15 May Deciding the right time to repaint your walls

Most of us only decide to repaint an interior wall when we feel the colour needs changing. However, there are other, more important factors which indicate that walls need a bit of paint love.

Here are the seven signs to look out for to avoid your home looking run down.

1. Holes and cracks

Whether it’s a misplaced drill hole or an errant hammer swing, if your wall has holes or cracks, you may be tempted to simply patch and repaint the offending section. However, this patch work often leaves an ugly stain-like mark which looks worse than the hole that was there before, so it’s often recommended that you repaint the entire wall.

2. Unsightly marks or peeling

Most marks, like those caused by over-enthusiastic toddlers or clumsy furniture movers, are easily cleaned with soap and water. But if the marks have caused the paint to crack and chip, it could be time to repaint.

If the marks bubble or peel, the cause could be an underlying issue such as a leaking pipe, foundational crack, or mould. In these cases, the underlying causes must be fixed properly before applying a new coat of paint.

3. Discolouration

Discoloured paint is often caused by stains that come from nicotine, water splashes and ink. If these can’t be removed by cleaning, you might need to repair the area and then repaint the wall. Watermarks, especially, are a cause for concern as they may indicate a leaking pipe.

4. Old paint, old colour

Just as you would check the paint quality every 5 to 10 years, it’s also wise to re-evaluate your colour choice. This goes beyond considering your personal taste or colour trends – perhaps the room has changed its function, and your hot pink walls don’t align as well with the new space.

Paint colour has a significant impact on mood, so it’s important that you update the colours every now and then to align with the usage of the space and your evolving tastes.

5. The paint has lost its vibrancy

Sun bleaching, heat and humidity all cause once-bright colours to fade. This common affliction is a sign that your walls need a repaint in the same colour or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can dive into a new paint colour entirely.

6. The paint is off-trend

Interior design colour trends tend to change every 4 to 8 years. One example of this is how the trend for cool greys 10 years ago has now shifted to warmer beiges. The key is to be in tune with your moods and sense of well-being in a room – if the paint clashes with that feeling, it’s time for a change.

7. Selling your home

You may balk against the idea of spending money on a home you’re about to sell, but the truth is that a freshly painted home can fetch a much higher asking price than the little you spend on a paint job. It’s often a good idea to choose a neutral colour, as this presents a fresh canvas to prospective buyers and allows them to envisage their own personality in the space.

Pick Pelham Painters

Our bonus tip is to call in the experts if you’re undecided or aren’t up to the task of a laborious repaint job. We’d be happy to help.