THE TOUCH-UP vs. RE-PAINT DEBATE WHAT IS THE RIGHT THING FOR YOUR COMMUNITY? BY: BRIDGET NIGH, BEHR PAINT COMPANY
W
hether you’re a community manager, board member or HOA committee member, few things are as satisfying as a freshly finished paint job. Now if only it could stay that way! Unfortunately, even the finest coatings succumb to wear and tear, as well as the inevitable nicks, scratches and other unsightly imperfections. In addition, sometimes flaws appear shortly after a repaint — suggesting that more than one type of paint and/or application method was used. No matter how it occurs, damage affects an HOA’s appeal. Therefore, the question isn’t whether or not these defects can be corrected. Rather, it’s a matter of which option — a paint touch-up or a full repaint — provides the best solution.
• Technique: The goal of touch-up is to blend the new paint with the old — creating a consistent appearance, despite the application method. Ideally, all areas should be fully coated and texturematched to avoid applying too much paint.
TOUCH-UP
WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE THE OLD PAINT?
“Touch-up” describes the recoating of very small, localized areas of a newly painted surface in order to conceal minor repairs or to cover up minor surface defects — such as scuff marks — that can occur shortly after a painting job is complete. While touching up offers a quick way to achieve an acceptable appearance, it is important that all parties understand that it is not a cure-all. Yet — if done right — touching up is a practical alternative to repainting the entire surface. Consider the following best practices:
When a property is in the painting process, the paint types, colors and sheens are top of mind — but the last repaint may have been a while ago. Knowing that touch-up colors must perfectly match the painted surface’s current hue, hopefully, someone tucked away extra paint or noted the exact name, brand, and texture of the original coating.
• Plan ahead: Make a point of keeping extra paint to use for touchups and storing it in fully sealed containers. Then label each one with the date and color so you can easily find them next time. • Use the best tools: First, utilize the same type of applicator previously used to paint the wall you’re touching up. This helps the touched-up area blend with the surrounding surface. If you used a roller, use a roller again (a small-sized roller offers better control). If you used a brush, use a brush again. This will help replicate the surface texture.
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CONNECT MAGAZINE • ISSUE THREE 2023
If not, Behr Paint Company is here to support you with its array of valuable, professional services — including Custom Color Matching. Take a color sample from any source — scraped or peeled paint from the job site, a favorite fabric color, or even a competitor’s paint chip – to The Home Depot. We’ll match it and create a digital color representation. And don’t forget about sheen! Remember that you need to repaint with the same gloss — flat with flat, high gloss with high gloss, and eggshell with eggshell — otherwise unwanted spots will be noticeable. And, just like color, if you don’t know the original sheen, let us help you find it!
