Saving Money on Paints and Primers: Four Things to Keep in Mind?

Answer 1

When people prime and paint a room on their own, they can save a lot of money. After all, professional painters charge high fees for their services, and it is generally cheaper for homeowners to do home improvement work themselves anyway. Many people, however, do not go the extra step and increase their savings through the wise purchase and use of paint and primer. This guide offers some helpful hints for saving money on these painting supplies so that homeowners can cut costs even further when they forego hiring a professional and paint a room themselves.

Consider Different Sources for Paint and Primer

Paint stores and hardware stores are the places where most people buy their paint. Although great deals on paint and primer are often available at these locations, homeowners should also know that they can get even better prices elsewhere. Many local hazardous waste recycling centers sell leftover or recycled paint at a premium discount, enabling buyers to save even more money on a painting project.

Use All the Paint in a Can

Some paint is always left on the sides and bottom of a can after the can is emptied into a paint tray. Inexperienced painters may think that this paint is inaccessible and useless, but it can actually be used to paint trim and other areas. Just dip the brush into the can to access and use the leftover paint. This allows painters to get more out of the can, reducing the amount of paint that has to be purchased.

Use Primer Only When Necessary

Many homeowners apply primer even when primer is not required. Applying the same type of paint over a wall's existing paint does not demand a primer, although primer may be necessary if the new paint is a lighter color. In any case, using primer only when necessary reduces the homeowners' cost for primer.

Measure Walls Accurately

Measure accurately the square footage of walls that need to be painted in order to avoid buying too much paint and primer. Most experts agree that one can of paint will cover about 350 square feet of area. Those who measure accurately can divide their square footage by 350 and get a true idea of how much paint they will need.