DECOR

Have Time on Your Hands? Use it to Brighten the Interior of Your Space

Not all states have shut down home improvement businesses, Massachusetts still allows homeowners, renters, and businesses the pleasure to invigorate and refurbish their work or living space with exciting new colors and accents. BY LINDA BERTRUM

What’s so exciting about a painting project?

✔ Anyone can do it.

✔ It’s not expensive.

✔ You’ll feel so much pride and accomplishment once you finish!

Painting projects usually materialize after years, months, or days of noticing how drab or scuffed the interior of your space appears. With the lockdown in place, until possibly May 15, 2020, now is the time to look around and see if you can make it to your local and “essential” home decorating retailer.

A favorite of ours, because they have superior knowledge and excellent customer service, is Wilmot’s Decorating Centers, with retail locations and designer showrooms in New Bedford and Middleboro, Massachusetts. Known to be the go-to store for expert advice by professional contractors, experienced painters, and homeowners, they offer one-stop shopping and will help first time, or professional decorators with time management, and save them money when planning a project.

Scott Houlihan, the owner of Wilmot’s, is proud of his family business, his motto is always, “Service, service and more service,” and because of this, he was very willing to give us some guidance to share with our readers. During our discussion,

Houlihan uses an anecdote to make customers feel at ease when they walk through the door; he tells them all, “Don’t worry, what could go wrong? If you screw up, paint over the mistake.” And, it’s true, painting your space doesn’t have to invoke fear or apprehension, provided you take the same steps as the pros.

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS BEGINS WITH A PLAN Get out a pad and pencil and outline your adventure by deciding how much paint you’ll need by determining the amount of wall space you have; measure the length and height of each wall, along with the ceiling—do this by measuring the floor below. Ask yourself, will the moldings, cabinets, bookcases, floors, or other accents all be one color, or will you paint them separately?

Next, decide if all the walls will be painted the same color or if some will be a different color. To do this, determine what moves you; are you looking for a bright look, moody hues, drama, or something that shows-off your individuality. If uncertain, try to visualize what you’ve seen elsewhere, or find a sample from a magazine; no doubt, Wilmot’s will have a paint chip or swatch of your color to give you some ideas as to what will compliment your space.

Naturally, check for staining, gouges, and condition of the walls.

You’ll want to let your paint salesperson know what you intend to cover and if other work is involved. If you are painting over wallpaper, DEFINITELY, inform your supplier of this; there’s nothing worse than paper peeling from the wall after you carefully covered it with a fresh coat of paint.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE This step is where most people panic and buy the wrong items. Take your time and think it through; you know you’ll need rollers, pans, rags, brushes, possibly other cleaning materials, along with buckets, painter’s tape, and drop cloths. But there may be other equipment you’ll need and don’t realize. This is when a talk with a Wilmot’s expert yields dividends you won’t find anywhere else. They can help you outline the steps you need to take to make your job easy. Plus, they will show you how to use these items correctly, adding to efficiency.

COVER & PREP Do as the professionals do; move all your furniture and belongings to the middle of the room, pack away smaller items, and cover your furniture securely. This way, even if you spill a little paint, your property will be protected. Remember, the cost of a properly sized drop cloth is like buying insurance; it will pay you back when it prevents damage to your possessions.

Next, mask with painter’s tape, everything you don’t want to be painted; ceiling and floor edges, moldings, chair rails, and doors. A good tight seal around these areas will make for a clean solid paint line. And, don’t rush, it’s better to do it right the first time than to try to fix it during the middle of the job.

OUT OF THE GATE Choose your weapon of choice—brush, roller (size matters), specialty edger, or other tools that are available to make your work go smoothly. Enlist a spouse or friend— know that pizza goes a long way when attracting helpers.

Also, have a plan as to where you’ll begin and the place you want to end up—take heed to these words, “Don’t paint yourself into a corner.”

OTHER EQUIPMENT At one time, you could find everything you need for covering your self, but that’s changed with everyone scrambling for PPE (Personal Protection Equipment). Most likely, you’ll need to rely on old jeans, a long sleeve shirt, torn boat shoes, a hat, rubber gloves and a bandana you swore you’d never wear again.

Also, be sure to open some windows and place a fan in the room you’re working in. It’s best to keep the fumes out of your workspace.

Oh, one last thing about necessary equipment, be sure to have your music close by, there’s nothing like rocking out to favorites while giving the house or office a fresh coat.

CLEAN UP IS EASY Unless you’re using an oil-based paint, Latex dissolves easily with soap and water. A mild solution will help keep your brushes looking fresh and ready for their next use. Many trays used for rolling paint are disposable, so into the trash with those.

TAKE A BOW You’ve done it and deserve credit for a job well done. And, it will happen when you invite guests over, and they can’t believe how nice your room looks, only to be blown away by the fact you did it yourself—with a little help from Wilmot’s.

For more information regarding your next painting projects, visit Wilmotsdecorating. com or drop by one of their locations; 149 Everett Street, Middleboro, or 1193 Ashley Boulevard, in New Bedford.

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