Whether you just moved into a new home or felt the need for a change, painting the walls a new color can significantly impact how the space looks, even more so than purchasing new furniture or appliances. The space is shaped by color, the tone is set by color, and the perception of the size of a room can even be altered by color. When you select a paint color for a room, you want to consider its architectural details in the house and establish a flow from one room to another. Given that we spend such a significant portion of our lives within the confines of our homes, it is natural that the paint on our walls should be taken seriously.
In this article, you will be able to learn more about painting and understand why it is important getting your property painted.
Reasons to Paint Your Property
You might be curious why it is necessary to paint your house, but the advantages of painting your house outweigh its drawbacks. It is not only a fast and simple method for giving your home a stylish update, but it can also add more financial value and help you keep those annoying maintenance costs to a minimum.
Here are several reasons to consider painting your house.
A. Raises the resale value if planning to sell the property.
A freshly painted interior or exterior can significantly impact the final value of your home, especially if the work was done within the last year.
It would help if you considered giving your house a new coat of paint at some point. Compared to remodeling, painting your Danville home is a tried-and-true, cost-effective way to increase the value of your investment. Additionally, painting your home is a surefire way to get your money’s worth when you sell it.
Painting your home’s interiors and exterior will unquestionably raise the value of your property. A recently painted home will increase in value, and more people will likely be interested in purchasing it.
B. Improves the curb appeal.
First impressions are crucial. Have you ever driven by a stylish house that stands out in a neighborhood where all the other houses look the same? That is known as neighborhood curb appeal, and it is one of many reasons to paint your home.
The aesthetic value of your home isn’t just for you; if you’re considering selling, exterior paint can significantly increase your potential curb appeal. Curb appeal is unrelated to home value or personal appeal; instead, it is about setting the right tone when a prospective buyer first sees your home. Consider it a potential sale—if they like the exterior, they will likely venture in for more details and have a better chance of purchasing.
C. Using better quality (low-VOC or zero-VOC) paint improves the indoor air quality in and around your home.
Did you know one of the advantages of painting your house is that it improves your health? That’s right: by using quality paints with little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), you’re not only enhancing the look of your home. You are also improving the air you and your family breathe. This is good since you spend the most time together in your home. So, if you wonder why you should paint your home, take a deep breath and remember it can always be fresher with the right paint.
If any of your family suffer from allergies or asthma or are chemically sensitive, painting with zero- or low-VOC paints is an excellent option for your home. New coats of paint can also reduce dust and other allergens, further improving the air quality in your home.
D. Hides stains and imperfections.
Every house has imperfections and flaws. Using your home over time leaves dents, dings, and marks on the walls. Removing these flaws and painting the interior of your house can make it look more pristine and new.
Extreme weather conditions like heavy rain or sunlight can impact your home’s exterior. It may result in exterior surface cracking, peeling, or dampness. An exterior paint coat quickly covers stains and damage.
E. Protects the surface.
It’s unsettling and eerie how the walls are peeling and cracking. Fresh paint can help stop staining and peeling.
By having the interior painted, you can protect your house today and stop the damage from happening both inside and outside of your walls in the future. Most interior walls are constructed from moisture-absorbing materials. Over time, excessive absorption can cause walls to become compromised, which is risky for the structural integrity of your house. Mold growth is accelerated by interior wall moisture, which may have adverse health effects. Paint is made to prevent moisture from penetrating your home’s porous walls.
F. Creates an inviting feel.
Painting can be one of the best tools to make your home more comfortable because it is relatively inexpensive to update your house. Your home might not feel like a place where you truly feel at home if you haven’t painted it recently and have older colors that you either don’t like anymore or didn’t choose. Making your home’s colors appealing is more important because many people work from home and spend more time at home.
Are you having a beach itch but being miles from any bodies of water? Or how about a tranquil meadow covered in luscious vegetation? You can be transported to your favorite vacation spot by the right shade of blue or green. You should feel a little lighter. Using some white or light paint, you can create the impression that a room is larger and more airy. Colors can significantly influence your entire perspective on your living circumstances. Scientists and researchers have long studied the psychology of how colors affect people. There is a color to suit every mood, so don’t be afraid to consider the advantages of painting your home. For you and your family, color will improve your quality of life.
G. Helps you stay within Home Owner Association (HOA) compliance.
Maintaining a positive relationship with the homeowners association of your residence should always be a priority. A fine from your homeowner’s association (HOA) can adversely affect your day, especially if they impose a penalty because you have neglected the appearance of your house. One important reason to paint your house is to ensure you comply with the standards set forth by HOA. You are accomplishing two goals – making your home look more appealing and reducing expenses. Such a win-win!
