Whether you have just moved into a new Concord area home or feel the need for a change, painting the walls a new color will have the most significant impact on the appearance of the space, even more so than purchasing new furniture or appliances. The space is shaped by color, the tone is set by color, and the perception of the size of a room can even be altered by color.

When selecting a paint color for a room, it is important to take into consideration its architectural details about the rest of the house and to establish a flow from one part of the room to another. Given the fact that we spend such a significant portion of our lives within the confines of our homes, it is only natural that the paint on our walls should be taken seriously.

In this article, you will learn more about painting and understand why it is important getting your property painted.

Reasons to Paint Your Property

 

You might be curious as to why it is necessary for you to paint your Benicia area home, but the advantages of painting your house significantly outweigh the drawbacks of doing so. It is not only a fast and simple method for giving your home a stylish update, but it can also add more value financially and help you keep those annoying maintenance costs to a minimum. 

Here are reasons why you should think about painting your house.

1. Raises the resale value if planning to sell the property

A freshly painted interior or exterior can have a significant impact on the final value of Lafayette area home, especially if the work was done within the last year.

Exactly for this reason, you should consider giving your house a new coat of paint at some point. When compared to remodeling, painting your home is a tried-and-true, cost-effective way to increase the value of your investment. Additionally, painting your home is a surefire way to ensure that you get your money’s worth when you sell it.

Painting both the interior and exterior of your home will unquestionably raise the value of your property. The best reasons to paint your home Both painting the interior and the exterior of your home can result in significant increases in your return on investment. A home that has recently been painted will increase in value, and there is a better chance that more people will be interested in purchasing it.

2. Improves the curb appeal

First impressions are crucial. Have you ever driven by a stylish Pleasant Hill area home that stands out in a neighborhood where all the other houses look the same? That is known as neighborhood curb appeal, and it is one of the many reasons why you should paint your house. 

The aesthetic value of your home isn’t just for you; if you’re thinking about selling, exterior paint can significantly increase your potential curb appeal. Curb appeal is unrelated to home value or personal appeal; rather, it is all about setting the right tone when a prospective buyer first sees your home. Consider it a potential sale—if they like the appeal of the exterior, they’ll be far more likely to venture in for more details and have a better chance of actually purchasing.

3. Using better quality (low-VOC or zero-VOC) paint improves the indoor air quality in and around your home

Who would have guessed that one of the advantages of painting your house is that it improves your health? That’s right: by using quality paints with little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), you’re not only improving the look of your home but also the air you and your family breathe in the place where you spend the most time together. So, the next time you wonder why you should paint your home, take a deep breath and remember that it can always be fresher with the right paint.

If you or your loved ones suffer from allergies, or asthma, or are chemically sensitive, this is a huge benefit and a great option for your home. A fresh coat of paint also reduces dust and other allergens, further improving the air quality in your home.

4. Hides stains and imperfections

Every house has imperfections and flaws. The use of your home over time leaves dents, dings, and marks on the walls. Removing these flaws and painting the interior of your house can make it look more pristine and new.

Extreme weather conditions like intense rain or sunlight can have a significant impact on your home’s exterior surface. It may result in exterior surface cracking, peeling, or dampness. Stains and damage are easily covered by an exterior paint coat.

5. Protects the surface

It’s unsettling and eerie how the walls are peeling and cracking. A fresh coat of paint can help stop paint from staining and peeling.  By having the interior painted, you can protect your house today and stop the damage from happening both inside and outside of your walls in the future. The majority of interior walls are constructed from moisture-absorbing materials.

Over time, excessive absorption can cause walls to become compromised, which is risky for the structural integrity of your house. Mold growth is accelerated by interior wall moisture, which may have negative health effects. Paint is made to prevent moisture from penetrating your home’s porous walls.

6. Creates an inviting feel 

Painting can be one of the best tools for making your home a more comfortable and joyful place because it is a relatively inexpensive way to update your Vallejo house. Your home might not feel like a place where you truly feel at home if you haven’t painted it recently and have older colors that you either don’t like anymore or didn’t choose. Making your home’s colors appealing is more important because many people are working from home and/or spending more time at home.

Having a beach itch but being miles from any bodies of water? Or how about a tranquil meadow covered in luscious vegetation? You can be transported to your favorite vacation spot by the right shade of blue or green. You may want to feel a little lighter. You can create the impression that a room is larger and more airy by using some white or light paint. Your entire perspective on your house and living circumstances can be greatly influenced by colors. Scientists and researchers have long studied the psychology of how colors affect people. There is a color to suit every mood, so don’t be afraid to think about the advantages of painting your home. For you and your family, color will improve your quality of life.

