiors
Visit our web site at ( www.kenraderinteriors.com) and follow us at www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors
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