Paints/Coatings

Selecting paints and remodeling an existing home or painting a new house can be quite an experience.  You want your home to look the best, so it's important to select the right kind of paints. Here are some good tips on picking out quality house paints and preparing for the painting project.

Avoid that last-minute sprint to the paint store for something you forgot. Plan ahead and ask a salesperson for a list of all the products and paints you will need to do a superior job in paint preparation, priming and painting. You might need to know how to deal with common and not-so-common painting conditions, including sanding loose or peeling paint, cleaning surfaces, repairing large holes and even cracks.

Buying house paints is as trendy as it is difficult, and you definitely don't want to paint your house a second time. Make sure whatever kind of house paint that you buy (enamel, water-based, oil-based) matches up with your existing paint. Maybe take a swatch or find out exactly what kind of paint you have in your house right now so that when you go to the paint store, you can show them exactly what you need.

When you're buying paint, don't go cheap. Often, high-quality paint covers in one coat while low-end paint takes two. Premium  paint usually retains its cleanability, luster and vibrancy longer than cheap paint. Also, by buying enough paint at the start, you'll ensure that the hue is even throughout -- otherwise, if you have to buy extra paint, the hue may be ever so slightly off, even with computerized paint matching.

Take a look around at the different types of paint that are available for you to buy in the store. You will soon notice that paint varies drastically in quality and you usually get what you pay for. Granted, you have to make sure that you're not getting ripped off and you really are getting a good deal, but if you are serious about making an impression on your home, try to buy the best type of paint that you can afford.

Good results start with proper preparation. Before you even pick up a paint brush, spend just a few minutes getting your work area organized. It'll spare you from paint-spattered plants or furniture, and give you the space you need to work efficiently.

It's okay if you don't know everything about painting and home remodeling. Some people do it for a living. Contractors, builders, interior designers and other home decorators might be able to give you some help and words of wisdom that you might not be able to get otherwise. Don't be afraid to ask. Just ask them for a little help and you might be able to save yourself some time, money and headaches.