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Have you ever thought that your home could use a bit of sprucing up?
If you're thinking "Yes!" it's probably time for a fresh coat of paint because this is the simplest way to change how your home looks and feels.
Whether you're doing the job yourself or hiring a professional, there are a few things to consider before you get started. These little-known tips (beyond choosing the right colour for your walls!) will ensure your home looks great.
Pay attention to the VOC concentration in the paint
Chemical compounds are found in almost all paint products. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) refer to a group of chemicals in your paint that enhance its longevity.
These compounds can produce harmful fumes, which means handling them requires extra care, especially in poorly ventilated areas. When used in indoor painting projects, the VOCs can even cause nausea, dizziness, skin and eye irritation, and asthma-related problems.
Choose low-VOC or no-VOC paints with a Sensitive Choice certification to minimise VOC exposure. Products approved by Sensitive Choice® are durable, low VOC and resist mould and mildew. Taubmans Endure, Taubmans, Easycoat, Taubmans Pure Performance and Taubmans Water-Based Enamel are durable, low VOC and resist mould and mildew have been Sensitive Choice approved for over 10 years.
Consider the finish
There are different paint finishes to choose from, such as flat, matt, low sheen, semi-gloss and gloss. They each have their benefits and work well in different areas of your home.
Flat and matte finishes are ideal for rooms with little activity, as they aren't as durable as other finishes and can stain easily. Because they reflect very little light, they're excellent for hiding imperfections on surfaces. It is best to choose semi-gloss or gloss finishes for busy rooms and high-traffic areas. They tend to be more durable, and their smooth, high-sheen finish makes them easy to clean.
For moderately busy rooms, low sheen paint is always recommended! It is true that low sheen paint is more durable than flat or matte paint. It provides a perfect balance of durability and stain resistance whilst hiding imperfections.
Semi-gloss and gloss sheen levels are perfect for high traffic rooms that require the paint to withstand scuffing and marks as a result of people, and pets, brushing across them and leaving their mark. These sheen levels are perfect for being able to clean with just a wet cloth.
The lighting in your room affects the outcome
Have you considered the lighting in your space when choosing paint? Very few people do this, but it can significantly impact the outcome.
Paint colours and textures can look very different in different light settings, so pay attention to your lighting source. You’ll want to know the kind of lighting, both natural and artificial, you can expect in a given space before you choose your paint.
Consider choosing a lighter-coloured paint with a glossy finish if you want to brighten up a small space that doesn’t get much natural light. Make note of where the windows and light fixtures are located before you paint, so you can avoid unwanted glare from the glossy finish.
Colour selection is important, so pick out a few colours from an existing object in your home using the One of these colours will go on the walls of your living room, one for your bedroom, one for the feature wall, and the other can be used in the carpets, wall art, pillows, etc. Need help choosing the right colour? Quickly read through Living Room Paint Colours for 2022 and Bedroom paint colours for 2022 for some inspiration. Explore Taubmans colour tools to visualise a colour in your space, calculate the amount of paint you will need to paint or create your own colour. You can then order a few sample pots to make sure you like the colour and texture.
Weigh in on the type of paint your home needs. Choosing the right colour, finish, and healthy compounds is half the battle. To conclude the second half, make sure you read DIY paint like a pro – Picking the right product for the job, and then you’re finally ready to dip your brush in the paint. Happy painting!