Paint Types
Many paints are available for use in the home and commercial properties. Acrylic paints are the most commonly used type of paint available. They have excellent color retention and are very long-lasting, and you can get them in various sheen options. In addition to those, some paints are elastomeric, paints that are DTM (direct-to-metal), and paints that are epoxy.
A. Acrylic
Acrylic paint is the choice for any nature enthusiast out there.
Acrylic paint is remarkable because it is a paint that is water-based and offers the advantages of both oil and water-based paints. It dries rapidly after application, yet it is tough enough to withstand any amount of foot traffic that may occur inside. Additionally, it can preserve its color for an extended period. Acrylic paint is available in several different varieties, including:
- Acrylic latex
- Acrylic enamel
- Acrylic latex enamel
Acrylic enamel paints are not a combination of paints based on water or oil. The increased longevity of the paint contributed to the naming of this product. When purchasing acrylic paint, it is essential always to check the can, as the name of the paint does not always indicate whether it contains acrylic or latex.
The best part is that acrylic paint does not contain any chemicals, which means it is effective and safe to use anywhere in your house.
B. Oil-based
Oil-based paints are rarely used to paint house exteriors and walls. We only use them now when painting cabinets and installing new construction trim and doors. They cannot be used in a furnished and occupied home because spraying oil on trim is extremely difficult and dangerous. Brushing oil is not recommended because it is not a workable/brushable material.
Compared to their water-based counterparts, oil paints typically have a much more difficult time adhering to surfaces. On the other hand, more recent paint technologies produced by reputable brands are gradually rendering oil-based paint obsolete in favor of ever-more-durable acrylic solutions.
Oil-based paints have several qualities, both positive and negative, including the following:
- They dry out and cure slowly.
- When it comes to cleaning brushes and messes, chemical solvents are required.
- In most cases, they have a longer lifespan than acrylic paints.
- Oil produces a finish that is tougher and smoother.
C. Elastomeric
Elastomeric paint is a thick coating used to protect masonry surfaces. These coatings protect your stucco from wind-driven rain and, when properly applied, can create a waterproof system. Remember that elastomeric paints can be over-prescribed and may not be required for your project. When misused, these coatings may cause more harm than good.
Advantages:
- Superior hide – Often, fewer coats are required to achieve the desired results.
- Waterproofing properties – When applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions, elastomeric paint can act as a waterproof system for a home.
Protects from wind-driven rain – Rain that is driven by strong winds can damage paint coatings.
- Compared to other types of house paint, elastomeric paint has a greater resistance to moisture and heat.
Disadvantages:
- It is possible that utilizing elastomeric paint is not required if your house already has a coating applied to it and the coating is in good condition. Most paints designed for use on the exterior of houses cover more square feet per gallon, which means that you will require less paint to finish the job.
If your stucco already has multiple coats of paint, applying an additional coat of elastomeric paint could be counterproductive. Paints with an elastomeric coating have a higher build and a heavier weight than other types of paint.
- It is possible for the coating underneath the elastomeric paint to be pulled away from the stucco because of the weight of the elastomeric paint if the coating has not adhered tightly to the substrate.
D. Direct-to-metal (DTM)
The acronym DTM is very evocative of what it is. This coating is meant to be applied directly to a metal substrate; once it has been done, the painted structure will have an appearance that is both architecturally pleasing and protected from the effects of weathering. In addition, this type of coating also calls for a minimal amount of surface preparation and simultaneously serves as both a primer and a topcoat.
When trying to cover the metal with standard coatings, applicators run into several challenges, which can be alleviated with DTM paints, which have been developed specifically to be compatible with metal. DTMs have a wide variety of applications within the scope of projects.
The following are different kinds of DTM paints that are available on the market:
- Waterborne Acrylic DTM – This variety of DTM has low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it safe and inflammable-free for the environment. It applies to environments both inside and outside the building.
- Solvent-Based DTM – This coating is well-known for its relatively simple application process. On the other hand, it typically has a higher VOC content, making it less environmentally safe. Additionally, paints based on solvents have a higher risk of catching fire.
E. Epoxy
Epoxy paint is an option that is both budget-friendly and useful for concrete floors in various industrial settings. Because epoxy is mixed into the paint during manufacturing, epoxy paint is unquestionably more long-lasting than regular paint. Epoxy is added to the paint mixture, which results in the paint being more durable, tough, resistant to corrosion, and easy to maintain. It is well-known and can be utilized in many contexts.
