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Paint not only decorates a surface, it also protects
it. Paint can be used on the interior or exterior
of the home and the wide range of paints and paint
finishes that are available today means that you
are only limited by your imagination. It is the
cheapest way of redecorating, so if you’re
after a new look without a lot of outlay, then getting
your home painted may be the way to go.
There are some basics to consider when repainting,
however. What is the function of the room/s that
will be repainted? What direction does the room
face? How big is it? What mood do you want to
create? The basic rule is that light colours make
a room feel larger and dark colours will make
a room feel smaller. When choosing a colour scheme,
it is best to stick to one of the following types:
monochromatic – different shades of the
same colour; harmonious – where similar
colours are used; and contrasting – where
two or more very different colours are used i.e.
black and white.
Types of Paint
There are many different types of paint, and what
you use will depend on the area to be painted
and the kind of conditions that it has to endure.
Outdoor areas will need to be painted with a special
exterior paint that will be able to handle the
harsher conditions. Most exterior paints come
with UV protection. Interior paints need to suit
their purpose. Bathrooms and other wet areas will
require a more resistant paint that can stand
up to moisture such as a semi gloss or gloss while
living areas can get by with a flat surface. If
you have kids or need a paint that is more durable,
a wash and wear paint may be a good option.
When it comes to the interior of the home, there
is a vast range of paint and paint effects available
including metallic, pastel, suede, pearl, colour
washing, marbling, rag rolling, ragging, sponging,
dragging, crackling, stencilling, stainless steel,
lime washes and rusted iron, among others. There
is even blackboard paint available – great
for the kitchen or study areas! With such a wide
variety of choice, consulting a professional will
help you to choose the right look for your home.
Many painting companies will offer a colour consultancy
service, or you may choose the services of an
interior decorator or designer.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a stylish alternative to paint, creating
textures and effects that paint alone cannot achieve.
Today’s wallpapers are easy to apply and remove
and come in a wide range of colours and textures.
Textures include hessian, canvas, vinyl, wood and
rice paper, among others. Many paint companies will
remove old wallpaper for you and install new wallpaper
of your choice.
What Painters Do
Painters are responsible for the following:
protecting areas from paint by laying drop sheets
erecting scaffolding necessary to complete job
preparation of surfaces – includes filling
holes, sanding, repairing woodwork, removing old
paint or wallpaper, sealing surfaces
selecting and preparing paint
using brushes, rollers or spray guns to apply
the paint to the surface
clean equipment, work areas and any splatters
that may have resulted while painting
safe removal of lead based paint
Painters may also apply waterproofing systems to
wet areas such as the bathroom and the laundry.
They can also install wallpaper, as stated above.
Selecting a Professional
When selecting your professional, there are a
few steps to adhere to. Firstly, tell the painter
what you require in terms of colour scheme, area
to be painted, timeframe etc. Get a quote for
the project, ensuring that it is as thorough as
possible in terms of the brand of paint, the amount
of paint required and labour costs. The quote
should also ideally include how long the project
is expected to take, when progress payments should
be paid, and provide for the protection of surroundings
and cleanup. Working out all these things before
commencing the project will save any potential
problems later. |
