Painting your walls can be one of the fastest and cheapest ways to give your home a new look. However, it can also be a big expense.
Luckily, there are some money-saving hacks that can help you cut costs.
For example, asking friends and neighbors if they have any leftover paint can save you a lot of money. You can also check for cheap paint deals in stores and on neighbourhood buy/sell groups.
1. Buy in Bulk
Painting your walls is a great way to freshen up a room in your house and give it a new look. But the costs of paint can add up quickly. High-quality paint can cost $30 or more per gallon and many rooms require multiple gallons to cover the entire space. Luckily, there are some money hacks that you can use to save on your next painting project.
One of the easiest ways to save money is by buying in bulk. This is especially true for larger containers of paint, which oftentimes come at a cheaper price than individual cans. This is also an eco-friendly option, as it reduces the amount of waste produced by single-use paint cans.
You can also save money on your paint purchase by asking your friend or neighbor if they have any leftover paint from a previous painting job. Many people end up with extra paint that they don’t use, so they may be willing to give it to you for free.
Another great way to save money is by using a coupon finder when you shop online. This can help you save a significant amount on your purchase by finding and using the best coupons available for the items you want to buy.
2. Buy a Single Color
Painting is considered an ideal DIY project for most home owners. It’s relatively easy and affordable to do, and there are countless videos online that teach the basics. But it’s not without its challenges.
One of the most difficult parts is picking the right color for your walls. It’s important to choose a shade that coordinates with the furniture you already have, but it’s equally crucial not to go too bland.
If you’re on a tight budget, look for bottom-dollar paints that still promise a quality level or special features such as mold resistance or odor suppression. But skip those that offer a lifetime warranty, which may not be worth the premium. In Consumer Reports’ tests, only a few paints with warranties held up for more than nine years.
Another great money saving hack for painting your wall is to buy a gallon of the same shade and use it throughout your entire house. This will ensure that all the trim and baseboards match, which can save you a lot of time and effort. It also allows you to purchase a single color of paint in bulk, which can save you even more in the long run.
3. Look for Cheap Paint Deals
Painting your wall can be a great way to change the look of a room without spending a fortune. But, if you’re not careful, it can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are several money saving hacks that you can use to save on paint and other painting supplies.
For example, be sure to shop around for discounts. Many hardware stores and paint retailers offer a variety of deals at various times of the year, including during the weeks leading up to three-day weekends. These discounts are designed to get rid of paint that people don’t want to buy and can be a great way to save on your project.
Another trick is to ask friends and neighbors if they have any leftover paint from previous projects. Many people end up with more paint than they need and will be happy to give it away rather than throw it out. You can also try searching for free paint on websites and apps like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to spend a little extra on high-quality paint. While it may seem counterintuitive to spend more on a paint job, quality paints cover better and last longer, meaning you’ll save money in the long run.
4. Don’t Buy Too Much
Painting walls can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re on a budget. However, there are many ways to save money and still get the job done right. However, if you want a perfect finish for your home, then it is better to consult with Old Charleston Company.
First, it’s important to understand that quality paints cost more than cheap paints. This is because higher-end paints cover better and last longer than low-quality ones. Additionally, it’s recommended to buy a quality primer instead of using the all-in-one kind that includes both the paint and the primer. The all-in-one variety will be much cheaper, but it doesn’t provide the same level of adherence and longevity as a true primer.
Also, make sure to take the time to properly prep your wall for paint. This means filling holes and cracks, sanding, and cleaning to ensure the best results. Additionally, it’s important to use a tape and tarp to protect furniture and other surfaces from getting paint on them.
Once you’ve selected your color, ask the store to mix a small sample for you to test on your wall. This is a great way to see how the color looks in natural and artificial light, as well as throughout the day. This will help you avoid wasting expensive paint on a color that you later decide you don’t like.
5. Buy Quality Paint
If you have the time, it’s worth investing in quality paint. The quality will pay off in the long run, as the paint lasts much longer than cheap paints, which need repainting within a few years.
In addition, quality paint usually covers better, so you may be able to skip the primer and only need one coat of paint instead of two or more. This alone can save you money on the project, as well as in the amount of time and energy spent.
High-quality paints are also easier to work with than cheaper options. They are more durable, meaning they hold up to repeated scrubbing with a cleaning rag and cleaner. That makes them a great choice for high-traffic areas of the home, such as hallways and entryways.
Finally, high-quality paints are designed to resist blistering and peeling, which means they will hold up well against sunlight, moisture and other weather elements. This can make them a great option for outdoor spaces, such as a porch or balcony. To get the most from your paint job, be sure to follow proper preparation steps, such as cleaning the walls and using tape to cover surfaces you don’t want to get painted. You should also use a good paint tray and invest in a good set of brushes.
6. Use a Primer
Painting walls is a fun and satisfying project that can save you money. However, it is important to understand the process and what it entails so that you can get the best results for your budget.
One of the most important steps in any paint job is priming the surface. A primer is a thin coating that adheres to the wall and helps the new paint stick. It also fills in small pores and can be tinted to help hide existing colors.
Some surfaces, such as oil-painted woodwork, need a primer that is specifically designed for them. This is because water-based paints won’t stick to oil-based finishes. Without a primer, you may need to apply several coats of paint in order to get the color you want.
Drywall walls also need a primer before they can be painted. Using a drywall primer will help the paint adhere to the surface and reduce the number of coats needed to cover it. It will also help the walls look smooth and even and eliminate any rough spots that would show through the final coat of paint. It’s worth spending the extra money on a quality primer when painting your wall to ensure that you get the best results for your money.
7. Buy Quality Brushes
The right brushes can make the difference between a smooth job and a messy one. Even though better brushes often come with a higher price tag, they also make the work much easier and leave better results – and they can last for several years if you care for them properly. If you’re not sure which brushes to buy, ask a hardware store employee for advice. They may be able to recommend some cheaper brushes that still offer good quality.
Also consider a brush that has a chiseled edge for painting corners and windowsills – this type of brush is often less expensive than one with a flat end.
Another way to save on paint is by doing a lot of the prep work yourself. This can include moving furniture out of the way, covering it and wiping down surfaces. If you skip this step, your painters will have to do it for you, and that adds to labor costs.