7. Helps you stay within Home Owner Association (HOA) compliance

Maintaining a positive relationship with the homeowners association of your residence is something that should always be a priority. A fine from your homeowner’s association (HOA) can put a damper on your day, especially if the fine is imposed because you have neglected the appearance of your house. One of the most important reasons why you might need to paint your house is to ensure that it complies with the standards set forth by HOA. You are not only making your home more appealing, but you are also reducing your expenses in the process. Such a win-win!

Paint Types

Acrylic paints are the most common type of paint available. They have excellent color retention and are very long-lasting, and you can get them in a wide variety of sheen options. In addition to those, some paints are elastomeric, paints that are DTM (direct-to-metal), and paints that are epoxy.

1. Acrylic 

Acrylic paint is the way to go for all of you nature enthusiasts out there.

Acrylic paint is remarkable because it is a paint that is water-based and offers the advantages of both oil and water-based paints. It dries rapidly after application, yet it is tough enough to withstand any amount of foot traffic that may occur inside. Additionally, it can preserve its color for an extended period. Acrylic paint is available in several different varieties, including:

• Acrylic latex
• Acrylic enamel
• Acrylic latex enamel

Acrylic enamel paints are not a combination of paints based on water and paints based on oil. The increased longevity of the paint contributed to the naming of this product. When purchasing acrylic paint, it is important to always check the tin, as the name of the paint does not always indicate whether or not the paint contains acrylic or latex.

The best part is that acrylic paint does not contain any chemicals, which means that it is not only effective but also completely safe to use anywhere in your house.

2. Oil-based

Oil-based paints are rarely used to paint house exteriors and walls. We only use them now when painting cabinets and installing new construction trim and doors. They cannot be used in a furnished and occupied home because spraying oil on trim is extremely difficult and dangerous. Brushing oil is not recommended because it is not a workable/brushable material.

When compared to their water-based counterparts, oil paints typically have a much more difficult time adhering to surfaces. On the other hand, more recent paint technologies produced by reputable brands are gradually rendering oil-based paint obsolete in favor of ever-more-durable acrylic solutions. 

Oil-based paints have several qualities, both positive and negative, including the following:

• They dry out and cure slowly.
• When it comes to cleaning brushes and messes, chemical solvents are required.
• In most cases, they have a longer lifespan than acrylic paints.
• Oil produces a finish that is tougher and smoother.

3. Elastomeric

Elastomeric paint is a thick coating used to protect masonry surfaces.  These coatings protect your stucco from wind-driven rain and, when properly applied, can create a waterproof system. Remember that elastomeric paints can be over-prescribed and may not be required for your project.  When used incorrectly, these coatings may cause more harm than good.

Advantages:

• Superior hide – Many times, fewer coats are required to achieve the desired results.
• Waterproofing properties – When applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions, elastomeric paint can act as a waterproof system for a home.
• Protects from wind-driven rain – Rain that is driven by strong winds can damage paint coatings.  In comparison to other types of house paint, elastomeric paint has a greater resistance to moisture and heat.

Disadvantages:

• It is possible that utilizing elastomeric paint is not required if your house already has a coating applied to it and the coating is in good condition.  Most paints designed for use on the exterior of houses cover more square feet per gallon, which means that less paint will be required to finish the job.
• If your stucco already has multiple coats of paint on it, applying an additional coat of elastomeric paint could end up being counterproductive. Paints with an elastomeric coating have a higher build and a heavier weight than other types of paint.  It is possible for the coating that is underneath the elastomeric paint to be pulled away from the stucco because of the weight of the elastomeric paint if the coating has not adhered tightly to the substrate.

4. Direct-to-metal (DTM)

The acronym DTM is very evocative of what it is. This kind of coating is meant to be applied directly to a metal substrate; once it has been done so, the painted structure will have an appearance that is both architecturally pleasing and protected from the effects of weathering. In addition, this type of coating calls for a minimal amount of surface preparation and serves as both a primer and a topcoat simultaneously.

When trying to cover the metal with standard coatings, applicators run into several challenges, which can be alleviated with the use of DTM paints, which have been developed specifically to be compatible with metal. DTMs have a wide variety of applications within the scope of projects.

The following are some of the different kinds of DTM paints that are available on the market:

• Waterborne Acrylic DTM – This variety of DTM has low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which makes it safe for the environment and inflammable-free. It applies to environments both inside and outside the building.
• Solvent-Based DTM – This kind of coating is well-known for its relatively simple application process. On the other hand, it typically has a higher VOC content, which makes it less safe for the environment. Additionally, paints that are based on solvents have a higher risk of catching fire.

5. Epoxy

Epoxy paint is an option that is both budget-friendly and useful for concrete floors in a variety of industrial settings. Because epoxy is mixed into the paint during the manufacturing process, epoxy paint is unquestionably more long-lasting than regular paint. Epoxy is added to the paint mixture, which results in the paint being more durable, tough, resistant to corrosion, and easy to maintain. It is a well-known product that can be utilized in many contexts.

