Hey folks! I'm new to renting and I'm about to tackle my first paint project. The first thing I want to do is paint my bedroom a cozy dark color like plum or a deep brown. My landlord said it's okay as long as I paint it back to the original white when my lease ends. My mom is super skeptical and feels it'll be a nightmare to revert back to white. I'm totally up for prepping properly and applying multiple coats. So, is it really that tough to go from dark to light? I've never painted before, so I'd love your tips and experiences!
3 Answers
I recommend using a grey primer first before you go white again—that makes the transition smoother when you're ready to return it to the original color.
You're gonna be just fine! Modern paints are way better than what we had in the past. I’d definitely chat with someone at your local hardware store about your situation—maybe even bring a paint sample from behind an outlet so they can help. Just make sure to prep really well: lightly sand the walls, do wet sanding if you can (it cuts down on dust), let it dry, and then hit it with a good primer before your dark paint. When you move out, just repeat those steps and you should be golden!
If you’re new at this, consider peel and stick removable wallpaper instead. That way, if the landlord isn’t happy with how you painted, you'll avoid losing your security deposit for needing a professional repaint. Just make sure to keep it neat while applying!
Wallpaper can be tough to take off and might mess up the walls—paint is definitely less hassle if you prep right!
That’s a good point! I’ll stick with paint if I can manage, but I'll keep wallpaper in mind if it turns out tricky.