Interior painting for home improvement

Posted by namma painters on March 8th, 2016

Whether you are repainting an entire house, or just touching up the corner of a room, painting is an important part of home-ownership (and even renting). Knowing this, we've published quite a few articles on painting over the years, all of which were written by professional painters and home improvement experts. We've rounded up all of our favorite painting tips articles into one handy guide. It's time to paint!

Interior painting is one home improvement project that can quickly refresh your home's interior for relatively little time and money. When hiring a contractor to paint the interior of your home, consider these tips:

1. Check for lead paint.  Hire a qualified professional painter to check it out before you begin any work. Some older homes still have lead paint in the original layers.

2. Preparation for paint. Paint preparation is the foundation for the entire job — if done correctly your paint will perform to its fullest potential. If done incorrectly, the best paint will crack, peel, or chip easily. Make any necessary repairs before you start your painting project. Dirty walls should be cleaned. Greasy deposits and soap scum can interfere with paint's adhesion. Professional painters prepares best paint.

3. Hiring a professional. The contract should include what will be done and the products used. This includes the type and amount of surface preparation, priming and type of primer, and the brand of paint. Also include how many coats of paint will be included.

4. Pick a paint color. Keep in mind the perceived space of the room. Dark colors tend to make a room look smaller, while light colors open up the space. Test drive your color by investing in a quart-sized (or smaller) can of paint in the color you’re thinking of using before you buy a bigger (and more expensive) can. Paint a small portion of your wall and watch the color in different lights throughout the day so you don’t get stuck with a color that only looks how you want it to look in broad daylight. Stick with neutral colors if you’re planning to sell your home. Keep in mind that buyers want to be able to visualize their things in your home.

6. Choose a finish. If you have many imperfections on your walls, consider a flat paint, but keep in mind flat paint is harder to clean. An eggshell finish has slight shine/gloss and is also good for walls, but holds up better with cleaning. A general rule is the higher the sheen, the better it will stand up to washing and cleaning.