Remodeling is rarely straightforward. Even simple aspects like painting have their quirks, and if you’re trying to mimic luxury homes, then you want everything to be absolutely perfect. With that in mind, here are the steps you need to take when repainting your house.
What’s it made of?
House materials differ. It could be made from wood, clay, earth, bricks, plaster, siding, etc. You have to know what you’re painting for a few reasons.
Different materials handle paint differently, and even common materials like wood and brick are two very different things to paint. Even then, there are also different types of wood and bricks. Special paint or painting techniques are sometimes required. Paint involves much more than just color after all — it also involves chemistry.
The paint may not stick or you may need extra coats because the material and paint don’t agree with each other. If the paint you choose ends up disagreeing with your house, you’ll have to scrape it and start over again. There’s also a difference between exterior and interior paint. Exterior paint must hold up to the elements, so it’s often specially formulated for that purpose.
Health and safety
Houses of a certain age can have lead and/or asbestos, which is why a home inspection is a good idea. Even if there are no hazardous materials, the material should be free of insects and mold. You can’t paint over nature.
If there are hazardous materials, there are procedures and laws you have to follow to dispose of them. Ideally, you just have to seal it in concrete and paint over it, but the costs can add up in more complex situations.
Colors
If you live under the umbrella of a homeowners’ association, they may have a say over your home’s exterior color. Before buying paint, consult them for the range of acceptable colors. As a consolation, they can’t do much about the inside of your house.
Other times, there are questionable colors and/or combinations. The colors of your house should complement rather than contradict each other. This goes for every aspect of your house’s trim and features. After a navy blue door installation, for instance, choose a specific color that goes well with it for the surrounding walls.
A color might conflict with the style of the house, as well. For example, as unfortunate as it is, there have been hot pink Victorian mansions! Whatever color you choose, make sure you won’t regret it in the future. You especially don’t want a bad color choice to affect your property values. When in doubt, go with a timeless neutral color.
Finishes
Color can change under certain light. Consider how it reacts with water and other elements it may come in contact with. When putting a finish on anything, research potential reactions and test it out in the natural light of the room.
Functionality
Homes are built with certain materials for a reason. The chosen material could be financially feasible or it could match the location. Stucco, for example, is used in hot and humid environments where plaster isn’t a good idea. Choose paint that works with the material of your home to make it more beautiful rather than choosing new siding that won’t mesh with your location or budget.
Get help
Although you can probably complete a painting job alone, you might not have to. There are professional painters who can do the job. Resources like Angie’s List are invaluable. Reviews, online or offline are a great, unbiased source of information to help you choose a qualified candidate. You need unbiased, reliable information when hiring someone to work on your home.
Lastly, carefully considering paint before applying it is important to ensuring a strong finish. It might just be cosmetic, but it can make a big difference in your property values and your comfort at home.