Pros:

• Resistant – One option for a durable floor covering is epoxy. It can withstand intense heat, and a variety of chemicals, as well as water, and shock. It is ideally suited for use in garages, which are environments where vehicles can emit corrosive chemicals.
• Cost-effective – Your existing flooring can have epoxy paint added to it, which will save you the time and money that would have been spent removing the flooring.
• Long-lasting – Epoxy has a lengthy lifespan once it has been applied, even though its application takes some time. It has a high resistance to wear and tear, is exceptionally long-lasting, and can withstand a significant amount of foot traffic.
• Protection – Epoxy will protect your flooring from stains, cracking, and general wear and tear by acting almost like a shield and protecting it.
• Maintenance – Epoxy is dust-resistant. Epoxy helps prevent dust from settling and circulating by creating a layer that acts as a barrier. Additionally, it produces a surface that is uniformly smooth and flat, making it simple to clean with a broom, mop, or vacuum.

Cons:

• Slippery – Epoxy-painted floors are generally skid-resistant; however, oil-covered epoxy can be extremely slippery. When wet, this can be dangerous. Epoxy paint is not recommended for areas prone to spills or water on the floor.
• Temporary – Even though epoxy is durable and resistant, it must be replaced at some point. Everyday wear and tear take its toll, and chips and cracks may appear. When this happens, you’ll need to apply another coat of epoxy paint to keep things looking good. This may be an issue if it is in an area where heavy objects are dropped onto the floor, such as a gym.
• Application – It takes a lot of planning to ensure that your epoxy paint is applied correctly. Fill in all cracks and thoroughly clean away all grease, oil, and dirt. The application process is also time-consuming and exhausting. It can take several days for epoxy paint to dry properly, and you must wait until the first coat is completely dry before applying the second.
• Removal – Changing the color, design, or having the epoxy removed can be costly and time-consuming.

Where Paints are Used

1. Acrylic

Acrylic is utilized both on the inside and outside of residential buildings.

 Acrylic paints, in addition to possessing powerful adhesion properties, also tend to flake and break less frequently in comparison to other types of paint. Because of this, acrylic paint is frequently utilized when painting surfaces found outside, as well as the interior walls of rooms that see a great deal of foot traffic, such as the living room and the kitchen. Acrylic paints have chemical components that make them resistant to mildew, as well as oil-borne and airborne dust. This resistance is what makes acrylic paints so popular.

2. Oil-based

Oil-based paints are typically applied in areas that have previously been painted with oil-based paints. Painters ought to make use of oil-based paint for any surface where they want the finish to last for a long time and where they do not intend to change the color frequently. Oil-based paints are extremely durable and can withstand regular contact, making them ideal for moldings and trims.

3. Elastomeric

In both the interiors and exteriors of commercial buildings, elastomeric is utilized. In addition to this, it is intended for use in the construction of buildings made of masonry and concrete, to prevent water from entering the interiors of buildings. Because the flexible film can cover and hide even the tiniest cracks, working toward the goal of creating uniform surfaces that are free of pinholes can be accomplished more quickly.

4. Direct-to-metal

The application of DTM paints is possible on either the interior or exterior of metal surfaces. Due to the strong adhesive properties of the coating, it is possible to apply it to a variety of metals even if it is an acrylic paint that is water-based. In addition, it does not absorb water and does not deteriorate when exposed to the elements, which provides an additional layer of defense for any structures that are situated in environments that are open to the elements.

DTM paints have several benefits, one of which is that they protect the metal from rust and corrosion. This is in addition to the fact that they give metal structures an aesthetically pleasing finish. The fact that these coatings can serve two purposes and are simple to apply also contributes to their current widespread use.

5. Epoxy

Epoxy is typically applied to the concrete floors found inside buildings. Epoxy can be utilized on a variety of floor types, including patios, kitchen floors, bathroom floors, garage floor coverings, and basement floors. Exactly for this reason, epoxy coating has emerged as a prominent choice for flooring. 

Paint Sheens and Why Use Them

There is a wealth of information about the various paint sheens available to be found online. Spend some time learning more about them and the applications that can be found for them. Paints with a gloss sheen, whether it be gloss or semi-gloss, are the easiest to clean among all paint finishes.

1. Flat 

Sheen is the least present in flat paints. The benefits of this are that the paint conceals flaws well and the painted surface creates very little glare. The disadvantage is that it is difficult to clean. The paint may come off on the sponge if you rub the surface with it. For all of these reasons, flat paint is typically only used on home ceilings.