Pros:
- Resistant – One option for a durable floor covering is epoxy. It can withstand intense heat, various chemicals, water, and shock. It is ideally suited for use in garages, where vehicles emit corrosive chemicals.
- Cost-effective – Your existing flooring can have epoxy paint added to it, saving you time and money instead of removing the flooring.
- Long-lasting – Epoxy has a lengthy lifespan once applied, even though it takes some time. It has a high resistance to wear and tear, is exceptionally stable, and can withstand a significant amount of foot traffic.
- Protection – Epoxy will protect your flooring from stains, cracking, and general wear and tear by acting almost like a shield and protecting it.
- Maintenance – Epoxy is dust-resistant. Epoxy prevents dust from settling and circulating by creating a layer that acts as a barrier. Additionally, it produces a uniformly smooth and flat surface, making it simple to clean with a broom, mop, or vacuum.
Cons:
- Slippery – Epoxy-painted floors are generally skid-resistant; oil-covered epoxy can be extremely slippery. When wet, this can be dangerous. Epoxy paint is not recommended for areas prone to spills or water on the floor.
- Temporary – Even though epoxy is durable and resistant, it will need to be replaced at some point. Wear and tear take their toll daily, and chips and cracks may appear. When this happens, you’ll need to apply another coat of epoxy paint to keep things looking good. This can be an issue in an area where heavy objects are dropped onto the floor, such as a gym.
- Application – It takes a lot of planning to ensure that your epoxy paint is applied correctly. Fill in all cracks and thoroughly clean away all grease, oil, and dirt. The application process is also time-consuming and exhausting. It can take several days for epoxy paint to dry properly, and you must wait until the first coat is completely dry before you apply another coat.
- Removal – Changing the color, design, or epoxy removal can be costly and time-consuming.
Where Paints are Used
A. Acrylic
Acrylic is utilized both on the inside and outside of residential buildings.
Acrylic paints, in addition to possessing powerful adhesion properties, also tend to flake and break less frequently than other types of paint. Because of this, acrylic paint is frequently utilized when painting surfaces found outside, as well as the interior walls of rooms that see a great deal of foot traffic, such as the living room and the kitchen. Acrylic paints have chemical components that make them resistant to mildew and oil-borne and airborne dust. This resistance is what makes acrylic paints so popular when home painting in Danville.
B. Oil-based
Oil-based paints are typically applied in areas previously painted with oil-based paints. Painters should use oil-based paint for any surface where they want the finish to last for a long time and do not intend to change the color frequently. Oil-based paints are durable and can withstand regular contact, making them ideal for moldings and trims.
C. Elastomeric
In both the interiors and exteriors of commercial buildings, elastomeric is utilized. In addition, it is intended for use in the construction of buildings made of masonry and concrete to prevent water from entering the interiors of buildings. Because the flexible film can cover and hide even the tiniest cracks, working toward creating uniform surfaces free of pinholes can be accomplished more quickly.
D. Direct-to-metal
The application of DTM paints is possible on either the interior or exterior of metal surfaces. Due to the strong adhesive properties of the coating, it is possible to apply it to various metals, even if it is water-based acrylic paint. In addition, it does not absorb water. It will not deteriorate as it is exposed to the elements, providing an additional layer of defense for any structures situated in environments that are open to the elements.
DTM paints have several benefits, including protecting the metal from rust and corrosion. This is in addition to giving metal structures an aesthetically pleasing finish. The fact that these coatings can serve two purposes and are simple to apply also contributes to their widespread use.
E. Epoxy
Epoxy is typically applied to the concrete floors found inside buildings. Epoxy can be utilized on various floor types, including patios, kitchen floors, bathroom floors, garage floor coverings, and basement floors. For this reason, the epoxy coating has emerged as a superior choice for flooring.
Paint Sheens and Why Use Them
You can find a vast amount of knowledge about the various paint sheens available with a search online. It may help you to learn about them and the applications for them. Paints with a gloss sheen, whether gloss or semi-gloss, are the easiest to clean among all paint finishes.
A. Flat
Sheen is the least present in flat paints. The benefits are that the paint conceals flaws well, and the painted surface creates very little glare. One main disadvantage is that it is difficult to clean. The paint may come off on the sponge if you rub the surface. For these reasons, flat paint is typically only used on home ceilings.
