How to Make Your Touch-Ups More Effective

Show us a homeowner or renter who’s never had to touch-up their house paint before, and we’ll show you a liar. Correcting blemishes and mistakes on your interior paint is bound to be on the to-do list at some point in time during your life. Whether you scraped the wall with a new piece of furniture, had a naughty pet, or made a mistake while hanging up a new painting, even the most vigilant homeowners will find a scratch or a chip on the wall every once in awhile.

Keeping your original paint color and a few good brushes on hand is a great start, but some touch-ups look better than others. Here are just a few insider tips on getting the most out of your touch-ups.

• The actual painting should be the last step in the process. All too often, we see cases where DIYers think they can simply dab on a little paint and be done with the job. Even if you use the paint from the original application, you’ll probably find that the patch stands out noticeably. Touching up requires a little extra prep work.

• Clean the area as well as you possibly can. Especially if it’s a scratch, do what you can to get the dark mark or offending blemish off the wall before you start painting. Warm water and mild soap should do the trick, but make sure you check your manufacturer’s specifications first. This should also help the paint dry and adhere more evenly.

• Try your best to match the wall texture. As we’re sure you know by now, a roller will leave behind a different texture than a brush; in much the same way, a roller with a different nap thickness can leave an entirely different pattern behind. This is where preparation comes in handy. Try and remember to ask your painters what kind of rollers or brushes they used during your initial painting project, and keep the specified tool on hand with your paint.

• Thin out your paint before you apply. It takes more than just an identical pigment mixture to make a touch-up blend in seamlessly. Much of how the paint dries has to deal with the moisture content and how it wicks away. It’s best to apply multiple thin layers until the color looks even, rather than applying one thick layer and praying for the best.

Getting a professional-grade touch-up isn’t as easy as it seems upon first glance. If your walls are suffering from multiple blemishes, it might be a good opportunity to mix up your look and try an entirely new color. Still need help or want to learn more? Get in touch with the experts on interior painting in Orlando. Call New Ceilings at 407-378-6040 to schedule your free consultation.