Tips for Painting your Interior

by Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS® 08/23/2020

Don’t underestimate the importance of a fresh coat of paint when it comes to preparing to sell your home. Apart from changing the look of your space, it also adds to the value of your house. Painting can make your home feel brand new and attract the attention of serious buyers. While painting can be an overwhelming and messy task, don't allow this to deter you. With the following tips, you can complete the task in less time and cleanup will be a snap.

Use heavy foil

Line your paint tray with heavy-duty aluminum foil. When changing colors or you’re done for the day, pour the excess back into the can, and toss the foil.

Cut edging tape

If you’re using painters or masking tape to protect your trim, run a utility knife down the edge of the tape before attempting to remove it. This will make it easier to remove and create a cleaner edge.

Fabric softener

Try cleaning up your brushes with warm water and fabric softener if you are using water-based paint. The fabric softener dissolves paint easily because it is a surfactant and leaves the bristles soft and pliable. Rinse the brush thoroughly and allow it to air dry.

Drop cloths

If you’re using drop cloths, consider using cloths that are long and narrow. This configuration is easier to move around your room and generally won’t involve a lot of folding or gathering. You’ll be less likely to trip or get your ladder caught in extra material.

Use cardboard

An excellent alternative to drop fabric or plastic is cardboard. Flattened cartons prevent paint from dripping on your floors and protect them from damage by ladders and scaffolding. Another advantage of using dismantled boxes is that their smooth edges stick closer to baseboards protecting floors from drips, spatter, and overspray.

Painting your home will add value and freshness to your home. Consult with your real estate agent about current color trends.

Painting Tips

Interior Painting

Home Improvement

About the Author

Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS®

Aby’s understanding of excellent customer service stems from her extensive professional background. Prior to earning her real estate license in 2005, along with her college degree that focuses on business and engineering, Aby was the head of purchasing, inventory and quality assurance for an OEM medical and aerospace manufacturing company. Known by her clients and fellow realtors for her tenacity, honesty, integrity, and attention to detail, as a full-time realtor, she is also appreciated for her quick response to her client’s needs. Aby has been an avid horse rider and owner since the age of eight, with her husband Billas a local firefighter/EMT they are very active within the community. Bill served as a US Army Airborne Ranger in 75th Ranger Regiment, he is a combat-wounded veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart. Bill's background as facility Manager for an International metals company and as a firefighter/EMT gives him the experience, attention to detail and the desire to go above and beyond to serve his customers. The Brooks' serve on the board of a local non-profit (501c3) that gives back to the veterans, first responders and their families. The Brooks family resides on their small ranch in Manatee County. Aby& Bill excel in all types of real estate and their passion is helping people. “We genuinely like people, growing up in Sarasota and Manatee counties and now raising our own family here, it is an absolute pleasure to share our growing area with newcomers and reminisce with longtime residents. Our area has so much to offer and it is our business to help folks buy and sell their own piece of paradise.”