The Top Six Painting Tips for Your Next Interior Job

If you’re concerned about how quickly the total cost of painting your home adds up, this is the guide for you! Learn how to save big on your painting project with this guide and the helpful advice from Wood Country Building Services!

#1: Buy Paint from a Trusted Local Supplier

Choosing the right place to buy your paint can save you both time and money. Local hardware stores with dedicated paint departments, along with specialty paint retailers, carry a wide selection of quality products across trusted brands. Their experienced staff can help you choose the best product for your surface or project, and recommend the sundries and tools needed to achieve professional results with less waste.

Keep an eye out for in-store promotions, loyalty discounts, seasonal sales, and value-sized options. Catching a sale can make higher-quality paint much more affordable, especially when buying multiple gallons. Many hardware and paint stores also have a section for discounted reclaimed paint, which is a great option for small projects, touch-ups, or testing colours before committing to a full container.

Be sure to ask your local store if they participate in a paint recycling program or where you can find a recycling depot in your area.

#2: Calculate Square Footage Before Starting

Before purchasing any paint, it’s crucial to determine how much you will actually need. Many free online calculators will help you determine how much paint you will need to purchase, based on square footage. Keep in mind that two coats of paint are standard, meaning you will have to double the square footage that you intend to paint. A good suggestion is to purchase enough paint to cover 10% more square footage for spills or areas that may require touch-ups or an additional coat.

#3: Do Prep Work Yourself

If you decide to hire professional painters, doing as much prep work as you can before they begin painting will significantly reduce the overall cost of the project. This can include laying drop cloths, removing light switches and outlet covers, taping off edges and baseboards, and patching holes or cracks in your walls. As most painters charge by the hour, this ensures that you only pay for their painting skills.

Here’s a simple breakdown of supplies you’ll need:

• Drop cloths or old sheets
• Painter’s tape
• Screwdriver (for outlet covers and light switches)
• Spackle or wall patching compound
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper or sanding block
• Cleaning cloth or sponge

#4: Utilize Accent Walls

If your space needs a refresh but the walls are still in good condition, consider creating an accent wall. Painting one wall in a bold colour creates a dramatic effect that draws attention. Painting only an accent wall reduces costs substantially, and you can use the leftover paint in other areas of your home that need a total repaint.

An accent wall is also great if only one wall is damaged or faded, as you don’t have to repaint the entire room or worry about {{bongo4u=substitute|colour}-matching if you don’t have access to the exact paint {{bongo4u=substitute|colour}} of that room anymore. It’s also a good way to use up leftover paint from other areas of your house, as it brings a fresh new look to any room.

#5: Invest in High-Quality Paints and Finishes

While purchasing expensive paint feels counterproductive to staying on a budget, it pays off in the long run. A high-quality paint will come with a higher price tag compared to cheap paint, but it will also last a lot longer, as it’s more resistant to chipping and fading.

For example, a paint with a glossy finish is usually more expensive than a paint with a matte finish, but using a glossy finish in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or mudrooms where the walls may get wet will save you from having to redo the walls frequently.

#6: Use Leftover Paint Throughout the House

Instead of letting unused paint dry out and sit in storage forever, use it to add some flair throughout your home. As mentioned, painting an accent wall in one room of your home is a great way to use up paint. Also, think about closets, stair risers, and shelving units that can become scuffed. Painting furniture pieces with leftover paint can bring a sense of unity throughout the space and add visual interest to your home at no extra cost.

Every step of the painting process has opportunities to cut down on overall cost, while still making sure your painting project brings the desired effect to your home. Get creative with your painting, and be sure to stop by today!