Feel like your home could use a little update? Or maybe you are just looking to change things up ... either way, the simplest way to make an inexpensive change is with paint! The walls are an obvious choice, but you can spruce up almost anything with paint, from fixtures and objects to floors and furniture.
Not all surfaces are alike, here are some guidelines for painting 5 different surfaces:
1. Wood: Probably one of the easiest surfaces to paint, wood will easily soak up paint. Clean the surface, removing any buildup. If it has a glossy finish, you will want to lightly sand it first so the paint will adhere. You can use a primer, but it's not often necessary, and most paints these days have primer already built-in. Stick with eggshell paints for interior wood projects, it's more durable and has a slight sheen.
2. Metal: The first step in painting metal is to remove any rust using sandpaper or a wire brush. Next comes the primer to protect the surface and provide a good base. Choose a paint with rust inhibitors or spray paint - they make spray paint specifically for metal. You will need to apply multiple layers for a nice finished look.
3. Concrete: Yes, you can totally paint concrete! Floors should be sanded and the surface must be clean and completely dry before painting. You will need to prime and then opt for a floor or epoxy paint. They make kits to paint garage floors that include decorative chips to give a speckled effect.
4. Tile: Have some dated tile or are you just sick of the color? Instead of ripping out your existing tile and replacing with new, which could be quite expensive depending on the tile, refresh the look with paint. Tile must be cleaned and then use a special glass or tile paint, other paints will easily chip or scrape off.
5. Drywall: If you are starting with a newly dry-walled wall, make sure you've sanded down the seams so that the surface is smooth and then clean off any dust. Primer is not required, but recommended on new walls. The type of paint you choose really depends on the room - satin or eggshell finishes are fine for bedrooms and living spaces. You will likely want to go with a higher-gloss finish for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways that can easily be wiped down.