B. Eggshell
Since this kind of paint has a moderate amount of sheen, it can hide imperfections to some degree and generates a relatively small amount of glare. Additionally, it is easy to clean. Because of these qualities, it has become the material of choice for decorating the walls of all living areas except kitchens and bathrooms.
C. Satin
This paint is comparable to eggshell and may even be a half-step glossier than eggshell in some cases. Some manufacturers offer satin in place of eggshell, while others offer both. Make use usually in high-traffic areas such as playrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
D. Semi-gloss
This option is used for trim, railings, and cabinets because it is more durable, has some shine, and is simple to clean. Glossier paints can be utilized in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other comparable spaces because of their superior washability and resistance to moisture. It is also acceptable to use eggshell or satin in these areas, provided that the surfaces continue to be dry, but using a semi-gloss finish is the superior choice overall.
E. High-gloss
Since it is easy to clean and durable, gloss paint is preferred for use on cabinet trim, doors, accent walls, and cabinets. In addition, it reflects a great deal of light, which causes the colors of these minute but detailed elements to stand out.
Can Property Owners Paint the Property?
A. Benefits of working with professionals
To begin, it is laborious work because you have to tape and protect a significant quantity of items, often more than once. This results in fatigue or a feeling of being overwhelmed, which can then lead to taking shortcuts, which ultimately leads to a result of lower quality. In addition, a significant amount of painting work is completed in locations that call for the utilization of extension ladders or step ladders. Accidents involving ladders can cause severe injuries if the user does not have adequate training or experience.
B. Actions that property owners may undertake
It is wise to let the professionals you hire handle the preparation, painting, and cleanup duties. This ensures that the necessary preparations are made and that no additional work is required.
C. Advantages of hiring an expert
The most significant advantage of hiring a professional painter is that you can save time! A non-trained home or business owner could spend at least a week painting their property, but it would only take a painting crew a few days to finish the same job that would take them longer.
Things to Consider When Hiring a Painter
A. How long has the company been in business?
In general, you should look for a painter who is well-known in the industry and has been in business for more than a few years. To make sure the painting contractors in Danville you hire are a good fit for the job, you should check their references and qualifications. Talking to the people the potential painters have collaborated with in the past is an excellent way to find new painters to hire for the job. You should go to previous projects and see the work for yourself.
B. Do they have a license?
Before beginning a painting project, you must gather important information about the contractor. Make it a priority to collect the essentials, such as their name, address, and phone number. Remember to ask for their license number and proof that they have worker’s compensation and liability insurance. Having these credentials ready and waiting will be beneficial if there are any complications.
C. Are they insured and bonded?
Painting businesses that professionals run ought to have worker’s compensation insurance in addition to general liability insurance. If an employee were hurt on the job, they are covered by worker’s compensation and protected from financial hardship. It absolves you of any responsibility if they sustain an injury while on your property. General liability insurance covers you and your property if a contractor or a team member damages it. Consider requesting a copy of the insurance certificates so you can go through them and verify that they are current.
D. Do they have employees or contractors on their team?
Regardless of whether you have residential or commercial painting done, you have the absolute right to be informed about the individuals working on your property. Remember that just because someone says they are an expert in their field doesn’t mean you should automatically put your faith in them. In addition, make sure you ask the company if it conducts background checks on potential employees before hiring them. This can provide peace of mind that your home or place of business will be secure.
E. Do they provide a written estimate and warranty?
Always request a written estimate and contract so you are sure to avoid surprises. It is best not to work with a contractor who refuses to put your contract in writing. Get at least three estimates and request that the professionals break down the pricing into materials, labor, and paint.
Consider details such as their labor rate, level of experience, and estimated project timeline, as well as compare quotes from different pros. Please inquire about the type and brand of paint they intend to use, the number of coats of paint they intend to apply, and any additional costs.
F. Will they provide names and contact information for past clients?
Even if a contractor has years of experience, you want to check their references and review their portfolio. This step allows you to evaluate their work’s quality and determine whether they would be a good fit for the project you are working on. You can contact previous customers and ask them about their experiences with the services provided, how well the job has held up over time, the quality of customer service they received, and other similar topics by using a reference list. If a contractor is unwilling to provide you with a list of references, this is almost certainly a red flag.
Conclusion
Painting your house is the best reason to paint your property because it completely transforms the atmosphere of your home, making it one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve the look of your building. Especially if professionals handle it, your property’s value increases and becomes more attractive and