How to Maintain Your Interior Paint Look Good Longer Even If You Are Doing Your Own Painting

Thinking about painting the walls of your interior spaces? Now with Covid-19, we find that many homeowners are looking for DIY projects, and interior painting is one of them. And although interior painting isn’t rocket science it still is helpful to know a few things before getting started. This will eliminate disappointments.  This article assumes that you got a handle on the basics such as masking off areas that will not be painted and starting with a clean and prepped wall. We also assume that you have access to the right tools and materials.  If you don’t, look for a previous blog we wrote on this topic. Today, we’ll discuss why how to keep your freshly painted walls look good longer.

Avoid Paint Fading:

Probably the main reason why people want to do their own painting is that they are looking to save some money.  And while you can certainly save on labor you should never skimp on paint. One of the most common problems we hear from homeowners that painted their own interiors is that the paint fades too quickly. There are several reasons why this could happen. The most common one is that inferior paint was used for the job. Using cheap paint offers little resistance to fading. The colors will dim before they should.

UV fading is the second most common reason. This problem can be a bit more of a challenge especially if you want natural light flooding your rooms. The best way to minimize UV fading is by drawing curtains and blinds during the times when direct sunlight hits the room. This may darken the room but it will prevent the UV from damaging the paint.

Another way to combat UV fading is by investing in window tint or investing in e-windows. Both options will save your carpets and wood flooring from discoloration as well. A word of caution on window tint. Over time, the tint can cause the infused material between your double panes to deteriorate leaving you with milky-looking windows.

Avoid Excessive Humidity:

Excessive humidity will create mold and mildew which will ruin the paint, not to mention look ugly.  In some cases, it might even cause the paint to peel. Strive to keep the humidity low in your bathroom. Open your windows or run the fan during and after showers it at all possible.  Get rid of any mold or mildew quickly by cleaning it with a solution of one part bleach and four parts water. In the case of severe mold growth, it’s time to call in a certified mold remediation company.

Keep High-Traffic Areas Clean:

Nothing will diminish the looks of a freshly painted wall quicker than smudges and stains. That is why it is always a good idea to paint high traffic areas such as hallways, kid’s bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms with washable paint.  This way you can quickly wash away dirt and stains.  The use of warm water and a soft sponge will do the trick in most cases, but you can try adding a bit of dish soap for the more stubborn stains.

I hope this post has shown you how to keep your freshly painted walls look good longer. But we know that even the most diligent homeowners need a little help now and then. We can assist with paint and color selection and of course the painting itself. Let us do the work so you can do what you enjoy the most. Keep your interior paint looking like new with our professional painting services here at Universal Painting Contractors, Inc. located in Fairfield and serving all nearby communities within a 30-mile radius.