Painting Ideas To Keep Cost Down

Painting Ideas To Keep Cost Down

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People are moving home less because of recession and they are daring to experiment with new design ideas. This means that they are having a go at painting their homes in bold colours and moving away from the neutral, beige trend of the past. As well as choosing something to suit their personal style. Look at the rooms you plan on repainting, consider their size, shape and function as well as the type of furniture they hold. These things will all influence which paint you choose, for example, a small room can be made to look bigger with light colours, a kitchen will benefit from humidity resistant paint, you might want a shade that compliments your existing furniture. Remember, paint is not just for walls, you can also use it on window frames, skirting boards or furniture. Using one colour or varying shades of the same colour in a room can really create a cohesive look, especially if you have a lot of mismatched furniture.

Types of paint:
Solvent based paint - these paints have high volumes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are harmful to the environment, especially if it is poured down the sink. Eco paints are now available which contain no VOCs; these even include new odour reducing paint and self cleaning paints.

Make sure you choose the correct paint type for your project:
Water based paints - these are a much more environmentally friendly option that doesnt reek of chemicals. The downside is that water based paint isnt quite as durable and thick as the solvent kind - so you may want to apply more than one coat.

Emulsion paints - these water based paints are ideal for ceilings and walls because theyre thicker and easy to apply. Humidity resistant emulsion paints have also been developed for use in steamy rooms like kitchens or bathrooms.

Gloss - you might want to use a gloss rather than standard paint when it comes to painting furniture. Gloss is often applied to wood or metal surfaces and is a thick, solvent based substance. As an alternative, you could use acrylic paint for this type of work.

Matt and silk paints are available in a matt or gloss finish. Matt gives a flat, non-reflective look whereas silk results in a shiny, reflective coat.

Undercoats - depending on what type of surface is being painted, you may want to apply a primer and an undercoat before painting on your top layer. This seals and evens out the surface which will give a polished finish.

Metal paints - You can use bituminous paint for iron fittings like pipes, tanks or gutters. This paint offers waterproof protection by forming a bituminous layer when dry.

Painting tips:
Test colours first on a small section of the wall and consider the options for a few days before you make your final decision. You can even try mixing paints to create your ideal shade. Lighten with white, darken with black. Never throw left over paint down the drains, this could pollute water ways. Remember to check whether you will want to re-plaster the wall before you paint. Always remove wallpaper before painting and always keep the rooms well ventilated while working. If you do choose to paint it yourself, make sure you use gloves and a good quality paintbrush. When you are not using the brush, keep it in a pot of warm water to prevent hardening of the brush or wrap it in cling film.

About the Author:
I understand how hard it can be to carry out these tasks which I have written about in this article. I have used these tips on many painting projects over the years. I frequently go to a company called Decorators London. They have some great ideas on how to save you money.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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