Moving into a newly built home is an exciting experience, but one common challenge homeowners face is protecting the interior paint. In many newly built homes, the paint used may be of lower quality and more susceptible to wear and tear. This means it's essential to take extra precautions to maintain the fresh, crisp appearance of your interior walls.
At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE, we have redone painting jobs in newly built homes simply because low-quality paint was used. We have discovered builders tend to go cheaper on paint to cut labor and material costs.
In this article, we'll explore some of the best ways to protect interior paint in a newly built home, ensuring it stays looking beautiful for years to come. By reading this article, you will find tips on protecting your interior paint, whether you are skilled in the construction phase or have already moved into your newly built home.
Pre-Move-In: Things to Keep in Mind for Interior Paint While Building Your Home
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On move-in day, ideally, you would like to move into a fresh home with clean and crisp paint lines.
Every home building company is different, but the following steps will help ensure you receive the best quality paint service for long-lasting paint.
Use High-Quality Paint
One of the most effective ways to ensure the longevity of your interior paint is to use high-quality paint from the start.
High-quality paints are not only more resistant to stains and damage but are also easier to clean, making maintenance a breeze.
Cleaned and Prepped Surfaces: Wall, Trim, Ceiling, and Doors
Properly cleaning and preparing surfaces before painting is crucial for paint adhesion.
Dust, dirt, and grease can prevent the paint from sticking properly. Use a mild detergent and water to clean the walls, then rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before painting.
Apply Primer Before Painting
Before painting, make sure your walls are properly primed. Primer provides a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to, enhancing its durability and preventing it from peeling or chipping. It also helps the color to spread more evenly and can save you money on the number of paint coats needed.
Choose the Right Paint Finish
The paint finish can significantly impact the paint's durability and ease of cleaning.
For high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens, consider using a satin or semi-gloss finish. These finishes are more resistant to stains and easier to clean compared to flat or matte finishes.
Keep a Record of Paint Details
Note the paint brand, color, and finish used in each room of your home. This information will be valuable for touch-ups and future maintenance. If the original paint isn't available, you can get a color match for repairs in a different kind of paint.
Post Move-In: How to Protect Your Interior Paint In Your Newly Built Home
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If it’s too late to mark the above tasks off your to-do list, or you don’t have control over your builder’s painting process, don’t worry! There are ways you can protect your new paint without repainting right away.
Ideas to Implement to Protect Your Walls
Prevention is often better than cure, so protect your walls from potential damage.
Use furniture pads to prevent scuffs and scratches from heavy furniture. Consider installing chair rails or wainscoting to protect walls in areas where chairs and other objects might frequently bump into them.
Invest in Quality Paint Tools
When painting and doing touch-ups, using high-quality brushes and rollers is essential.
Cheap tools can leave streaks and imperfections that are difficult to fix. Quality tools will help ensure a smooth and even paint application, making it easier to clean and maintain.
Act Quickly to Clean Stains
Accidents happen, and stains are almost inevitable. When you notice a stain, clean it promptly. Use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge to remove the stain gently. Typically, soap and water should do the trick, but some paints may require a mild chemical.
Check out more tips for removing stains on interior paint.
The longer you wait, the more difficult it can be to remove certain stains without damaging the paint. Over time, stains can permanently embed themselves into the color.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners
Harsh cleaning products, abrasive sponges, or scrub brushes can damage the paint. Stick to mild, non-abrasive cleaners for routine cleaning. If you're unsure about a product's suitability, test it in an inconspicuous area first.
Consider Repainting Soon
Over time, no matter how well you care for your paint, it may begin to show signs of wear. When this happens, consider repainting. A fresh coat of paint can revitalize your interior, making it look new again.
Follow the steps above to ensure the new paint job lasts as long as possible.
Conclusion
Whether you have not moved into your newly built home or you have moved in and are noticing issues with your interior paint, we hope you have gathered some tips to help ensure a longer-lasting interior paint job.
If you are looking to repaint your newly built home or have other painting projects, give Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE, a call. Our proven process, high-quality products and materials, 9-year warranty, and skilled painters will ensure a lasting paint job and a great customer experience.
