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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Home Painting Tips Oak Lawn IL

A well-planned paint job can add texture and dimension to your home’s surroundings. Choosing the right color or color story can tie in your existing furnishings, update them and create a real flow in your home.

A Primer in Painting, Color Selection and Art Finishing

So, you want to paint your home. A well-planned paint job can add texture and dimension to your surroundings. Choosing the right color or color story can tie in your existing furnishings, update them and create a real flow in your home. I’ve been in the painting business for over 20 years as the president and primary consultant for Renaissance Painters. Here’s an overview to give you some basic guidelines to help you get started.

Who Will Do the Job?

The first step is determining whether you’re going to hire someone or do this yourself. Hiring someone means you have to get a referral from someone you know and trust or you get at least three recent references from a contractor. Prices and workmanship will vary widely, so make sure you interview the contractor thoroughly to get an idea of how they work.

The home reno market is still hot and contractors are busy – busy enough to turn work down, double book and hold up your job. Communicate your time lines and make sure you are clear about what you want and when you want it. Most contractors want to get the job done so they can move on to the next project. The more prepared everyone is up front, the more likely the job will run smoothly.

Preparing to Paint

The second big step is site preparation – and this applies to both the contractor and the do-it-yourself homeowner. Make sure the walls are smooth. Any bumps are cracks or rough spots need to be plastered, sanded and thoroughly wiped off. Take all pictures and hooks off the walls and fill in all holes, however small.

Tape, cover and protect your floors and furniture. Make sure the contractor treats your rooms and furnishings with the same care that you would. Use a good quality primer over the existing paint. It will even the tone and punch out the color on your walls.

Testing for Color

Many people pick their paint color by looking at a chip or by taping that 1"x 2” piece of cardboard on the wall. The more cautious put a stroke on the wall and look at it at some point during the day. Then, after the job is finished they look at it and say to themselves “That’s not the colour I picked. It looks awful.” To truly test a color in a room, paint an entire wall – primer plus two coats – and look at it in the morning, afternoon and night. Make sure it’s what you want.

When it comes to colour you have to consider what you like first. You’re going to live with it. Don’t pick something that’s “in” if you don’t like it. Second, look at the colours you have in your home in your furniture and art. Consider choosing a hue or tone that’s common in the furnishings or a good complement to them. Finally, unless you really like painting, pick something that will last for…

Posted on 12/31 at 01:39 PM
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