2. Eggshell

Since this kind of paint has a moderate amount of sheen, it can hide imperfections to some degree and generates a relatively small amount of glare. Additionally, it is easy to clean. Because of these qualities, it has become the material of choice for decorating the walls of all living areas, except kitchens and bathrooms.

3. Satin

This paint is comparable to eggshell and may even be a half-step glossier than eggshell in some cases. Some manufacturers offer satin in place of eggshell, while others offer both. Make use usually in high-traffic areas such as playrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

4. Semi-gloss

This option is used for trim, railings, and cabinets because it is more durable, has some shine, and is simple to clean. Glossier paints are also utilized in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other comparable spaces because of their superior washability and resistance to moisture. It is acceptable to use eggshell or satin in these areas as well, provided that the surfaces continue to be dry, but using a semi-gloss finish is the superior choice overall.

5. High-gloss

Given that it is durable and easy to clean, gloss paint is preferred for use on cabinet trim, doors, accent walls, and cabinets. In addition to this, it reflects a great deal of light, which causes the colors of these minute but detailed elements to stand out.

Can Property Owners Paint their Own Spaces?

1. Benefits of working with professionals

To begin, it is laborious work because you have to tape and protect a significant quantity of items, often more than once. This results in fatigue or a feeling of being overwhelmed, which can then lead to taking shortcuts, which ultimately leads to a result of lower quality. In addition, a significant amount of painting work is completed in locations that call for the utilization of extension ladders or step ladders. Accidents involving ladders can cause serious injuries if the user does not have adequate training or experience.

2. Actions that property owners may undertake

It is in your best interest to have the professionals you plan to hire handle the preparation, painting, and cleanup duties. This ensures that the necessary preparations are made and that no additional work is required.

3. Advantages of hiring an expert

The most important advantage is that you can save time! If you hire a professional painter, you will save a significant amount of time. A non-trained home or business owner could spend at least a week painting their property, but it would only take a painting crew a few days to finish the same job that would take them longer.

Things to Consider When Hiring a Painter

1. How long have they been in business?

In general, you should look for a painter who is well-known in the industry and has been in business for a considerable amount of time. If you want to make sure that the contractors you hire are a good fit for the job, you should check their references and qualifications. Talking to the people the potential painters have collaborated with in the past is an excellent way to find new painters to hire for the job. It is recommended that you go to previous projects and see the work for yourself if at all possible.

2. Do they have a license?

Before beginning a painting project, it is important to gather some important information about the painting professional. You should make it a priority to collect the essentials, such as their name, address, and phone number. Make sure you don’t forget to ask for their license number as well as proof that they have worker’s compensation and liability insurance. Having these credentials ready and waiting will be beneficial if there are any complications.

3. Are they insured and bonded?

Painting businesses that are run by professionals ought to have worker’s compensation insurance in addition to general liability insurance. If an employee is hurt on the job, they are covered by worker’s compensation and protected from financial hardship. It absolves you of any responsibility if they sustain an injury while on your property. You and your property are protected by general liability insurance if it is damaged by a contractor or a member of their team. You might want to think about requesting a copy of the insurance certificates so that you can go through them and verify that they are up to date.

4. Do they have employees or contractors on their team?

Regardless of whether you are having residential or commercial painting done, you have the absolute right to be informed about the individuals who will be working on your property. It’s important to remember that just because someone claims to be an expert in their field doesn’t mean you should automatically put your faith in them. In addition, make sure you ask the company if it conducts background checks on potential employees before hiring them. This will give you the peace of mind that your home or place of business will be secure.

5. Do they provide a written estimate and warranty?

Always request a written estimate and contract so that you can plan ahead of time and avoid surprises. Never work with a contractor who refuses to put your contract in writing. Get at least three estimates and request that the professionals break down the pricing into materials, labor, and paint. 

Consider details such as their labor rate, level of experience, and estimated project timeline in addition to comparing overall quotes from different pros. Inquire about the type and brand of paint they intend to use, the number of coats of paint they intend to apply, and any additional costs.

6. Will they provide names and contact information for past clients?

Even if a Walnut Creek area contractor has years of experience under their belt, it is essential to check their references and look at their portfolio. This step allows you to evaluate the quality of their work and determine whether or not they would be a good fit for the project you are working on. You can contact previous customers and ask them about their experiences with the services that were provided to them, how well the job has held up over time, the quality of customer service that they received, and other similar topics by using a reference list. If a contractor is unwilling to provide you with a list of references, this is almost certainly a red flag. 

Conclusion

Painting your house is the best reason to paint your property because it completely transforms the atmosphere of your home, making it one of the quickest and easiest ways to update the look of your building. Especially if it’s handled by professionals, your property’s value increases, and it also becomes more attractive and resilient after receiving a new coat of paint.