In today’s times, selection of paints is definitely not the sole responsibility of a painter or contractor as more and more buyers are taking the onus of picking the right brand for their homes. As end-consumers are becoming more sensitive to their needs, paint companies are also now focusing on providing paints that propagate healthy living.

A good painting job can add a new dimension to your home. Following simple precautions and procedures can ensure that your walls remain like new for a longer time.


Before painting

One must check for areas that need to be mended. Any sort of plastering, waterproofing and repairing must be completed before painting. You can also ask your contractor to use a moisture meter to scan wall surfaces and detect dampness left over after the rains.

It is imperative to check wall surface for instance of water seepage/leakage and the same should be rectified at source by repairing leaking pipes or cracks in the exterior walls. All structural cracks must be opened in V shape and filled with crack fill before painting.

All loose plaster must be removed from the wall. This can be done by tapping on the walls as a hollow sound is an indicator of loose plaster. One should ensure proper curing time post repairs so that when re-plastering is done the cracks are bridged and the surface is smooth for painting.

Remove loose particles and paint flakes. Scrape with sand paper to ensure that the surface is dry and free from dust, dirt or grease.

Fungus affected areas need a separate treatment. Make a 5-10 % solution of bleach powder in water and apply on affected area as with brush or sponge. Wash the walls with clean water after an interval of 8-10 hours. Allow the surface to dry sufficiently.

It is extremely essential to use paints that are ‘Lead Free’ or ‘Low’ or ‘Zero VOC’ which would help maintain indoor air quality and keep your family away from the harmful effects of VOC.






While painting

Before the first coat all the wall surfaces should be evened using a quality primer/putty. For vest outcome, apply 2-3 coats of paints, rather than one thick coat.


Festive options

Bedroom

a tint bright fuchsia pink with a combination of dusky violet will add the warmth to a bedroom. The shades pink and violet being a part of the family of brightest shade red brings higher level of thought.

Living room

The gateway to an abode is the place which creates the feel of an instant welcome. A luminous orange or a right shade of yellow adds to the hall way to really enhance and uplift the space. The glowing quality of the shades helps capturing our attention and adds to the existing tenderness.

Kitchen

Kitchen being the most used place in a house can be painted in shades of blue, green, red, yellow, and every imaginable colour, plus soothing neutrals and whites as there is lot of opportunities in a kitchen to add a punch of different shades. Blue resembles cool and refreshment, while green denotes relaxation and reassured. White creates the feeling of airy and clean, using a grayed-down version of a paint colour you like will make it pretty and unusual, and you won’t get tired of it.

Bathroom

Natural and neutral shades with undertone of grey create the perfect look of sophistication. Shades like a tropical pastel blue are also highly recommended for the bathroom as blue emphasizes the bath as the room of relaxation and retreat.