Indeed, there are many different ways to add value to a house. Painting, by far, is the least expensive and quickest way to decorate it.

If you’re putting up your house for sale or rent, you should be aware that potential buyers or renters can get turned off by a lot of factors. Cracks, blisters, and peeling paint are just some of the things that can leave a bad impression.

From the perspective of a person looking to buy or rent a property, they are looking to invest in something as close to their needs as possible. At the very least, these people want something they can call a home without having to shell out more for redecorating.

Painting, when done right, can do a lot more than merely giving a house a fresh look. Here are a few other reasons why it’s essential.

• It enhances a home’s curb appeal
• Protects from elements
• Promotes healthy indoor air quality
• Keeps dust and dirt away
• Invites positive energy

Especially for a seller, freshly painted walls means one less thing to worry about before putting their house on the market. As long as all other aspects of your home has been maintained properly, you will have no problem passing any surveys from potential buyers because aspects like mould, cracks, and peels will have been dealt with.

Is hiring a professional painter necessary?

The answer is yes and no.

Hiring a professional painter is a good idea for the following reasons.

• It will take less time for the project to be completed
• Professionals have the right tools to achieve a quality paint job
• Having a professional do the job lowers the risk of getting yourself injured
• They know exactly what they’re doing and how to do it

But if you fancy doing the paint job yourself, you can do so by all means. It will take you longer to finish especially if you do it during your free time. However, the effort and time spent will all be worth it once you see the result.

Here’s a couple of tips to get you started in repainting your house. Most of these tips were provided by experts so if you follow them correctly; you should never go wrong.

Consider the type of paint and its price

Lots of options are available to consider when it comes to painting, and it can be overwhelming. In general, there are two types of paints based on the main ingredient — water-based and oil-based.

Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each.

Water-based paint

• Can be cleaned with soap and water
• More common than oil-based paint
• Dries quickly
• Less odor
• Will not last as long as its counterpart

Oil-based paint

• Dries very slowly
• Emits a strong solvent smell
• Very durable
• Stain-resistant
• Cleanup requires chemicals like paint thinner
• Provides a smoother and better-looking finish

Oil-based paints are best used on surfaces that take frequent beatings and abuse like exteriors, furniture, doors, trims, and floors. On the other hand, walls and ceilings should be okay with water-based paints since they won’t see a lot of wear and tear.

When it comes to prices, it’s best to plan a budget. Decide how much to spend on the project and buy the best paint you can afford while staying within the budget.

Note: take time to read the label on the can of the paint. Pay attention to specific instructions like how to prepare the surface as well as the working temperature the paint should be used under.

Don’t settle for cheap and low-quality brushes

High-quality paint is a good idea, and it’s only logical that they should be applied using high-quality brushes as well. Good brushes and roller provide excellent coverage and are worth every penny you spend.

The last thing you want is to waste time and do the paint job again because of cheap brushes. Quality brushes ensure that the job is finished quickly and easily. With a little effort to maintain, these brushes can last for many years.

Of course, you still need to consider your budget so be sure that you don’t overspend.

Prepping

The best paint, high-quality brushes, and your effort will all be for naught if you skip prep time. The thought of painting a house is stimulating, that’s for sure. But don’t get too excited and jump right away at painting.

Make sure that the surface you’re applying paint on is smooth and clean. Here are the things that need to be done before starting with the actual task.

• Remove fixtures like hooks and light switch covers
• Place drop cloths on the floor and on anything that needs to stay in the area that doesn’t need to be painted.
• Make sure that the surface is free of any dirt, dust, and grime. Soap and water should deal with them but make sure it’s dry before starting to paint.
• Dents and nail holes should be filled with pre-mixed filler and allowed to dry
• If there is existing paint that’s already peeling off or is flaking, scrape the area and remove the loose paint. Gently sand the area after to make sure that it’s smooth enough to allow the new paint to stick very well.
• Use a bleach solution if there are moulds present. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely.
• Texture and prime wall patches to avoid a blotchy finish.

Direct sunlight is an enemy

The best time to paint a house is when it’s cloudy. If you’re painting the outside of your home, it’s critical that you do it without direct sunlight.

Painting under direct sunlight or applying paint to a sun-baked surface will make the paint dry too fast. You don’t want this to happen because it will cause the paint not to adhere well. It can also lead to paint blisters and flaking.

Another thing that needs to be considered is safety. When you paint on a sunny day, the sun will shine on the wall. Too much glare and reflection can hurt your eyes in the process.

It goes without saying that you should only paint outside if there’s no chance of rain falling.

Start from the top

Always start painting from the highest area going to down.

It may seem like it’s more tiring painting from top to bottom, but there’s a good reason behind it. Painting this way allows you to catch any drips and not ruin a freshly painted area if you start the other way around.

Obviously, a ladder is an essential tool for this task. As such, don’t overreach too far or you might topple over and be injured. It’s more work to climb down, move the ladder, and climb back up. But that’s better than being injured.

Conclusion

Regardless of the reason why you need to repaint your house, these tips are useful in completing the job. And one last tip. If you don’t have the confidence to paint your home, don’t be afraid to seek a professional’s help. They’ll be more than glad to help you achieve the results you want.

Author Bio

Emma is a part-time property developer who loves sharing how others can make their homes amazing both inside and out on her blog Fixtures and Flowers. You can chat to Emma on Twitter.