Things to Consider When Painting Your Missouri Rental Home

Painting is a cost-effective way to upgrade your rental property. Not only do tenants immediately notice a new paint job, but it helps cover up minor imperfections that can otherwise impact their impression of the property, including stains and scuff marks.

A new coat of paint brightens your rental property, but how often should you paint? Here’s everything you need to know about painting your rental home in Clayton MO.

When to Paint

When to seek room painting services for a rental unit is generally at your discretion; as long as the property is safe, cosmetic improvements aren’t strictly mandatory for every turnover. However, it’s essential to compare the cost and potential inconvenience to the property between rentals. Most landlords tend to paint every three to five years.

Because painting can be a hassle for both the occupant and the painter, and because empty rooms are more accessible to paint than those filled with furniture, most landlords try to coincide painting with tenant turnovers.

In most places, including Clayton, landlords aren’t required to paint after every tenant moves out. Additionally, professional paint jobs last several years before needing a touchup.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to paint after you have a tenant who smoked inside, kept pets inside, or stained the walls somehow. Smoke and pets can leave behind smells that you can’t scrub away, so painting with primer is the solution. Likewise, grease stains in the kitchen can permanently discolor the walls, justifying repainting before renting to someone else.

Why Seek Interior Painters in my Area?

If you’re not sure whether you should paint, it’s probably best to do it. A fresh coat of paint attracts new tenants because a bright and clean building is always more appealing than one that looks dirty and dingy.

Here are a few advantages to painting your rental home:

• Rent property faster: Landlords who want to rent their property faster should paint it first. Using professional room painting services can make a home look newer. After all, most tenants immediately notice the walls and floors as soon as they walk in.
• More rent: A property that looks newer and brighter and is in good shape can generate more rent. A fresh paint job allows landlords to gain an edge over others because their place is a real bang for the buck.
• Paint is a cost-effective renovation: Hiring a professional to touch up your home can revive tired walls and highlight interesting architectural features, such as high ceilings. Professional paint jobs can last several years.

What Type of Paint to Use?

Color isn’t the only painting consideration for your rental home; the finish can significantly impact how the final paint job looks and determines how easy it will be to clean.

1. Flat or Matte Paint Finish

Flat or matte paints are low-sheen and non-reflective finishes that conceal imperfections and surface flaws. It’s best for low-traffic areas like bedroom ceilings and interior walls.

However, these paints are porous and readily absorb stains, so you can’t wash them.

2. Eggshell Finish

This type of paint is soft and velvety but not glossy. It’s easier to clean than a flat finish paint, making it a better choice for moderate-traffic areas like children’s bedrooms and living rooms.

Eggshell paint may reveal roller marks, however, and highlight surface flaws.

3. Satin Finishes

These paints are shinier than eggshell finishes, making them ideal for high-traffic areas where you want a pearl-like appearance. Satin paints also work well for rooms with some exposure to moisture, including kitchens.

Like eggshell paints, satin finishes are easy to maintain but effortlessly reveal application flaws, such as brush and roller strokes.

4. Semi-Gloss Finish

Semi-gloss paints are easy to wash and are durable, suitable for high-traffic and high-moisture areas. It’s ideal for trims, moldings, doors, baths, and kitchens.

5. High-Gloss Finishes

These brilliant paints are the most durable and easiest to clean. Tenants can even clean crayon marks and food splatter off high-gloss paint.

Focus on the Important Areas When tenants look for a potential home, the first things they notice are the walls, floors, kitchens, and bathrooms. These rooms see some of the most traffic, so it’s wise to focus on them first.