
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to make your house look better is to tend to your walls. Those scuffs and dents make a home look dingy and older than it is. But you can shed the years and the damage in no time with a few tools and basic techniques sure to make your home stand out among the Minneapolis homes for sale.
- Start With A Clean Slate
Dust and wash your walls at least once a year. You may want to dust your walls more often if you have seasonal allergies. Use a microfiber cloth and a telescoping mop handle to reach up to the ceiling and into corners. Spray all-purpose cleaner onto a second cloth to remove additional grime. Tackle stains and spots with dish soap and a sponge. Never use abrasive cleaners on your walls.
- Mind The Gap
Small holes in walls look unsightly and are very easy to repair. Smaller holes may need nothing more than a dab of spackling paste. For larger holes, mesh will help retain the integrity of the repair. If the hole in question is a mouse hole, fill the hole partially with steel wool before applying the spackling paste.
- Nailed It
If you have paneling or molding secured with nails, they may occasionally pop out. Get a nail set from a hardware store to secure the nail in place again with help from your hammer.
- A Fresh Look
Examine your freshly cleaned walls for marks and scuffs that may need additional attention. Note the nature and location of each blemish. If you spot a mark that may be present because of furniture placement, prevention is your best cure. Move the furniture or apply protective caps on edges that may rub against the wall. Other spots may need a paint touch-up.
- Perfect Match
If you have the paint or shade sample card for the wall that needs a touch-up, take it directly to the hardware store for a fresh quart. If you don't, a paint shade matching app might help. Sherwin-Williams offers ColorSnap® Visualizer for iPhone and Android, so you can avoid trying to check various sample cards or rely on memory for the proper shade.
- Paint The Town-- Or Just Your Living Room
If you have chipped or peeling paint, or you have multiple scuff marks, you may want a full fresh coat of paint. This is a perfect DIY summer weekend project and a great opportunity to try out the latest shades. If you are changing from a deeper shade to a pastel, or are painting over walls that include an accent wall, a primer will prevent the old colors from flashing through.
- A Crowning Achievement
Crown molding instantly makes any room look more elegant. Crown molding comes in a variety of styles and can be stained or painted. You'll want to set aside a day for installing it, making it the weekend project that will make your home the envy of other Saint Paul homes for sale.
Walls are an often-neglected but crucial part of home maintenance. While not exactly flashy, walls draw attention. If you have any questions about helping your home draw the attention you want, call today.