Thinking about making some changes to your home but don’t quite know where to start?  You have probably heard that painting is one of the fastest and most inexpensive investments for greatest impact.  Maybe you are just not sure where to start; after all Lowes , Home Depot and ACE all have those big selections of color to choose from, not to mention the type of finish.

I have discussed the different levels of paint finish in a past article: Pick your sheen before you pick your paint color. 

• To review, a flat finish is not shiny, is often the least expensive grade and is good for areas that will not get scuffed easily.  It doesn’t create a lot of glare and is used often on walls that have imperfections.  It doesn’t clean well.
• Satin and Eggshell finishes are popular because they clean up better, don’t scuff as easily as the flat and they have a little bit of a shine.
• Semi Gloss and Gloss finishes are shinier than the other two grades and hold up well to cleaning.  They are great for bathrooms and kitchens and are often used on baseboards and trim.  The drawback for using these finishes is they show imperfections in the wall.

Preparation is the next task that must be done before you dive in and start painting.  Like it or not, if the wall isn’t clean before you paint, you will end up painting again.  The paint won’t adhere properly and your efforts will be wasted.

Do you still have popcorn ceiling finishes?  Consider removing it and putting a normal, smooth finish like an orange peel finish on.  There are finishes available that you can spray on very easily.  The popcorn look dates your home and it catches all of the dust webs.   

If you are painting over a shiny paint like glossy or semi-gloss, consider using a de-glosser like TSP or sanding the finish.  If the old surface is too shiny, the new paint may not adhere properly. 

Fix imperfections before you paint.  Use spackling to fill in nail holes, etc. Fill in cracks and then sand them to make them smooth.  Make sure to remove all residues before painting.

Next, you will want to put down drop clothes and cover up anything you don’t want to get paint on.  One idea is to pile everything in the middle of the room and cover it all up there.  You won’t have to dodge furniture or trip over cords if it is all in the middle of the room.

Use painters tape to protect the trim or other items you don’t want paint on.  Painters tape is available at most big-box stores and hardware stores.  It doesn’t pull off the finish underneath when you go to remove it and it makes a clean line when painting to it. 

Read the instructions on your paint can.  Follow them, if there is a recommended temperature to paint in, do it when it is that temperature.  That information is invaluable if you want your hard work to last.  Two thin coats of paint is better than one thick coat of paint.  Paint may appear dry to the touch but it actually takes days or weeks to really cure and adhere.  If you are wondering if the paint is dry, feel it.  If it is cool, it is not dry yet.  It should be room temperature before adding another coat.

Another word of advice, start at the top and work your way down.  If paint drips, it is okay because you haven’t painted the lower sections yet.  Also, consider painting the trim last.  If paint gets on the trim while painting, you won’t have to touch it up over and over.

At this point, you are ready to paint!  Do make sure you have all of the items you need to paint including all of the paint brushes, rollers, rags, etc.  Happy painting and if you have any questions, please contact me.

Written by Alesha E. Churba, owner of A.E.Churba Design, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, an interior designer and a full-time instructor in the Computer Aided Design Drafting (CADD) program at Idaho State University College of Technology.  She emphasizes the need and importance of safety, comfort and low maintenance through interior design for baby boomers and beyond. She can be reached by phone (208)-313-6414, by e-mail at Alesha@aechurba-design.com or through her business website at aechurba-design.com.