FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT - COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL - SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 - 11
FALL HOME & GARDEN | KEEPING UP APPEARANCES
Paint Like A Pro
I
f you’re like most Americans, the spring rains and beating summer sun have impacted
the paint on your home, barn or shed. Even the strongest exterior paints can fade after
time, which means fall is the best time for getting out the brushes, rollers and cans.
The same holds true for
your home’s interior, which is
generally due for a few touch-
up projects once per year. Or
maybe you’re renovating this
fall and looking to completely
overhaul your space.
Fall’s cool temperatures
mean you won’t become
overheated on bigger paint
projects. It’s also the perfect
climate for your paint to dry,
unlike summer’s humid,
sticky air. Head to your local
hardware store for the latest
and greatest selection in
paints and materials. It’s time
to get to work!
COLORS
What are some of the first
colors that pop into your
mind when thinking about
fall? Red, green, brown and
burnt orange are great
options to mimic the natural
environment around you.
Fall painting projects can
incorporate these trendy col-
ors if you’re looking to build
an aesthetic connection with
nature. Of course, if you’re
simply touching up an area
around your home, work with
your local hardware store or
paint specialty shop to match
your color.
Bring in a high-resolution
photo of the color you’re
seeking to help your paint
dealer mix the correct hue.
It’s always a good idea to keep
© FOTOLIA
good records of the color,
brand and manufacturer of
the paints you’ve used in the
past. This ensures you will be
able to find the right color
when it’s time for a touchup.
PAINTING TIPS
Many people decide to
enlist the services of local
painting professionals to take
care of their projects. You
likely can find affordable help
by checking out your local
newspaper for ads or relying
on your friends and family
members for referrals.
If you’re looking to go the
do-it-yourself route, there are
many tips that can help you
successfully and safely take
on your painting project this
fall. Here are a few:
• For the best application
and highest quality results,
always clean the walls, ceil-
ings and other surfaces you
will be painting. This helps
get rid of any dirt or debris.
• Avoid using slippery plas-
tic to protect your floors from
drips. Use drop cloths or old
sheets instead to prevent
falls.
• If you have holes or other
imperfections, use spackle to
fill them. Don’t forget to sand
them smooth when dry.
• Have a bigger project?
Consider using a five-gallon
bucket with a roller screen
inside. This can help save you
the time and mess of refilling
paint trays over and again.