The appearance of your home is key to maintaining its charm and value. When your walls start showing signs of wear and tear, you might wonder whether it's time for a wall touch-up or a complete repaint. In order to make an informed decision about the best approach for your walls, we want you to consider a few factors.
The Flashing Issue
One common dilemma homeowners face when deciding whether to touch up or repaint interior walls is the dreaded "flashing" problem. Flashing occurs when the touched-up areas look brighter or shinier than the rest of the wall. This is because the new paint used for touch-ups tends to have a brighter sheen compared to the original paint.
The sheen of your paint can be affected by several factors, including the passage of time and exposure to sunlight. Over time, the sheen of the old paint on your walls may fade, making it less vibrant compared to the sheen of the new paint. Exposure to sunlight can also affect the sheen, causing it to wear down and become uneven.
The best way to avoid flashing issues is to hire a professional painter to do the entire wall. Even if the new paint flashes initially, it won't be noticeable because the entire wall will have the same paint consistency. Flashing in paint is typically a minor obstacle, yet it can still pose challenges when striving for professional results, you should prioritize this approach.
When to Skip Touch-Ups and Opt for Repainting
While touch-ups can be a quick fix for minor blemishes, there are times when repainting is the better choice. Here are some scenarios when you should skip touch-ups and go for a complete repaint:
1. Aged Paint: If the existing paint is over five years old, chances are it has gone through significant wear and tear. Touching up such aged paint won't give you the desired results, as the original paint's sheen would have likely faded.
2. Large Damage: When there is significant wall damage, such as deep scratches, holes, or water stains, trying to touch up individual spots may not be effective or visually appealing.
3. Highly Visible Areas: Flaws in highly visible areas, like your living room or entrance hall, can be a real eyesore. It's best to repaint these areas to maintain a consistent appearance and ensure a professional result.
4. Chipping or Peeling Paint: If your paint is chipping, peeling, or flaking off, touch-ups won't solve the underlying problem. Repainting is essential to fix the damaged surface and prevent further deterioration.
5. Sunlight Exposure: Areas that receive a lot of direct sunlight can experience uneven wear and fading of paint sheen. In such cases, it's better to repaint interior walls in its entirety to ensure an even appearance.
6. Color or Sheen Change: When you want to change the color or sheen of your walls, a complete repaint is necessary. Attempting to touch up walls with a different color or sheen can lead to unsightly inconsistencies.
While touch-ups can be effective for minor flaws, repainting is often the superior option when dealing with extensive damage, highly visible areas, or the need for a color or sheen change. Make sure to assess the job at hand and determine whether professional results are required. When in doubt, consulting with a professional painter can help you make the best decision for your home.