The true cost of painting – it’s worth it!

A fresh coat of paint can instantly give your home a simple and cost-effective facelift, making it a great way to spruce up your place. Many people think painting is a difficult and expensive job, but if you look a little deeper, it doesn’t have to be. The true reward of painting – the feeling of a job well done with just the right kind of paint and a fabulous result – makes it well worth the effort!

But a lot depends on the choices you make for your paint project. A cheap coat of paint over old varnish, for example, will result in the surface peeling and chipping well before its time. You’ll then have to strip it all off, costing you far more than what a good bucket of paint would have cost you in the first place.

When you’re calculating the costs of your next paint job, it’s important to look beyond just the cost of the paint itself. Look at the whole picture, including what it means for your house overall.

Colour: Chinese Porcelain

1. A good paint job will protect interior and exterior surfaces

Paint is about more than just the finish, it’s also about durability. A high-quality paint will help protect walls against dust, dirt, moisture, mould and the general effects of ageing. That does mean doing a bit more research into your paint of choice beforehand and learning how to apply it properly, but doing your homework will reward you with a fantastic-looking space that will keep looking pristine for a long time to come.

Image: Instagram

This goes double for exteriors, where sun, rain, wind, sleet, snow, insects and moisture can really take their toll. The right paint, like Taubmans All Weather for example, can resist nearly all of these to an extent. It can protect you from the massive costs of mould damage and even slow down the damage caused by insects or dampness.

2. You can update the look of your interior

Few things feel as great as walking into a flawless, welcoming home after a long day at work. And even if you’re working from home, changing up your interior can do wonders for your frame of mind. A colourful take on your home workspace can boost your mood and productivity, especially if you’re spending a lot of time indoors. A creative paint job can update the look and feel of your place and lets you try something refreshingly different without blowing out your budget. This is your chance to fall in love with your home all over again.

Colours: Pale Coral and Blue Shamrock

3. Hide the wear and tear

Let’s face it, even the most well-built homes show their age as they collect tiny stains and little imperfections over time. A well-chosen paint can cover those up and make your place look as good as new. Preparation is key: Wash the wall to remove any grease and fill any holes or cracks with a suitable filler. After that, you’ll want to sand and prime the whole wall. Don’t expect paint to do a primer’s job! A good primer, like Taubmans 3 in 1 Prep, will help the paint adhere to the surface and prolong the life of your paint job. Taking the extra step will give you a professional-looking result. Finally, paint the wall with at least two coats of your new colour. Check out our handy video tutorials on how to prepare and paint a wall like a pro.

4. Boost curb appeal

Your home may or may not be on the market, but it feels good to know your property is a buyer’s dream. And if you are open to entertaining offers, a sharp-looking home can give you a surprising degree of leverage in negotiations. Even if you’re not selling, there is something to be said about driving home to the sharpest-looking house on the block.

5. Increase the lifespan of external siding

No matter what type of siding you have for your home, a new coat of exterior paint can help increase its lifespan. Most traditional forms of siding like wood or vinyl need regular maintenance. A new coat of the right kind of paint can add years to the lifespan of that siding, saving you hundreds to even thousands of dollars over its lifetime.

Image: Google 

To enjoy the full benefits of a new paint job, preparation is everything. Make sure you choose the right kind of paint and be sure you know how to apply it properly before you begin. It may seem like a hassle, but by doing the groundwork up front you’ll not only save money in the long run, but the feeling of accomplishment you’ll get when it’s done will make it well worth the effort!

Got a colour scheme in mind? Check out our paint visualiser to find the perfect shade to bring your vision to life.