PAINT BASICS 

Whether you are buying or selling your home think about a fresh coat of paint. On the walls, ceilings, trim, cabinets, doors, concrete, or brick paint is an investment. An investment done right can not only increase the appeal of your home, but it can also increase its value. When starting a project like this it is best to know what you’re getting yourself into and do it right. A trip to the paint department can be intimidating especially when you have never done it before. Paint can be latex or oil-based and it can have different surfaces or sheens: flat, satin, semi-gloss, gloss, matte, and eggshell. 

LATEX – is water-based and is easily cleaned with soap and water. It’s also:

-durable-provides and excellent finish

-virtually odorless-dries quickly 

OIL-BASED – provides excellent coverage of metal, wood, or surfaces previously painted. Brushes and spills must be cleaned with a solvent like turpentine. Oil-based paint:

-can be applied to an area needing frequent washing

-has potent fumes

-dries slower than latex paint 

SURFACES OR SHEENS OF PAINT 

FLAT – sometimes called matte - can hide slight imperfections in walls better than others. The shinier the finish, the more likelihood of seeing flaws or defects. Flat paints are better for ceilings, dining rooms, and living rooms, but are often harder to clean. 

SATIN – often called eggshell - have a soft sheen or luster. They are easier to clean and more stain resistant. Low luster paints are great for walls in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, children’s rooms, family rooms, hallways, and stairways. 

SEMI-GLOSS – are even more durable and easier to clean. They work well in areas of heavy cleaning, like kitchens or bathrooms. A word of caution, however, these paints tend to highlight imperfections. 

GLOSS – the shiniest of the four paints. They make fantastic trim paints for banisters, railing, doors and window trims. 

AND, what about PRIMER? What is it and why do we need it? Primers ARE NOT the same as paint. So, don’t skip out of the primer by trying to add a second coat of paint as you won’t get the same deep color. Use primer when you are painting:

-a new unpainted surface like sheetrock or wood

-over a very dark color with a lighter paint color

-an area with repaired and filled nail holes or fixed cracks

Check out our other blogs for more valuable real estate information. Also, visit our website for all of your real estate needs at www.soldbygeorgeteam.com.