Older homes in Calgary, with their charming character and unique architectural details, often require careful maintenance to keep them looking fresh. Touching up paint is a cost-effective way to refresh these homes, but matching existing colors and finishes on aging walls can be challenging. From faded hues to textured surfaces, older Calgary homes present unique obstacles. Here’s a step-by-step guide to touching up paint in older Calgary homes without running into matching issues.
Why Touching Up Paint in Older Homes Is Tricky
Older homes, especially those built before the 1980s in Calgary neighborhoods like Inglewood or Hillhurst, often have walls with unique textures, such as stucco or popcorn finishes, and paints that have faded or yellowed over time. Factors like sun exposure, humidity from Calgary’s dry climate, and outdated paint formulas can make it hard to achieve a seamless touch-up. However, with the right approach, you can restore your home’s beauty without a full repaint.
Step 1: Assess the Existing Paint
Before starting, identify the type and condition of the existing paint:
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Check the Finish: Determine if the paint is flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, or gloss. Older homes often used flat or eggshell finishes, which can be harder to touch up due to their matte appearance.
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Evaluate Fading: Calgary’s intense sunlight can fade paint, especially on south-facing walls. Note any discoloration or chalkiness.
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Identify Texture: Older homes may have textured walls, like orange peel or knockdown, which require special techniques to blend touch-ups.
If you’re unsure about the paint type or texture, take a small sample (e.g., a chip from an inconspicuous area) to a local paint store for analysis.
Step 2: Find the Original Paint or a Close Match
Matching paint in older homes can be difficult if the original color is discontinued or faded. Try these strategies:
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Check for Leftover Paint: Look in your garage, basement, or storage for leftover cans from the original paint job. Even small amounts can be used for touch-ups.
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Visit a Paint Store: Bring a paint chip or a small piece of painted drywall to a paint store. Many stores in Calgary offer color-matching technology to create a close match.
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Account for Fading: If the paint has faded, ask the paint store to adjust the formula slightly to match the current wall color rather than the original shade.
For complex matching, professional painters in Calgary can provide expertise and access to advanced color-matching tools to ensure a seamless result.
Step 3: Prepare the Surface Properly
Proper preparation is key to avoiding noticeable touch-up marks, especially on older walls: