Choosing a paint requires a lot more thought than just picking out a color you like. We think you’d agree that painting the interior of your home or business is a lot to take on. No matter what your financial situation, the project can become costly quickly, but it needs to get done one way or another. By completing research before buying paint, you can avoid buying too much product or spending above your budget. To help you get started, here are some of the questions you need to be asking when buying paint:
1. How much paint do I need?
Going to purchase paint without knowing how much you need is ultimately a waste of time.
Don’t get caught off guard!
Come prepared with measurements so that the paint expert can help you make an informed decision.
In addition, you will need to ask if the paint requires more than one coat. Don’t forget to also discuss the current state of your walls (whether or not there is already paint) and how you should move forward from there.
2. What is the best painting solution for my surface?
Not all surfaces are created equal; some are more difficult to paint than others. For example, when painting a brick wall you would treat it differently than you would a concrete wall. Talk to the paint expert about which option will work best for your particular situation, this way you can prevent running into issues mid-project.
3. Oil-based or latex paint?
Once again, this will depend on your specific circumstance. Oil-based paint is known to be more durable than other paint options. This makes it a great choice for trim and high-traffic areas. On the other hand, it is not the easiest to work with and takes a while to dry. Latex paint is easy to work with and dries relatively quickly, but is not as durable as oil-based paint. In order to make the best decision, think about what the area you are painting will be used for.
4. What finish should I choose?
The finish you should choose will vary depending on the area of your home, office or business. Some of the more popular varieties include gloss, semi-gloss, satin and flat.
Contrary to what you believe, what the finish looks like isn’t all you need to be concerned about. There’s more.
Different types of finished work well in certain places. Gloss is a great choice for high-traffic areas, satin is perfect for siding and semi-gloss works well for trim. Consult a paint expert to help steer you in the right direction when making this decision.
5. What kind of primer should I be using?
‘Is there a specific type of primer that is best for this project,’ and ‘how many coats do I need to apply,’ are things you need to ask an expert before making a purchase. Paint preparation is an extremely important step; so, take your time and make sure you are doing it correctly.
6. Is this good quality paint?
We know what you’re thinking: ‘how much is this going to cost me?’
Sure, higher quality paint is more expensive than other options; however, a cheaper paint might lead to you having to repaint sooner than you would like due to fading and peeling. By selecting a better quality paint you are ensuring a better final product and ultimately saving money.
7. May I have a sample?
The only way to truly know whether or not your selection works in the space is by testing it out. Asking for a sample of the paint is a great way to look at multiple colors at once, and it also will make it easier to pick the perfect pigment.
As you can see, choosing paint is a lot more than just picking a color. If you don’t pick the right type of paint, you could end up wasting both time and money. So, do it right the first time around. A painting contractor can help you with your project from start to finish and will make the whole process smoother. To get started on your next project today, call re:fab for your free estimate.
Sources:
- 10 Things to Consider When Buying House Paint: https://bit.ly/2vDif2C
- Difference in Water-Based , Oil-Based and Latex Paints: https://bit.ly/2fymXXf
