How can I repaint a room that’s already decorated?
by
Emily
+3
So I’m in a dilemma. We got our house painted about two years ago. And I just hate the color. I figured once I put up my decorations etc it would grow on me. It hasn’t. So my question is should I go unscrewing shelves from the wall and other decorations that are screwed into the wall? Like sconces, child safety straps, etc. Once removed will the integrity be stripped? Like will the holes that were previously there be able to be used again and hold up the shelves, sconces, etc? I think some were even hung with wall anchors - and I have no idea what happens with those. Any advice is greatly appreciated, thank you!
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Why are you taking things down? You can't you leave things up and paint around them? Although it is preferable to paint on a blank canvas so to speak. If you remove items from the walls before painting will you be putting those same items back? And if so will they go back in the same place? If you put the wall items somewhere else just putty or dab the holes and paint over them.
If you remove everything properly you can put them back up in the same place with the same hardware. As you take each item down, place in a zip lock bag along with a description of each item in the bag. So when you go to replace after painting, you have everything in one spot and won't get mixed up. If necessary, take photos of each step, so you know how to reinstall later. Not difficult, just time consuming.
When choosing a new paint color, buy samples and paint on walls to be sure you like the new color before purchasing gallons to do the project.
If you are planning to keep all items on the same spots of your wall after painting it, remove the items carefully and put them aside. You can put all nails and screws back in their holes and anchors afterwords.
Painting around the items may sound like it will save you time, but from my experience, it has never been. I end up spending more time trying to brush around the objects or trying to fix my mess.
Remember to tape everything you don't want your new color to go, such as door trim, window frames, crown molding, etc.
Good luck!
Remove all the decor including hooks and screws. Place a toothpick in the hole so it is easy to locate, but still easy to paint around/over. After the painting is complete, you can fill the hole with a few toothpicks, then screw back in. The wood in the toothpicks gives the screw something to grip.
Even though you remove the screw from a wall anchor, the other part usually stays in place.