subject: Save Money With House Painting Tips [print this page] When you need house painting either inside or outside, there are a few things that you should consider. Painting may seem like a very easy thing to do, but only when it is done properly. If you do not plan ahead, painting can become a very expensive mess.
Paint: Get Enough
One of the first things that you should do is determine how much paint you are going to need for the job. This is very important because you do not want to waste your money on buying more paint than you need. It is also important because if you have a custom color mixed and you run out, it is not always easy to have the exact same shade mixed twice.
Measure Carefully
Paint can be expensive, too. Some brands cost more than $50 for a gallon. You will need to take accurate measurements of the space you need to paint. So, measure the length of your walls and the height. If your room is 12 x 12 with 10 foot ceilings, you will need to multiple 12x4x10, which will be 480 square feet. You will then need to deduct square footage for the windows and door spaces. Most gallons of paint cover between 300 and 350 square feet, you will need at least three gallons to get two good coats of paint on the walls.
Materials: Tape, Drop Cloths, and More
You will need more than just paint to get a room painted properly. You will need brushes, a ladder, and so much more. Painting can be a very messy job, so the first thing you will need is a good set of drop cloths. You do not want to have paint splatter on your flooring, so covering it is a necessity. Another vital piece of equipment is painters tape or a cutter. Painting in corners and around window and door trim takes precision and a very still hand; most people need a little help to get that part of the job done well. If you are painting in a interior room with low ventilation, you should buy a mask, so you do not breathe in pain fumes. The brushes you choose can also make or break your experience; you should talk to the paint store employees about the best materials for the job. It is not unusual to spend around $50 for materials other than paint.
Paint Sprayer: To Rent or To Buy
If you have a large paint job to accomplish, you might want to consider renting or buying a paint sprayer. The technology in paint spraying has come a long way; the sprayers are easier to use and to clean. If you use a sprayer, you can get the walls painted much faster than if you use a brush or a roller. If you have rooms with unusual spaces, sprayers can get into those areas easier than rollers and brushes can. Some paint sprayers cost around $50 for a residential use model, but a professional sprayer for painting really big jobs can be over $400.
When you need house painting, it is important to consider all of your options and necessities. Many people prefer to use professional house painting so they do not have to worry about all of the things that can go wrong.
Learn about local painters. You will be able to see what services they offer and what the common prices are for jobs in your area.
