To paint, or not paint? 4 questions to ask about a piece before you start

It can be tricky to know when to paint a piece and when to leave it!

We love a good home makeover project. A simple can of paint can transform almost anything! But, how do you know when to paint, and when to pass? It’s a design dilemma defined by DIY expert and renovation specialist, Michelle Hinckley.

Michelle said paint is one of the quickest and most inexpensive ways to boldly transform a space or piece. We’re going to help you think outside the box when it comes to paint and hopefully give you that confidence to use paint in ways you might not have considered.

Design Rather Than One Color

Think design instead of one color. When we think of painting, we automatically think of painting walls one color, but you can create a lot of drama and character by adding design. One of Michelle’s first projects was painting stripes her entry/foyer. Instead of opting for a color, she added a lot of “wow” by painting stripes with the help of tape and paint. She said you can even use paint to mimic the look of wainscoting, taller baseboards, or even faux shiplap.

Paint Markers

Another painting trick Michelle likes is to use paint markers. Paint markers are trending right now in the DIY world. People are using them for all sorts of crafts, and Michelle has used them on fabric, windows, and even walls. On her bedroom wall, she used a gold paint marker and a ruler to create a herringbone pattern that looks just like wallpaper. The great thing about this is it’s a low commitment. When you need a change, you just paint right over it.

Painted Brick

One of Michelle’s most favorite transformations is painted brick. You can completely change the look of your exterior brick home by painting it. She recommended a masonry flat paint especially made for brick by Romabio. One of the problems with painting exterior brick is most paints create a seal when it’s applied, which doesn’t allow the brick to breath and can cause the paint to bubble, chip, or grow mold. A specialized mineral masonry paint allows the brick to breathe.

Painting Furniture

Painting furniture can be a controversial topic. Michelle said there’s no rule that says you can’t paint something (unless you live in a home on the historical reserve…!) but this is where you need to ask a few questions first.

1. What kind of condition is it in?
2. What are my long-term goals for this piece?
3. Are there any chances I might consider selling it down the road?
4. What is the value of it? (look online and research)

In some cases, painting a piece can affect the value, especially if you want to sell it down the road. Sometimes a piece may be so damaged that painting may be the best option to possibly prolonging its life and usage. Paint goes on really easy, but taking it off or refinishing a piece is not so easy.

What else can you paint? Michelle suggested pots, baskets, wall panels, and even fabric!

For more project ideas from Michelle, visit 4men1lady.com or @4men1ladyblog on Instagram.