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Nothing can improve the look of a home than a good painting. However, you need to check your lease and ask your landlord before getting out your brushes. Some landlords allow you to repaint your home as long as you paint it all white (or prime the walls) before you move out. Some will not allow you to paint at all. And others will charge you a fee in order to repaint your walls after your lease expires. Dorms typically will not allow painting.
Types of Paint: There are several different types of paints, depending on the surface texture you are painting, the material of the surface to be painted, and the effects you want to create with your paint. The two most common types of paint are latex (which is water-based) and oil-based paints. Latex paints are preferably since it is easy to clean up and there is no strong odors. Oil-based paints, however, require paint remover solutions and leave a really bad smell, not to mention the fact it may take a long time to dry. Yet, oil-based paints adhere great to surfaces that paints don't cover (such as metals, trims, some woods). If in doubt, read the paint can label or ask your helpful paint department employee. Paints also come in different varieties, such as high-gloss, semi-gloss, or flat. Typically you want to use high-gloss or semi-gloss with trims and less glossy or flat paints with regular walls. Glossy paints reflect more light than flat paints, but of course they resist dirt and water better too. Semi-gloss is predominately used in bathrooms, kitchens, closets, and utility rooms where steam and dirt are more present. High-gloss or gloss are used on doors and cabinets. Satin is more resilient to dirt and water than flat, so it can be used in children's rooms and hallways. If you plan on staying in your home for at least several years, invest in more expensive paint. In the long run, cheap paints tend to flake and peel. And most cheap paints won't cover the paint underneath. Painting Equipment: These days you have a large variety of painting tools available at any local hardware store, but choosing the right ones is critical. For water-based or latex paints, avoid natural-bristled brushes which absorb water and become puffy and useless. Use natural-bristles for oil-based paints. Avoid cheap brushes, since the bristles tend to fall out and bend. Get a wide brush about 3 or 4 inches in order to paint entire walls. Use a smaller brush, about two inches, for trims. Some brushes are angled, in order to reach into corners and other hard-to-reach places. Some brushes have large sponge heads instead of bristles. These are best used for decorative painting.
The copyright of the article Interiors: Painting 101 in Apartment Living is owned by Wendy Waid. Permission to republish Interiors: Painting 101 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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