These are some of the most common painting questions Bob the Painter is asked by customers. Feel free to contact me with questions regarding your individual painting needs or for a free estimate.
Should I repaint?
Whether selling, moving, purchasing a new home or just updating your current residence, interior painting is one of the least expensive ways to refresh a room, home, or office making it look like new. It is a cost effective way to update without the costs of a major remodeling project.
A great interior paint job can transform a home or business from being ordinary into a true masterpiece without requiring you to spend a fortune.
What color(s) should I choose?
Be a free spirit!
Colors, tones and shades that were taboo just a few years ago are in style. I’ve seen what seemed to be wild color schemes, once the room is put back together, turn out really sharp! Gray’s are all the rage right now too. But I suspect over the next few years we’ll be putting some color back into those rooms. Selling a home would be an exception. Realtors tell us that home buyers want neutral colors and that light colors make the space look larger.
If you can dream it, I can paint it!
What brand(s) of paint do you use/recommend?
I always recommend using the high end of most any brand paint. Benjamin Moore, Graham, Valspar, Clark and Kensington, Sherwin Williams or even Behr really doesn’t matter to me. All their high end paints are good products. Mid to lower end paints don’t really save you money because they can require an additional coat (usually the cut-in) to get the desired finish. Sometimes that can cost you more than you saved! Honestly, brand of paint is less important than getting the high end of that brand. Paint is a good example of you get what you pay for.
Also, paint and primer in one is not necessary when painting over a painted wall, unless it needs to be sealed. In my opinion, paint and primer in one is just a way for the big box stores to charge more for adding a little cheap primer. Light smoking residue or a bath would be an example where it could be used. Smoke damage from a fire, heavy residue from smoking, bare wood or painting wood trim would require a primer sealer, which is different from a paint and primer in one.
What’s a low VOC paint?
Volatile organic compounds are solvent vapors that get released into the air as the paint dries. VOCs can cause acute symptoms, including headaches and dizziness. The long-term effects are less certain, but according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, some VOCs are suspected carcinogens.
The newer, low- or no-VOC paints have little or no odor and are much healthier for you, the painter and the environment. They are becoming more common place and cost little if any more. I highly recommend them!