Painting is one of the most inexpensive ways of improving the aesthetics and value of your home with little effort. It has been said that one’s choice of colour for the exterior and the rooms in a home is a reflection of one’s personality. Although some may not put much thought into the colour choice for a room, it really does influence us every day. Colour affects the mood and interior design of a home.
There are certain things you should know before you begin the actual paint job. If you would prefer to do the painting yourself, these 3 ideas will make your job much easier and ensure that you achieve the desired effect you have in mind. However, if you would rather use a professional, you can find some of the best exterior house painting in Ottawa.
- Test the paint colour
It is a good idea to first sample the paint colour so as to make sure it suits your lighting and looks good on your walls. Allow the paint to dry. Observe the way it looks both in daytime and night time. You can try out a few samples if you are unsure of which colour would best fit. You might be surprised that the colour you consider your favourite doesn’t actually fit, and that you like some colours you didn’t expect you would.
- Prep the room
Prepping the room before you begin painting makes your paint job easy. Move all furniture to the centre of the room and cover them with drop clothes or old sheets. You should also consider wiping down the walls so as to get rid of dust and dirt. Remove debris to allow the paint to adhere nicely and retain its colour. Fill in any cracks and/or holes on the walls with spackling, use tape to protect wall sockets, light switches, and any other surfaces that you would not want the paint to touch. Finally, spread drop clothes, or newspapers over the floor.
- Use the right finish
The finish or sheen matters as much as the colour. A flat paint finish hides the imperfections on the wall but is more susceptible to damage. A high gloss finish is easier to clean and more durable; however, it highlights the imperfections on the wall. Oftentimes, the best finish to go for would be an eggshell finish. It is easy to clean, is not as susceptible to damage like a flat paint finish; and although it provides some gloss, it does not highlight the imperfections on the wall.
