Painting your home doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few smart strategies, you can achieve a professional-looking finish while sticking to your budget. Here are some tips to for for painting on a budget and how to save money without compromising quality and save money.
Plan and Budget Carefully
Before you start, take the time to calculate the amount of paint and materials you’ll need. Measure the walls to estimate the square footage and factor in the number of coats required. Many paint brands offer online calculators to help you determine how much paint you’ll need. Overbuying can waste money but un opened paint can be returned if it isnt mixed/colour matched, while underbuying might require extra trips to the store.
Choose Quality Paint Wisely
Opt for high-quality paint even if it costs more upfront. Cheap paint may require additional coats, costing you more in the long run. "You pay cheap you pay twice" springs to mind.
Look for sales, discounts, or promotions at your local hardware store. Many stores also offer “mistinted” paints at a fraction of the cost, and you may find a color that works perfectly for your project. Never hurts to ask. We recommend Dulux for resonably priced quality paint.
Use Leftover or Recycled Paint
Check your garage or storage area for leftover paint from previous projects. Always check and througly stir old paint and test it somewhere else first, the finish maybe poor, but always worth a check if your trying to save money.
If you’re open to experimenting, consider visiting paint recycling centers or community exchange programs where you can find free or low-cost paint.
Prep Properly to Avoid Mistakes
Prepping the surface is 80% of decorating, fill, sand and fix all cracks before starting. A significant portion of your budget can go toward fixing mistakes. Save money by prepping your surfaces thoroughly. Clean the walls, repair any damage, and use painter’s tape to ensure clean edges. Proper preparation minimizes the need for touch-ups and ensures a polished finish.
Invest in Good Tools
While it might be tempting to buy cheap brushes and rollers, investing in quality tools can save you time and money. High-quality tools last longer, apply paint more evenly, and reduce waste. Clean and store them properly after use to extend their lifespan.
DIY Whenever Possible
Hiring professional painters can be costly. With a little research and practice, most homeowners can tackle basic painting projects themselves. Watch online tutorials, read guides, and start with small, manageable areas to build confidence.
Use Primer Strategically
If you’re painting over a dark or vibrant color, using a primer is essential to avoid multiple coats of paint. A paint-and-primer-in-one product can also save you time and money. However, if you’re covering a similar shade, you might be able to skip this step.
Buy Paint in Bulk
If you’re tackling a large project, buying paint in larger quantities can often reduce costs per litre. If your only going to paint with white for example, buying 20l of white will work out cheaper than 4x5l of coloured paint
Borrow or Rent Equipment
For tools you’ll only use once, consider borrowing from friends or renting from a hardware store. Items like ladders, sprayers, or specialty rollers can be expensive to purchase but affordable to rent.
Get Creative with Feature Walls
Instead of painting an entire room, consider creating an feature wall. It requires less paint and can make a bold design statement. Use leftover paint from other projects to save even more.
Avoid Peak Painting Seasons
Prices for paint and supplies often increase during peak home improvement seasons in spring and summer. Plan your project during off-peak times to take advantage of lower prices and sales.
Save Leftover Paint for Future Touch-Ups
Store leftover paint properly by sealing the lid tightly and keeping it in a cool, dry place. Having paint on hand for touch-ups can extend the life of your paint job and save you money on future repairs.
Join Loyalty Programs
Many paint stores and home improvement retailers offer loyalty programs or discounts for repeat customers. Signing up for these programs can provide you with significant savings over time.
By following these tips, you can transform your space without emptying your wallet. Painting on a budget doesn’t mean cutting corners—it’s about working smarter and making informed decisions to achieve stunning results without overspending.
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