Guest Post - How to paint a room on a budget within a day

Your walls feel a bit drab and ready for a new spice of life. This is something you should be able to take on. But while painting can be a relatively accessible and affordable project for a newbie, it takes time. 

You need to come prepared and understand some tricks of the trade. This article will show you how to paint a room on a budget in a short time.

Plan

To paint a room within budget and within time constraints, some planning is necessary. The first step in this process is to decide what color you would like the walls in your space to be.

Keep in mind that paint colors can drastically change the mood of a room. For example, blue creates a sense of calm and softness. Importantly, make sure that whatever colors are chosen for furniture will balance the wall colors.

Use the 60-30-10 interior design equation when deciding on colors. You don't need to create overwhelm in your room by choosing a variety of colors. The 60% in the equation represents the dominant colors (ideally, the color of your wall). 

30% represents the  secondary color, used for accent walls, painted bookcases, wainscoting, or furniture such as the sofa. Art and accessories should make up the remaining 10% of the color scheme.

You should also plan for room prepping. As you paint, where do you plan to move furniture? Do you think they can be moved to the center and covered with drop cloths? Keep track of your tasks with a checklist. 

Select the right color

When trying to evoke a specific mood, color can make all the difference: red might evoke feelings of warmth and love, whereas blue might promote relaxation. For example, if you are painting a bedroom and want it to be both relaxing and inspiring, the color palette below might work well.

Instead of going all out and painting a room and then having to redo the whole job, it always pays to play around with different shades before deciding. You can purchase color swatches or paint samples for your interior design project.

Once the paint dries, check how it looks during the day and at night. You may be able to get some new ideas and eliminate some colors that don't fit together.

Aside from the effect of the right color on the mood of your space, choosing the right color can significantly increase your home's value. Based on Zillow's research, powder blue and periwinkle blue bathrooms can boost the value of your home by $5,000 over average, whereas white or off-white bathrooms tend to sell for $4,000 less than average. 

There is an increase of about $2,600 in the price of houses with blue kitchens compared to houses with yellow kitchens. The price of a home can increase by $1,800 when a brown living room is chosen. Finally, many buyers prefer the "greige" exterior (a mix of light grey and beige shades) over brown or taupe.

Gather painting materials

Here are the tools you'll need.

1. Paint. You can choose from high-gloss, eggshell and matte paint finishes. While high-gloss is easier to clean (suitable for bathrooms and high-traffic locations), they easily highlight imperfections. On the other hand, matte paint hides imperfections but is easily damaged. In most cases, eggshell finish is the best choice, as it balances the qualities of gloss and flat finishes.

Yulanda Harris, owner of Harris Interior design studio recommends choosing paint type based on the amount of natural light the room will receive. “The more light a wall gets, the faster the paint color will fade. You should use oil-based paint if you can't find one that's UV-resistant”. To see how much paint you'll need, use a paint calculator like this one provided by Benjamin Moore.

2. Paint roller. You want to use a 9-inch roller for general painting, a 14- or 18-inch roller for quickly coating large walls and ceilings, and a small foam roller on door panels and wainscoting

3. Paint roller extension pole. For walls up to 8 ft and low ceilings, a pole with a diameter of 2 — 4 ft is suitable. For ceilings, a pole 4-8ft long is a better choice, which allows for a greater reach over furniture. For tall walls, ceilings, and exterior painting, 6 ft to 12 ft is the ideal size

4. Paintbrushes. Although they cost a little more, you want to go for high quality paint brushes.

5. Sandpaper

6. Drop cloths

7. Paint tray

8. Rags

9. Putty knife

10. Painter's tape.

11. Primer

12. Paint can opener

13. Gloves

14. Nose mask

Prep the space

Of course you're ready to roll. But wait, painting is a delicate job. It’s essential to know the importance of prepping a space when learning how to paint a room. Neglecting a simple task such as wiping down walls before painting could make your efforts fruitless as dirt wouldn't allow paint to stick to the walls. Here are some steps to take to prepare your room for painting.

How to prep a room for painting

1. Choose the right time for painting. According to a Realtor.com article, "paint dries quickest at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, so if you have to paint when temperatures are less than ideal, it’s a good idea to set your thermostat… While higher temps can help paint dry, humidity can undo all that work and actually slow down the process".

2. Remove furniture from the room altogether, if you can. If you don't have enough space to keep large furniture in, shift these to the center. 

3. Ensure to use a nose mask when painting. Also, you want to opt for low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints or even zero VOC paints as the scent of regular VOC paint is very toxic. If not, you should consider vacating your house for a week after painting.

Cleaning walls with ammonia-based cleaners is not recommended if you use non-VOC paint. In addition, you shouldn't clean the walls for 30 days after application.

4. Put on safety goggles and old clothes in case of paint splatter. Use drop cloths to protect floors.

5. Using a towel or a vacuum cleaner, dust and clean the walls. Before painting a bathroom or kitchen, wash the walls with a solution containing 3 tablespoons of laundry detergent in a gallon of water.

6. Smooth imperfect areas on walls with sandpaper, using an electric sander or a piece of sandpaper stapled to a sanding block. Fill nail holes in walls with spackling or caulk and let them dry before you proceed.

7. Use painter's tape to protect outlets, wall trims and light switches from paint drips.

Prime the wall

When you prime a wall, the paint adheres to the primer and this creates a smoother finish than applying paint directly. In addition, you only have to repaint twice once you have applied a primer. A water-based latex primer should be applied to new drywall. If the wall has water or smoke damage, or if it has paneling, use an oil-based primer.

Mix the paint

Each can of paint includes a stirrer because paint ingredients separate. Stir the paint before you start painting. And stir continuously as you work. This ensures that the finish has a uniform appearance. 

Start rolling 

While using rollers helps you cover more area with paint, you will still need to use a brush. Paint about an inch from corners, ceilings and baseboards with a high-quality brush. A roller can't reach these areas.

How to paint a wall with a roller

1. The first step in painting a wall with a roller is to use the long, thin end of it on all four corners and at least an inch into each side from your desired paint line. This will help prevent that dreaded "bald spot" between two coats. 

2. Next roll out horizontally across the entire surface- make sure you overlap as much as possible when doing this so there are no gaps or bare spots left behind by not getting enough coverage during one pass (which would only get worse if you don't do another coat). 

After covering everything once, go over any areas where there might be significant problems like bumps or crevices for example using smaller motions to fill them in even more thoroughly than before.

DIYnetwork recommends using a "W" pattern; "start in the corner of a wall and roll on a 3' by 3' "W"; then fill it in without lifting the roller. Repeat until the section is finished. This helps hide seams and any places where the roller has been lifted and put back on the wall again".

3. Usually after four to six hours of your first coat of paint drying, you can recoat. It's a good idea to wait at least three hours before recoating water-based paint or primer. In the case of oil-based paints and primers, waiting 24 hours is best. 

However, oil paints do not dry. Instead they harden due to oxidation. Ideally, this happens in two weeks and sometimes it takes months. So you don't need to wait too long to apply a fresh coat of paint. 

You now know how to paint a room like a pro. Big ups to you. Next, ensure to clean up - don't leave paint cans open or brushes in water; clean your tools with soap and hot water immediately after use; dispose of old paint properly (i.e., do not pour it down the drain). 

Make sure your paint is stored at the optimum temperature range of 55 to 90 degrees. If you're storing leftover paint, close the lid firmly (use a hammer to be sure it's sealed), and then flip the can upside down.

How much does it cost to paint a 12 by 12 room?

The US uses about 1.57 billion gallons of paint per year, based on data from the EPA. This means a lot of painting projects go on each year. Based on data from Homeadvisor, Painting a room measuring 10 by 12 feet can cost between $200 and $800. But as with any home improvement cost, you should be prepared to spend a bit more than you budgeted for.

AUTHOR BIO

Agnes A Gaddis is a writer for Inman News, Influencive and the TSAHC (Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation). She has over 7 years experience writing for the real estate industry. Connect with her on Twitter @Alanagaddis

Dust Bunnies: How To Get Rid of Them Forever

We aren’t sure who decided that balls of dust that float across the floor should be called “bunnies,” but the term certainly stuck—and unfortunately, most of us have plenty of them. It’s understandable: With careers and busy lifestyles, who has time to catch dust bunnies? We’ve got a few helpful hints to get rid of dust bunnies forever. It starts with a thorough dusting (we know—yuck) and ends with staying on top of dust control so that your living room floor never looks like a tumbleweed scene after a dust storm ever again.

Dust Regularly

If there was a magical way to remove dust without physically removing it, we’d let you know. Sadly, in order for you to have a dust-free home, the dust that has accumulated needs to go away, and the process will require a little elbow grease.

Set aside a couple of hours on a Saturday morning and get it over with. Depending on how bad it is, you can wipe away dust with a dry rag, scrub it off with warm water, or—if you’re like many of us who have pretended for years that dust doesn’t exist—grab a chisel (joking). You get the idea: do a once-over in the house, getting rid of dust and starting over with a clean slate.

Ditch the Carpet

Carpet is soft and warm under our feet, but one of the best ways to get rid of dust bunnies forever is to remove all carpet and go with wood, laminate, tile, or vinyl flooring. Carpet holds onto everything, and every time you move around on it, dust goes into the air.

Check On Your HVAC System

HVAC systems have the ability to blow dust all throughout our homes, but changing filters and performing regular maintenance to keep your HVAC system running can keep down the dust. Unfortunately, if you’ve got a bad dust problem and you’ve taken all the steps necessary to keep your HVAC clean, the problem may be that it’s time to replace your HVAC system. Older systems may not be able to keep up or filter the air properly. This can also lead to other issues, so have your HVAC checked out.

Groom Your Pets

Certainly, your pets are perfect and their furry coats are beautiful, which is why we hate to break it to you: your pets create dust and flying fur. Regular grooming cuts down on these furry effects.

Sweep and Mop

Sweep daily if you can, and run a damp mop across all your hard-surface floors a few times a week. Sweeping gets a lot of dust, and the damp mop picks up what a broom or vacuum can’t get.

So there you have it. Get rid of those dust bunnies once and for all, and don’t let them return. Once you get a regular routine going, keeping the dust under control will be easy. Now if we could just get everything else under control as well.

Humble to Luxurious: 5 Types of Houses That You Can Turn Into a Family Home

If you and your partner are feeling drawn to settle down and start a family, you'll need a place to call home. While an apartment with roommates is OK for singles, couples with children really need a single-family home. Whether you are on a tight budget or are a millionaire, you can afford to raise your family in a real home.

An Expandable Tiny Home

If you are starting your family on pennies, a tiny house could be an option. Start with a design that can be expanded with extra rooms as your family grows. Depending on zoning, a tiny house can be built on an affordable piece of land that you purchase.

Manufactured Homes

These are prefabricated, single-family homes that can be transported by truck to your property. Manufactured homes come as single-wide and double-wide models, and some of these affordable homes are quite roomy and luxurious. Manufactured homes start at under $50,000 and go all the way up to $200,000, depending on size, features, and quality.

Existing Single-Family Homes

The traditional, suburban home with a big, backyard is what most people think of when they think of single-family homes. Depending on your region, this type of home can be relatively affordable. Be careful to choose a good neighborhood, and also, have a home inspection to pinpoint any problems before you commit to buy.

Big City Townhouse

If you must raise a family in a big city, a townhouse might be the way to go. The difference between an apartment and a townhouse is that a townhouse usually has two floors and its own door to the street. Townhouses also often have a small backyard. Finally, apartments are rented, and townhomes are purchased. However, you'll need to be careful to choose a safe neighborhood for your family; some big city townhouses are affordable and have lots of character, but are not in good neighborhoods.

Newly Constructed Single-Family Homes

Having a custom-built, new home is the way to go for many families. First of all, you won't inherit any problems, such as mold, from the previous owner. Second, a newly constructed home will be up to the latest codes, which spells safety for your family. Third, new neighborhoods often have lower crime rates and are safer places for children.

No matter what your budget, you can buy a home to start your family. But choose wisely, so that your children have a safe, stable place to grow up.

Reclaimed Flooring Ideas for Your Thoroughly Modern Home

Whether you are remodeling your existing home or building a new one from scratch, reclaimed materials are both affordable and earth-friendly. Reclaimed flooring is both an affordable and timeless option for your modern home. In fact, you won't have to settle for vinyl, you'll easily be able to afford a high-end floor when you use reclaimed materials.

Reclaimed Stone Flooring

Whether it's marble, granite, slate, or limestone, reclaimed stone flooring adds a touch of Old World class. Some of this stone comes from old limestone and slate flagstones and cobblestones. If you desire a slightly organic and rough look, limestone and slate could be just the thing. On the other hand, marble and granite are just the things for a sleek, sophisticated, modern look. Marble and granite are often pulled from old buildings, such as hotels and movie theaters slated to be torn down. These are classic building stones, used in palaces and temples for millennia.

Reclaimed Lumber Flooring

Reclaimed wood floors are warm, welcoming, and full of character. Rather than cutting down living trees, the lumber for salvaged wood flooring comes from a variety of places. This can include old barn wood, bowling alleys, and old homes. Some companies, like Old World Lumber Company, know that before a building is torn down, any valuable lumber is salvaged, processed, and cut into new flooring. You can find it in both narrow and wide planks, as well as many different finishes. Reclaimed lumber is not only rich with color, character, and depth, but also history. You can find reclaimed wood flooring in oak, pine, hickory, maple, chestnut, beech, and many others. It is perhaps the most affordable and readily available type of reclaimed flooring.

Reclaimed Tile Flooring

Vintage tile is another option that can work well in a bathroom or a kitchen. However, matching vintage tile is often offered in very small quantities. This means, you probably won't be able to get enough to do the whole house in matching tile. You'll be lucky to find enough reclaimed tile to do an entire room, other than a small bathroom. However, mixing and matching tiles could create an interesting mosaic. Vintage tile is best used as an accent. Vintage tile can make a fabulous kitchen or bathroom backsplash that complements your reclaimed wood flooring, or stone floor.

Reclaimed flooring materials are just the beginning; your modern home could also use reclaimed windows and doors, as well as vintage door and cabinet hardware. Everything old is not only new again, but also environmentally friendly.