Use these tips to ace an inside paint job
Test, prep and tape your way to a home refresh with high-grade results
Painting is a near-instant refresh for your home. And now is a great time to paint indoors with the arrival of nice weather that allows windows to be open and you to be outside while the paint dries.
When it comes to paint, each room has its own needs — and everything from choosing the right hue to properly prepping the space matters. Here are five expert tips for the best results.
1. Know your paints. Before you start your project, find out what kind of paint is already on the walls. Dip a cotton ball into alcohol and rub it onto the old paint. If there is paint on the cotton ball afterward, then it’s a water- or latex-based paint and you can paint over it with any kind of paint. If none of the paint comes off on the cotton ball, that means it is oil-based and you’ll need to apply a bonding primer before painting over it with latex paint.
2. Consider light. A colour will change depending on the type of light that comes into a space.
“Northern light tends to be more blue, while southern light is more yellow,” said interior designer Young Huh. “A light pink tone can wash out near a southern window or look too bright in northern light.” Consider the direction each room is facing before you commit to a colour. You may even consider holding a virtual consultation with an interior designer for some extra help.
á Pro Tip: Huh recommends using dark colours in a dark space and bright colours in a sunny space. Teal, dark navy and chocolate brown may work well in a den or basement, while lemon yellow, chartreuse, lavender and pink help play up the sunshine in a bright kitchen.
3. Test your colours. The easiest way to see what tones will look best in your space is to paint swatches in different areas in the room.
“Make sure to paint a large enough sample to visualize how it will look in light and shadow,” said Benjamin Moore colour marketing expert Nivara Xaykao.
á Pro Tip: “A good trick is to paint a large foam board that you can move around,” said Xaykao. Wait to see how the paint looks at different times of day before making a final decision. This is also a good time to start thinking about how your home decor will work with a new hue. 4. Do a thorough prep before you start adding colour to the walls. You’ll want to make sure that the walls are clean prior to any painting. Then, tape the trim, move furniture out of the way and use covers to protect your floors from splatters and spills. Remove any doorknobs or light switch plates, as well. Don’t forget to reattach them once the project is finished. 5. Be creative. Whether you choose to create an accent wall, incorporate patterns or add wallpaper to a space, don’t be afraid to be creative.
Find a way to incorporate one of the 2020 Colours of the Year (like Benjamin Moore’s First Light or Pantone’s Classic Blue) into your space to keep your home on-trend. Or, consider installing shelves once the paint has dried and decorate with plants and photographs.
Whatever you decide, a wall update will quickly give new life to a tired room.