So Fresh n’ So Clean: The Magic of Paint
I’m continually amazed at what a fresh coat of paint can do. It can breathe new life into almost anything, I’m convinced! Paint has remodeling power when you use it to emphasize a room’s best features or play down the flaws. Paint is one of the most economical upgrades for your home and can give it a whole new appeal while feeling “fresh & clean!”
4 SIGNS YOU NEED NEW PAINT:
- handprints or pawprints on the walls (as the saying goes…”a messy house is the sign of an awesome life!” Yeah, that isn’t the saying at all, but I have taken some liberties! I’m a mess too, but dingy walls are an easy fix!)
- Horrid Colors (the previous owners painted the walls tangerine? And your furniture is purple?–Might be time for a change!)
- The Cave Effect – Room colors are so dark that every room looks like a cave
- Boredom –Yes, this is a legit reason! 😉 Tastes change, change them with paint. Luckily, paint isn’t forever, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
WHICH COLOR?
If you are looking for a spa-like zen atmosphere (and especially if the home is going to be for sale soon!), go neutral! You can still add personality, just keep it in the neutral family with crisp white trim!
Go to your local hardware store and get a few samples in the tones you would like to use. Take them home and tape them to the wall, that way you can see how the colors look in the light and at different times of day in your home!
BUT….WHICH SHEEN TO USE?
FLAT PAINT – Flat paint is common for use on ceilings. Flat paint sheen will also help to hide/diminish flaws and is the cheapest paint available. However, flat paint cannot be wiped clean without leaving marks, so I would not use it on walls–especially in bathrooms, kitchens and other high traffic areas; or if you have kids or pets. NEVER paint walls in a flat sheen in a rent house, they are too easy to scuff and dirty up.
SATIN FINISH – Satin is the middle man between Flat and Gloss. It is more durable than flat paint (more easily wiped) but not as easily wipe able as Semi-Gloss or High Gloss.
SEMI-GLOSS – I recommend most walls painted in semi-gloss. It is easily wiped clean and leaves a nice finish that will last much longer than a flat paint.
HIGH GLOSS – There is nothing sexier (yes, sexier! ha!) than high gloss crisp white painted trim! I would suggest reserving the high gloss for the woodwork and trim only, if you paint on the walls it will reflect so much light that it will highlight every imperfection on a wall.
More about paint sheens
If you would like my favorite paint pics from local suppliers, I’m happy to make suggestions. I LOVE seeing before & afters on paint projects–because it literally is always such an amazing transformation!
I am working on a few projects of my own. Once I finish, I will be sure to make a before & after post!
Lisa E. Priest
Texas REALTOR®
Picket Fence Realty, Inc.
voice / text: 903-948-3343
[email protected]
www.RentPalestine.com – www.BuyPalestine.com
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