So, you’ve decided it’s time to repaint your home. Perhaps you aspire to sell your house or maybe you just feel like it’s time to update its appearance. Whatever the reason, you’ll want to produce a quality finish for your paintwork that will look good and last a long time.Obviously, cost will be a large factor in your decision, so it’s best to take some time to consider whether you’ll hire professionals or do it yourself. Hiring professional house painters in Melbourne will ensure that the task is completed to a superior standard in a timely fashion, but this can cost more than doing the job yourself. There are numerous home painters in Melbourne who can expertly paint houses. However, with a little planning and research on techniques, there’s no reason why you can’tcomplete the task yourself. Here’s some information to help you get started.
What Should You Consider Before Decorating Your House?
First, you’ll need to decide on a colour scheme for your house. If you’re selling your house, you could ask home painters in Melbourne which colours are popular for your area. For example, some house painters in Melbourne recommend crisp white and black tones. Blue is highly popular for bathrooms, while grey or blue is best for the front door. Neutral colours are popular for interiors in most rooms. You should also consider at this stage the colour of your furniture, as it’s best to coordinate with this unless you’re intending to completely replace your existing furniture.
What Type of Paint Do You Need?
There are many types of paint available that provide various finishes according to your requirements, and it’s important that you choose the right paint for the job. For example, there are different paints for wood, metal and masonry. Especially important is the difference between external and internal paint. Keep in mind that cheap paints aren’tthe best option, as they may not give the same coverage and may not last as long as a more expensive option.
Other types of paint include:
- Matte paint – Matte doesn’t reflect light, making it effective for hiding any surface imperfections. It doesn’t clean easily, so it’s better suited to ceilings and other areas that will not require frequent cleaning.
- Semi-gloss paint – Semi-gloss creates a shinier finish and can withstand repeated cleaning, making it ideal for window frames, doors, kitchens, bathrooms and children’s rooms.
- Eggshell and satin – These paints are midway between matte and semi-gloss.They clean well and can generally be used in plastered areas.
Preparation
Proper preparation is fundamental for achieving a quality paint finish.Start by clearing furniture away from rooms, using dust covers, and taping over areas to protect them from paint.Check the paint manufacturer’s directions on the tin to find out if it needs a specific undercoat and whether multiple coats of paint are needed.
Some areas may need washing down with sugar soap to remove any surface dust and prepare them for painting. Wooden door or window frames may need rubbing down with sandpaper to remove any imperfections and provide a surface that the new paint will adhere to. The better prepared the surface is, the better the end result will be.Any cracks in the walls should also be filled and sanded to provide a smooth surface.