One of the perks of modern technology is that it allows many of us to work from our homes. At the same time, it creates the need for extra space that we can use as our home offices. If this is your situation, and there’s no extra room in your house, you may decide to spruce up your garage or backyard shed with some carpeting and fresh paint, and claim it as your own.
Depending upon the amount of work the structure needs, and whether you’re going to paint the inside and the outside, it may be quite a chore. Although the prospect of such a project may strike fear into the hearts of many, you needn’t approach it with trepidation, as long as you make the proper preparations.
The first step, of course, is to decide which colors you want to paint it. Once you have accomplished that monumental task, you will need the right paint for the job. Latex and water-based paints are much easier to clean up than oil-based types, and won’t overwhelm you with as many fumes. Latex is also more resistant to fading, and allows the surface to breathe, instead of sealing in moisture.
On the other hand, oil-based and alkyd paints are more durable. If you’re doing the exterior during cooler months, remember that latex paints cannot be applied in temperatures lower than fifty degrees, while alkyds have a lower threshold. If the surface is covered with chalky residue that can’t be completely washed off, or if it has more than three coats of paint on it, you will have to use alkyd paint. However, because alkyd paint is thicker than other kinds, you may have a bit more difficulty applying it; and you’ll have to use turpentine or paint thinner to clean it up.
On interior surfaces, you can safely use alkyd over latex (or the other way around), as long as the existing finish is flat, or has been sanded. If you are hesitant to do so, start with a coat of primer that has the same base as the paint you will be using. When doing the exterior, it’s best to apply a coat of alkyd primer, followed by latex paint; but never use oil paint over latex.
You will also need the proper tools for the job. On exteriors, and other places where you have a lot of space to cover, it may be wise to use power rollers or sprayers. Inside, regular paint brushes and rollers work best.
If you don’t feel like doing any painting, another option is to do what thousands of other people are doing to solve their space problems, and get a shed from GazeboCreations.com.
At GazeboCreations.com, you can select a pre-designed cedar, pine, or vinyl shed, or customize one in a few, easy steps. Available in various styles, with tons of options, including gabled roofs, cupolas, skylights, shelves, ceiling fans, sliding windows, window boxes, extra doors, screens, and several colors of siding, trim, shutters, and shingles, a shed can suit any purpose that you have in mind.
To contact a design consultant, or a customer service representative, call 1-888-293-2339, or e-mail cs@gazebocreations.com. Oh, by the way, in case you hadn’t realized it, sheds can also be used for storage!