Painting is one of the least expensive and simplest home improvements we can make. You will discover so many small changes you can do to boost your homes appearance and worth, simple things like painting a wall can make a huge change. Painting is the cheap and easy home improvement and can also be easily altered if you decide you want a different colour afterward. There are a huge selection of paints available in numerous colours and finishes so there is almost definitely bound to be something to suit your home. In case you cannot discover a ready made colour, you could always mix paints to achieve various shades and variations.
Choosing paint:
Most people are moving home less the very reason is the recession and they are daring to experiment with new design ideas. This means that they are having a go at painting their homes in bold colours and shifting from the neutral, beige trend of the past. Along with choosing something to suit their personal style. Look at the rooms you plan on repainting, consider their size, shape and function along with the kind of furniture they hold. These items will all influence which paint you choose, for instance, a small room can be made to appear larger with light colours, a kitchen will be improved with humidity resistant paint, you might require a shade that compliments your existing furnishings. Remember, paint is absolutely not only for walls, you can also apply it to window frames, skirting boards or furniture. Using one colour or varying shades of the same colour inside a room can really create a unified look, especially when you have a lot of mismatched household furniture.
Types of paint:
Solvent based paint - these paints have high volumes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are harmful to your environment, especially if it is poured down the sink. Eco paints are now available which contain no VOCs; these even include new odour reducing paint and self cleaning paints.
Make sure you pick the appropriate paint variety for that project:
Water based paints - these are a considerably more environmentally friendly option that does not reek of chemicals. The downside is that water based paint isn't quite as durable and thick as the solvent kind - so you might want to use more than one coat.
Emulsion paints - these water based paints are perfect for ceilings and walls because they are thicker and easy to apply. Humidity resistant emulsion paints have also been developed for use in steamy rooms like kitchens or bathrooms.
Gloss - you may want to make use of a gloss instead of a standard paint when it comes to painting furniture. Gloss is often applied to wood or metal surfaces and is a thick, solvent based substance. For an alternative, you could possibly use acrylic paint for this type of work.
Matt and silk paints are available in a matt or gloss finish. Matt gives a flat, non-reflective look while silk produces a shiny, reflective coat.
Undercoats - dependant upon what type of surface is being painted, you might be required to apply a primer and an undercoat before painting on your top layer. This seals and evens out the surface which will give a polished finish.
Metal paints - You could use bituminous paint for iron fittings like pipes, tanks or gutters. This paint offers waterproof protection by forming a bituminous layer when dry.
Painting tips:
Test colours first on a small section of your wall and take into account the options for only a couple of days before you make your final choice. It is possible to even have a go at mixing paints to generate your ideal shade. Lighten with white, darken with black. Never throw left over paint down the drains, this could pollute water ways. Remember to check whether you will want to re-plaster the wall before you paint. Always remove wallpaper before painting and always keep the rooms well ventilated while working. In case you do choose to paint it yourself, be sure to use gloves and a great quality paintbrush. If you are not using the brush, keep it in a pot of warm water to avoid hardening of the brush or wrap it in cling film.
Author Resource:
I understand how hard it can be to carry out these tasks which I have written about in this article. I have used these tips on many painting projects over the years. I frequently go to a company called Painter London . They have some great ideas on how to save you money.
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