There are plenty of folks who love DIY projects around the house and many of them are very doable.  However, there is a lot to consider when you are getting ready to paint the interior or exterior of your home. Painting the interior of your home is one of the most underestimated home projects, in terms of your time, that you can take on.  Painting the exterior can be tricky and even dangerous if you don’t have the right equipment. Hiring professional painters will help you avoid a lot of headaches, so consider these facts before you make your final decision…

INTERIOR PAINTING

Before You Paint – Prep Work

What does this entail?  Go over the whole project with an expert eye to determine any problems. On the interior, look for nicks or nail holes in the drywall, allow time for cleaning surfaces and determine how many coats will be needed. Furniture must be moved away from the walls and protected. Many professionals include this in the estimate. Even if they don’t, having someone else move your heavy pieces is a big plus if you are unable to move the furniture yourself. At ColaTown Painting we do it all for you, so no worries.

Taping and tarping – These are two things that are very time consuming for most DIYers.  A professional painter usually doesn’t have to tape everything and they come prepared with the appropriate tarps and other coverings.  What might take them a few hours may take you all day.  

Ready to Paint

Tools for the task – You’ll need a lot more than just a paint brush and paint.  Professional painters have all the right tools, but if you decide to do the painting yourself you will need:

• Caulk or compound to fix hole/nicks and caulk around windows 
• Sandpaper or an electric sander
• Paint can opener
• Paint/primer (determine the amount needed for one coat or two)
• Stirrers
• Roller and roller covers
• Brushes (in a range of sizes)
• Paint trays
• Rags or old towels
• Extension pole or ladder
• Painter’s tape and tarps
• Paint spout (optional)

You will also need to estimate the amount of paint you need and pick it up from the paint store.  That may require several trips if you underestimate and wasted dollars if you overestimate. Be sure you consider what type of sheen is best for your different rooms, hallways and trim.  Check out our guide on Flat, Satin, Semi-Gloss, or Eggshell .

To prime or not to prime – Many paints on today’s market include primer and that may be sufficient if you are not changing colors.  However, if you are going from a darker color to a lighter color priming first is highly recommended for the perfect paint job, so don’t skimp.  Primer can also be tinted to the color you have chosen to use.  This allows for a better, smoother paint job.

Finishing Up

Clean-up – When everything is said and done, this is the last BIG step.  Paint brushes must be cleaned, all other accessories need to be cleaned and stored, leftover paint needs to be shelved in a temperature controlled area for possible future touch-ups, partially empty or empty paint cans must be disposed of properly (which means they can’t just be tossed in the trash – you may have to find a hazardous waste site), and furniture must be replaced. 

DID YOU KNOW?  65 Million gallons of paint are thrown out each year in the U.S.  You may want to save it for touch ups.  However, if you are not going to keep it be sure to check with the county you live in for proper disposal or consider donating it to a non-profit that rehabs homes.

EXTERIOR PAINTING

Many of the same things need to be considered before you decide whether to DIY or use professional painters to paint the exterior of your home.  Your home may need to be pressure washed to remove dirt and grime.  After drying for a day any damaged surfaces should be repaired and any loose paint that still remains should be removed. 

PREPARING THE EXTERIOR

Caulking any cracks or holes should be done next and any surface stains should be primed.  Remember, if you are going darker to lighter you will probably need to prime the entire house. However, if you are painting over with the same color, priming may not be necessary as long as the pressure washing cleans away any dirt.  Also, cover and protect any light fixtures, doors and windows with plastic and painter’s tape.

Now it’s time to paint. Many professional painters use a paint sprayer, but it takes practice to use one without making mistakes. Whether you use a sprayer or brush and rollers, get the proper equipment and ladders ready before you start and if you are “DIYing it” be sure to have at least one other person to spot you and hold the ladder.  Never attempt anything dangerous, like standing on the top step of a ladder or reaching too far.

CHOOSING COLORS

Have you given much thought to your interior or exterior colors? Although we will use any paint brand you select we trust the quality and variety of Sherwin-Williams.  If you need help, consider using their virtual color consultation and read our blog posts on choosing interior colors or choosing exterior colors.  

 DIY can be fun and exciting and it provides a great deal of satisfaction when the job is done, but remember the old saying – time is money.  With a professional painter you are paying not only for their time, but their expertise. Only you can make the final decision about what you want to tackle, but if we can help… let us know!

Need professional painters?  Call us today to schedule a free estimate! 1-803-603-6486 or ellisb@colatownpainting.com

Please leave your comments or questions below. Let us know there is something you would like to see in our blog posts.  We welcome your input.