Refreshing Paint without Breaking the Bank
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The concept of decorating your home on a tight budget is a common challenge faced by many home owners. You don’t have to break the bank to give your home a fresh new look with a few simple steps you can do yourself. One of the most effective and economical ways to give your home a facelift is to repaint.
Painting your walls is an easy and inexpensive way to make your home more vibrant and inviting. Whether you’re looking to brighten up an outdated space or freshen up a living room to match the season, a few new coats of paint will do the trick. The best part is, painting yourself is all the more affordable, and can be completed relatively quickly. So here are some tips to keep in mind when it’s time for a paint job:
Choose the Right Paint
If you want to save money, it’s important to shop around for the best deal. Look for paint sales at your local hardware store, or ask your neighbors what they’re using. Also make sure you’re getting the right type of paint for your walls–there are a variety of options such as latex or acrylic, which have their advantages and drawbacks based on the surface and conditions of the space.
Prepare the Space
Before you start painting, you should prepare the walls. This means removing furniture, wall decorations, and other clutter. Make sure to clean the walls beforehand with a sponge or cloth and remove any dirt or dust. If you’ve chosen to paint over existing paint, you’ll want to decide if you’ll be priming it first. Your choice will depend on the condition of the walls and the type of paint you’re using.
Be Smart With Colors
When selecting a color for your walls, you should go with something that’s neutral and timeless. This way it can be easier to switch the look of the room with different decorations and accessories. Plus, you can never go wrong with classic neutrals such as white, grey or beige.
Also, keep in mind the furniture and décor as you select a color for the walls. While brighter colors can be used to bring more life to a room, darker colors can make a space feel cozier and more inviting.
Invest in Quality Supplies
If you want your finished look to be spotless, you’ll need the right tools for the job. In addition to paint, you’ll need to pick up quality brushes, rollers, tape, trays and drop cloths for best results. It’s always worth it to spend a little more so you can avoid having to redo what you’ve already done.
Lastly, safety should be your first priority when you’re handling paint. Make sure to keep windows open if you’re using petroleum-based products, and kids and pets away from wet paint.
Painting your walls can be an inexpensive way to dramatically change the look and feel of your space without breaking the bank. Put some time and effort into your home’s new look by following the tips outlined above, and don’t forget to have some fun while doing it! You might just surprise yourself with a great finished product.
