When thinking about selling your home, one of the easiest and most affordable ways to spruce up your property and revamp a tired space is to paint. Painting a room is a relatively simple DIY-friendly project but it does have some challenges.
Here are 3 ways you can mess things up (and how to avoid it):
1: Inconsistent coverage
It's tempting to go straight to paint and skip priming but taking the time to prime will save you headaches down the road, especially if you're trying to cover a bold color in favor of something more neutral and real estate-friendly. Primer not only masks prior color, but it also provides a bond for the new paint to adhere to.
If you've already painted and but results aren't ideal, sand any drips and carefully apply another coat, paying attention to any thin sections.
2: Sloppy edges
Did you skip the tape? Yes, taping is tedious and takes time to prep, but wavering lines and paint on your baseboards aren't a professional look either. Do the prep and reap the rewards.
Don't forget to remove the tape promptly, though. Painters tape left on too long can bring sections of your fresh paint with it. Wait a few hours and then enjoy the satisfying reveal.
3: Finish matters
Selecting your finish is almost as important as picking your color. Different situations require different sheens and durability, and the right sheen can hide imperfections. Eggshell is the go-to for most jobs. It provides a soft look with only minimal gloss, while a flat paint can hide many imperfections. Tread carefully when choosing full gloss. It reveals all your walls' sins.
Don't be afraid to update your home's look with paint. It's the fastest way to update your home and the easiest to recover from should it all go wrong. Don't forget to get the right tools for the job, either. High quality paint and supplies will help you get the job done right the first time.