Does one of the rooms in your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home still seem dark even after you've turned the lights on?  It could be that the paint on your walls has faded and simply needs a "pick-me-up".  Not everyone has it in their budgets to hire a professional to get the job done, though.  Don't worry.  You can revive a room in a weekend all by yourself with these handy tips:

Clearing and Cleaning - Take down all your photos, remove knick-knacks from shelves and move all furniture away from the walls.  Caulk any holes or cracks you see.  A smooth surface will make for a smooth finish.  If you find light mildew growing on the walls, mix together 1 part bleach/3 parts water and scrub the area.  This won't work on black mold, so don't try it.  And definitely don't paint over black mold.  Instead, call in a mold specialist to take care of it.  After you've gotten rid of the mildew, clean the walls with warm, soapy water to get rid of any dust particles or other debris buildup.

Preparation - Use cardboard, plastic sheeting or old bed linens to protect your Northern Virginia/South Carolina floors from errant paint splatters that inevitably happen, even when you are careful.  One of the most important elements in prepping a room to paint is taping.  This can also be the most time-consuming.  Blue painters tape should be used anywhere you need to have a clean edge (around trim, windows, baseboards, crown moulding and ventilation ducts).  Even though this step can take longer than the actual painting itself, it is well worth it to have a professional-looking paint job when you're through.

Using the Right Tools - The kind of brush you use depends on the kind of paint you are using.  Talk to your paint specialist at the hardware, home improvement or paint store to see which ones work best.  Rollers are best on big areas, but you'll still need the brushes for more precise edge work.  To achieve a professional line around the edges, consider purchasing an edger.  This tool keeps the line straight when you're trying to paint near the ceiling, around a door frame or anywhere else there is a straight edge that you don't want your paint to cross.

Painting - Keep the area well ventilated.  Open all the windows and doors in your Northern Virginia/South Carolina room to allow for good cross ventilation.  Pregnant women should avoid the area, as paint fumes can be harmful to both mother and baby.  If you want, you can always opt to use Zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paint.  It is better for the environment and easier on the sinuses.  Don't paint on days where the temperatures are 35 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. 

It doesn't take a ton of money or weeks on end to give your home a makeover.  Revive a room in a weekend with a nice fresh coat of paint.  Whether you intend to sell your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home in the next few months of simply need to brighten the area, painting your walls is bound to breathe new life into your home.

Gene Mock, your Northern Virginia, South Carolina and Washington DC real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Northern Virginia Homes blog here: http://northernvirginiahomes.net/2012/02/16/revive-a-room-in-a-weekend/.