As we head towards the holidays, now is the perfect time to update the interior of your Chevy Chase home! Freshly-painted walls, ceilings and trim can give your Chevy Chase home a vibrant, new look for a modest investment in time and materials. Here are do-it-yourself painting tips for professional results!
Buy plenty of paint for the job. It’s better to have extra, than to run out in the middle of the project. You’ll also have less chance of variety in the shade of color.
To protect fixtures and hardware, remove door knobs, hinges, outlet covers and switch plates before painting walls and ceilings. If you prefer, you may use blue painter’s tape to protect these areas. Never use masking tape – it does not remove well, and it leaves a residue behind.
Try using canvas or thick cotton drop cloths to protect furniture and floors. Plastic drop cloths allow paint to remain wet on the surface, making it a hazard to your footing. Have towels on hand to clean up spills and prevent soak-through.
Use the right brush for the job and for the type of paint. A natural bristle brush is best for oil based paint. Synthetic brushes are made for water based paints but can be used with other types. Brushes with feathery bristles will hold more paint and create a smooth finish. Rollers can be used for wide coverage and to apply texture.
Use the right type of paint for the room. Acrylic/latex paints are water based and dry quickly. Most water based paints are low odor and non-toxic. Oil based paint works great for cabinetry and trim, but you’ll need good ventilation when working with it. For high-moisture areas like bathrooms, choose gloss or semi-gloss paints.
A coat of primer gives you best results when painting a room to a lighter color. Professional tip: have the primer tinted to your new paint color. Let it dry completely before adding your new coat of paint.
Use quality brushes, rollers and paints. Cheap brushes can leave streaks and shed bristles; cheap rollers can leave clumps of material on your fresh paint, or fall apart entirely.
By doing your interior painting now, you’ll be prepared for holiday entertaining in the weeks to come! You’ll also be spending more time inside of your Chevy Chase home during the winter; make it more enjoyable with fresh paint and decorating.
If you are selling your Chevy Chase home in the future, the work you do today will pay off tomorrow!
As your Chevy Chase real estate professional, I’m happy to share home tips, real estate news and local events! If you are thinking of selling your home in Chevy Chase, MD, turn to me for the professional guidance you can trust. My experience with the Chevy Chase real estate market will help you succeed!
Contact me today to arrange your personal consultation!
Melinda Estridge
The Estridge Group-Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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