Hi, one of the money saving tips I would like to share with you today is about how you can really spruce up a room, or a whole house for that matter, for absolutely no money whatsoever.  One of the skills I have acquired over the years is that of house painting, but almost anyone can do it, really.  It just takes a certain level of motivation, organization and concentration.  It also involves getting a little messy, but if you pay attention to the details, you can create a whole new atmosphere in a room, or in your whole house if you’re up for it, for literally no money.

 

One of the first things to realize is that there are hundreds of gallons of paint sitting around in people’s garages, basements and closets that will never be used.  Not all of this paint is desirable, however.  It helps to use a good dose of judgment in acquiring paints.  First of all find paint that is not too old.  Second of all, I use only latex paint, that can be easily cleaned up with water.  You can of course find a great discounts from returns at a paint store, but I’m talking about getting paint for free.  The best way to do this is to find some painters at work during your day to day travels, and ask if they have any paint left over.  Sometimes general contractors will have leftovers.  Another place to look might be a hazardous waste collection center.  Just about every city has one.  Often times they will more paint than you can use.  I was just given about 5 gallons of paint, which I have given to a friend of mine who plans to paint his living room. 

 

Another fact to consider is that if you’re doing this for free, chances are you won’t get exactly the color or texture a professional would choose.  Just remember, you want semi-gloss in kitchens and bathrooms, so the surfaces can be washed off easily, but the flat textures in the other rooms help hide imperfections in the walls.  Other saving money tips would include painting a bathroom wall with a flat texture and using Future brand floor finish to create your glossy surface. 

 

As far as colors go, if you can get more light colors, you have a better chance of coming up with a good pastel or even white mix, which will brighten up a room.  You are going to be mixing different colors together to create your own colors.  You might find a few cans mostly full  and some cans with less paint in them.  This is the point where you can get creative.  I recommend using more white or light colors and using dark colors sparingly, to come up with more desirable pastel like colors.  Make sure you mix the paint really well.  You will need a 5 gallon bucket to mix enough paint for an average sized room, probably two to three gallons of paint for the walls and ceiling, and a stirring stick.   If you can find some semi-gloss you might even be able to paint the trim separately, but it’s not totally necessary.

 

As for paint brushes, these could be borrowed from a friend with the promise that you would clean them religiously after each use.  It takes about five minutes to thoroughly clean a paint brush, but is worth it if you want to keep brushes useable, and/or keep your friends.  Other sources for paint brushes might be just asking around to see if anyone has painting stuff left over in their garage or closet.  I see this stuff sitting around all the time in people’s closets or garages, and am often given tools like this, but only because I know what to look for, because I just happen to be in the painting business.  But if you have to, you can actually get a cheap set up of brush, roller and pan for under $10, and it might be better than trying to use something that is already trashed.  However, it’s amazing what a little creativity can accomplish. 

 

Most important of all, be safe.  Use a stepladder for places you can’t reach, like the ceiling.  If you’ve never painted before, watch some painters for awhile, and see what you can learn.  Ask questions.

 

See more of our saving money tips on this blog and in my report, 5 Saving Money Tips offered for free. 

 

Until next time.