New interior Painting in Alamo can alter the way you feel about your home as well as change the appearance of it. There is a good bit of prep work to do before painting your Alamo home. So before you start prepping, consider this advice about which paints you use.
There is a huge difference between painting when you want to and painting when you have to. If you want to have paint that lasts until you decide to paint again, you will want to follow these tips:
- Buy the best quality paint you can afford
- Prepare your home’s interior before starting to paint
- Use the right tools for the job
Custom Painting, Inc., and other licensed painters in Alamo, understands how to achieve the best interior painting results. For them, following those three tips with every painting job they take.
The old adage that you get what you pay for is true, especially when it comes to paint. For the best results, choose the better quality paints. They may cost more, but the quality is so much better. They stand up to wear better than cheaper paints. Higher quality paints also contain more titanium providing better coverage. This means you won’t have to paint as often and that equates to savings. High quality paints are also more likely to have additives that will help resist mildew or insulate your home which could help you save money on heating and cooling costs.
Consider the paint’s sheen when you purchase it. High gloss paint is more durable and will clean easily with mild soap and water. It is also less likely to nick or fade. This type of paint is generally used in kitchens, trim and doors. Semi-gloss paint is commonly used in bathrooms. Eggshell paint is often used for the walls and flat will be used on the ceilings.
Have you chosen a color yet? Did you know you can help a small room appear bigger using paint? Light colors will help to make a room open up. Use a darker shade on one wall to create interest. Before choosing paint, consider natural light sources in the room. The amount of light and time of day can make paint take on a different hue. You will also want to consider the room’s furnishings, carpeting and draperies before choosing paint colors.
Take your time before painting a whole room. Test the paint by painting a small area, getting larger paint chips or painting poster board and placing a piece on each wall of the room. This will enable you to see how natural light affects the color, helps you visualize the paint with your furnishings and can save you from choosing the wrong paint and having to repaint because it wasn’t right.
Do you know the right tools for the painting job you have planned? The type of paint, either latex or oil-based, can determine the type of brush you use. Brushes with nylon bristles are often best for water-based (or latex) paints. If you choose oil-based paints, you’ll want to use natural bristle paint brushes. At a minimum you will need a 2” angled sash paintbrush and a 3” trim brush. Rollers will also be needed. The longer the nap (3/8” or more) will be used for textured surfaces while you can get by with 1/4” up to 3/8” for smoother surfaces. If you choose to do the painting, a paint store can help you. However, a licensed painter in Alamo will have the needed tools and choose the right one for the job.
Take time to prep the surfaces being painted. You may need to scrape and sand chipped paint. Holes and cracks will need to be filled in and allowed to dry completely before sanding. Wash the walls to remove dust and dirt and allow thorough drying time. Remember to remove plug covers and light switch plates. A primer is best used if there are stains or consistent color is important.
You may have questions about the time needed to do all of these things. Are you concerned about buying tools that aren’t needed or too little paint? This is where a licensed painter can help. They understand what is needed and can do the job quickly with great results when you’re ready for painting your Alamo home. In the end, by using a painter, you could save both time and money.