The Powerful Potential of Paint
The frugal superhero you've underestimated.
by Jessica Drabnis
For as long as I can remember, I have loved going to the paint section of any hardware store. I still find it exciting to see a myriad of colors on the sample wall because of the limitless possibilities those colors hold. I might find a color scheme that I otherwise would never have paired, or maybe just the right hue will pop into focus for my latest project. Recently, I stumbled upon an article about a couple that bought a fixer-upper farmhouse in Butler, PA. They were able to transform their bathroom using only paint, for less than $500! I call that a superpower.
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/bathrooms/21017972/a-bath-remodel-for-only-439
When you embark on the road of putting your home on the market, there is a list of things to do before you have your first showing. It goes without saying that order, spaciousness, and cleanliness top the list. You also want to do everything in your power to make your home appear as modern as possible. Having a newly renovated kitchen may be a selling point that will get you under contract quickly.
https://path-realty.com/how-kitchen-renovations-affect-your-lisitng/
But what should you do if you don’t have the most up-to-date home but want to show it’s full potential? You paint! You just need to know the basics, and you’ll be on your way to a sharper, updated look.
Let’s start with paint finishes. From flat to high-gloss, and everything in between, it is essential to know the qualities of each one and what is best for your specific project. My sister is a gifted artist, and though art school taught her how to put oil on canvas, it left out what kind of paint to put on her walls. Not long ago, she decided to give her home office a refresh. First, she picked a new color for her walls. As she handed the sample to the employee at the paint department, she was asked what type of paint she wanted. She laughingly recounted, “I admitted I was clueless as to what brand or type of finish I needed. I asked what his preference would be if he were repainting a room. He made a great recommendation and I was sent home with the perfect paint- Valspar eggshell.”
The rules are simple. The more sheen in the paint, the more durable and easy to clean; however, your durability comes at a cost. The luster reflects more light and thus will shine a spotlight on your flaws. Semi and high-gloss paints are best for furniture and trim. They resist moisture, so they would also be an appropriate choice for walls that need to be cleaned regularly such as a kitchen backsplash. When building our house, we personally used the Sherwin-Williams Emerald series for all our trim. With three boys, two dogs, and twenty-five acres of fields and woods, it has already paid off. I’ve been able to clean my trim many times and it still looks good as new.
Flat paint may cover a multitude of sins but can be a royal pain to clean. Matte is slightly more durable and satin is even better. There is a low amount of sheen, meaning you can at least wipe down your walls. Flat paint is best for low to no-traffic areas, like your ceiling. If you live in an old house or have an imperfect wall consider flat, matte, or satin paint to camouflage blemishes.
If you read ten different articles on ‘the color of the year’ you’re likely to find ten different colors. That’s why your personal preference is all that matters. Your home is a reflection of yourself. It comes as no surprise to anyone that your color choice can say a lot about you and your family. In case I’ve never mentioned it, I have three wild boys. When we were picking out wall colors for our new home, my sensible husband chose a nice, neutral creamy white for our entire house. The dominant color for all our furniture and decor is some variation of blue. Blue is calm and it pairs well with so many other colors. It’s nice to have the appearance of a calm room even if the noise level can rival that of an airport.
Don’t forget to take the lighting of the room/project you’re painting into consideration. One of my absolute favorite colors is Sherwin-Williams 'Sea Salt.' Its versatility allows it to change with lighting. In the feeble sunshine of the early morning, it appears blue; in the golden hours of the evening, it appears green. Color is a big game changer so always test your samples for a couple of days to study how it appears in all lighting.
Lastly, always ask a professional about the best products for your budget. Cheap products will achieve cheap results. I would even venture to say that buying a good quality paintbrush is just as important as the quality of the paint. Also, look for handy tools like paint cups with large handles and plastic liners for paint trays. Never forget masking tape is a girl’s best friend. Yes, it’s more prep work but you’ll be thankful in the end. It will give you nice sharp edges and help you achieve that flawless look.
And there you have it! Paints with a low gloss are best for ceilings and walls. Save high gloss for furniture and high-traffic areas. Don’t stress over the trendiest color but choose one that suits you and your house. Research before you paint and make sure you have the best supplies your budget allows. And next time you’re at the hardware store, check out the paint samples. You might just find me there too.
