House painting is a common and important home improvement project that can enhance the beauty, value and durability of your house. However, there are some facts that you may not be aware of when getting your house painted. Here are some of them:
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- Paint is still toxic in many countries. Some paints contain harmful chemicals such as lead, mercury, formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can affect your health and the environment. Use certified paint organizations with a good reputation.
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- Most professional painters receive years of on-the-job training as an apprentice before they are considered professional. Painting may seem like a simple task, but it requires skill, experience and knowledge of the best practices and techniques. Many painters learn on the job for many years; but, not all of them are licensed, insured, or ethical.
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- The painting industry is growing slower than other sectors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of painters is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029, slower than the average for all occupations. Many reasons can attribute to this statistic. Even though everyone and has a relative that “says” they are a professional painter. Until… you get them to the wall and they have not professional system, technic or paint knowledge.
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- The average hourly rate for apprentices, professional painters, and foremen is $17-$22. However, this is the rate given to a company that will keep them completely busy all year long. The cost of hiring professional painters per job depends on time and material. Look at things such as the size and condition of your house, the quality and type of paint you should use, the complexity and style of the project, and the location and accessibility to your home.
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- Using water-based paint is better for interior spaces. Water-based paints, also known as latex or acrylic paints, are easier to apply, dry faster, have less odor, and are more resistant to stains and mildew than oil-based paints.
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- Interior painting was among the top home service projects in 2021. According to HomeAdvisor’s 2021 State of Home Spending report, interior painting was the second most popular home service project among homeowners in 2021, after landscaping.
- The most popular colors for painting houses are white, beige, blue and gray. These colors are neutral, versatile and timeless, and can create a calm and cozy atmosphere in your home. It can make your home easier to sell since more people like these colors. Although, make your home your own creative piece of the world (unless your HOA will not let you). Look through many online color combinations and decide what gives you that warm fuzzy feeling.
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- Fresh and natural colors make the home feel larger, and the neutral help potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. According to Zillow’s 2021 Paint Color Analysis, homes with light green or blue bathrooms sold for $4,698 more than expected, while homes with red or brown living rooms sold for $2,310 less than expected.
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- 88% of people have more of a desire to be at home after painting an interior room. According to a survey by Harris Poll on behalf of Sherwin-Williams, painting an interior room can have a positive impact on your mood and well-being. The survey also found that 83% of people felt more accomplished after painting a room.
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- The oldest house paint used milk, lime and honey. This type of paint, also known as milk paint or casein paint, was used by ancient civilizations such as Egyptians and cave dwellers. It was made of natural ingredients that were mixed with plant dyes and other pigments. It was durable, nontoxic and antibacterial.
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- Painter guilds in England helped form the house painting profession. In medieval times, painters were organized into guilds that regulated their trade and set standards for quality and ethics. They also provided training and apprenticeship for aspiring painters. The first recorded painter guild in England was established in 1502.
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- Pilgrims shunned house painting in colonial America. The Puritans who settled in New England considered house painting a sign of vanity and pride, and banned it from their communities. They preferred plain wooden houses that blended with their surroundings. It was not until the late 1600s that house painting became more accepted in America.
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- Painting a front door red has several historical meanings. In early American tradition, a red door signified a safe haven for travelers or runaway slaves. In Chinese culture, a red door symbolized good luck and prosperity. In Catholicism, a red door represented the blood of Christ and his sacrifice.
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- The White House was not originally meant to stay white. The first president to live in the White House, John Adams, found it unpainted and unfinished in 1800. The sandstone walls were whitewashed to protect them from moisture and cracking. The white color became popular after the War of 1812, when the British burned the building and it was restored and repainted. In 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt officially named it the White House.
