THE LAST TIME I painted inside my my Mission Viejo home, I got tons of advice from a family member. This time, I'm doing it my way, and guess what! The results are much better!I think the biggest problem is that I am not a big burly man. While I dislike the term "weaker sex," I have to admit, I am just not physically strong. What I do have is patience and a moderate amount of intelligence, and with that, I can paint!
Looking back on my previous painting experience, I remember that the "right way" to paint this old Mission Viejo home was to use a big wide brush, use an ordinary paint roller, and use a 5 ft. ladder to reach the high areas. Luckily, the older Mission Viejo homes like this one came with 8-foot ceilings, so at my tall height, I don't have too far to reach.
That first time I painted it was a disaster that someone else had to finish. I used all the recommended items to paint, but by the end of the first day, my hand ached from holding that huge heavy paintbrush, my wrist hurt from going back and forth with the roller, and my arches ached from perching on the rungs of the ladder. By the next day, I didn't even want to think about painting, much less do it. I was sore all over, had green paint splatters everywhere in my hair and all over my arms, and my brush and roller were toast because I didn't have any energy left to clean them out properly at the end of the day.
I think I have things figured out better now. For any middle aged woman who is not in tip-top shape, consider these suggestions the next time you get the urge to paint the inside of your home:
1. Use a 2-inch brush. It's lighter, smaller in your hand and it doesn't weigh as much, especially when filled with paint. Its ease of use will make the job much simpler and your hand is less likely to get sore and stiff. It's small enough that you may not need any other brush.
2. Get a roller with a long handle. This will enable you to use both hands when applying the paint, thus giving you greater strength and endurance. You can use the leverage afforded by the handle to apply the paint, plus it will enable you to reach all the high spots.
3. Don't stand on a ladder. Use a sturdy plastic box to stand on. It is much easier to keep your balance, you won't over-strain your arches, and you will be more comfortable. I only use the 4-foot ladder as a place to put my hook-on roller tray so it is within easy reach.
4. Have the ceilings painted white by a professional painter. I do this because the ceilings don't really need to be repainted every time you want to freshen the paint or change the color. White ceilings make the rooms look bigger and save time and money every time you want to repaint. Have the ceilings painted in the same white you paint your trim.
5. If you want to paint the ceilings yourself, use a sturdy, covered coffee table to stand on with the ladder nearby for the roller tray and to grab in case you lose your balance. The long handled roller will give you that leverage to apply the paint with more strength.
6. If your doctor says it's okay, take a dose of your favorite analgesic at the very first sign of an ache, not after it's too late. Another dose before bed may help if you will be finishing the job the next day.
7. If you do need to paint the next day, don't clean your brush and roller. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and they should be good for the next day.
A new paint job can really brighten up a home. Even my older Mission Viejo home now sparkles in its new sunny yellow tint. If you are planning to sell your home, fresh paint is one of your best investments. It doesn't cost a lot, especially if you do it yourself. You will reap the benefit of a higher sales price. Avoid dark shades as lighter colors tend to make the home look larger. If you really want one of those deep designer colors, try it on just one wall to get the effect without darkening the whole room.
Call April Hay
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Photo credit
http://www.GreatMissionViejoHomes.com/
http://www.socdreamhomes.com/
http://www.eragenerations.com/
http://www.usethemls.com/
