The walls in your home see their fair share of abuse. Between kids, pets, and the general wear and tear of everyday life, scrapes and smudges are bound to emerge. However, there might not be enough of these ugly marks to justify repainting the whole wall. When that’s the case, a touch-up paint job might be the solution.
Touch-up painting might sound simple, but failing to use the right tools and techniques can result in unsightly blotches that stick out just as much as the blemishes they’re meant to cover. If your wall could use a facelift, read on to learn the correct way to touch up paint.
Before You Begin
In order for your touch up paint to blend seamlessly into the surrounding wall, you need to use the same—or as similar as possible—paint and paint applicator (rollers and brushes) that were originally used to paint the wall. Ideally, you will have some leftover paint and applicators from when the wall was first painted. If not, you will have to find a matching paint with the same color and sheen. You can find a matching paint with:
- Paint matching smartphone apps: There are several free smartphone apps that can match the color of your wall with a compatible paint. While this option is the most convenient, it may not yield the most accurate results.
- Color matching technology: Several hardware stores and paint suppliers use a spectrometer analysis to determine the color and sheen of your wall’s paint. To use this service, you need to bring in a sample of the paint you want to match. This sample is usually a physical piece you take from the wall, like a 1-inch square you cut from the drywall with a utility knife. Some stores might be able to analyze a picture taken with your phone, but that may not be as accurate as a physical sample.
If you’re not sure what type of applicator was used, rollers are often considered the best option for touch-up painting. Smaller rollers are usually recommended since they offer the highest level of control and precision.
Safety Considerations
Exposure to paint fumes can cause dizziness, vision problems, eye and lung irritation, and headaches. To combat these risks, work in an area with adequate ventilation by opening any windows and exterior doors in the room. You may also consider using a fan to direct the fumes outdoors, and/or wearing a face mask or respirator.
Source: The Spruce
