Brush Up on Home Equity
by Sadie Bedgegood
Looking for an easy and inexpensive way to give instant appeal and lasting value to your home? Just pick up a can of paint and get rolling!
The money and time spent painting your home will quickly pay off in the enjoyment you'll receive and the increased value of your home. Applying a fresh coat of paint indoors can change the look of any room, while touching up exterior items, like shutters and trim, greatly increases the overall curb appeal. When it comes to updating your home, painting is the most economical way to increase value and personal satisfaction.
Many people put off interior and exterior paint jobs, because of the time and effort involved. There are ways, however, to make the task virtually effortless.
Mix it Up
To be sure that your paint covers completely and properly, it must be completely mixed. All paints are professionally blended when you purchase them, but they still need to be stirred before you begin to paint. Using a stir stick takes time and doesn't always blend the colors completely, but a simple household drill can do the job.
Take a plastic clothes hanger, cut it into a long "J" shape, and insert it into the end of the drill. It's a handy tool that blends the paint completely and is quick and easy to use.
Tap Away the Drips
When painting with a brush, most people try to get rid of excess paint by scraping it against the rim of the can. Paint is wasted as it drips down the side of the can. Instead, try tapping or slapping the brush. More paint will remain at the end of the brush where it's needed, and the excess will fall back into the can. You'll be able to cover more area between dips, which is particularly important if you're making trips up and down the ladder.
Keep in Code
Painting your porch and fence bright red might seem like a good idea, but can be an exercise is wasted time and money. Check into any existing building and decorating codes and restrictions before you start the job. For example, residents in your neighborhood or housing complex may be restricted to using neutral tones for any outdoor decorating. The size, height and color of outdoor structures such as fences may also be under code.
Lead by Lead-Free Example
It's imperative that you remove any old lead paint that may exist in your home. Lead paint can cause illness in children, including learning disabilities. Check your home for peeling paint that may be lead based. Window sills and wood trims are common culprits. If you find any old, peeling paint, scrape it off and repaint. Your home will not only look better, it will also be a safer place for your kids.
Prime Yourself
Making sure that you're properly prepared for a painting job can help you to save money in the long run. A good primer coat will result in less time and paint needed for the finishing coat or coats.
There are many jobs that you can do yourself, if you're willing to put the time and energy into it. For example, bevel your existing fence posts rather than spending the money on brand new ones. With a radial saw and some basic knowledge of geometry, you'll have no trouble cutting the perfect angles for your new picket fence.
Painting made easy is really just a matter of preparation. Get all of the materials you'll need before you start, follow these tips and you'll be on your way to getting more enjoyment (and more money) out of your home.
Author Sadie Bedgegood is a frequent contributor to several well-known web sites, on home design and home improvement loan themes. Click here for other unique 'home improvement' articles.
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