Paint

After you have ordered your lights, paint your house 1st. It is easier to paint the ceiling without the lights installed.

Paint Selection
After talking to dealers and surfing the Internet for hours, my conclusion is that there is little variation in interior paint quality between the brands, esp. for lighter colors.
Those who advertise aggressively, they may charge a little more. So, you do your own maths.

Then comes one million dollar question – Matt or Sheen finish ?

I always like Matt because it is smooth, non reflective and not calling out for attention. Some people may like the Sheen look. So it is a personal choice. I always feel that the Sheen look has an “oily” texture to it, just like the T zone on a face.

Of course, some paints are special – ICI Dulux Light and Space Range. Even the dealer-uncle said, “it ist leally blighter.” Yeah, but hey, 1 can of L&S cost $60 per 5L!
For a size of 1500 square feet, you will need at least 7 cans of 5L to do a 2 coats on ceiling and walls. WOW – so “blight” that it burns a hole in my wallet ~

Waller Sealer or not?
Ladies who wear make up will know the answer to this question.

DIY or pay someone to do it for you?
Well, if you have strong back, neck and arms, why not put it to good use? You can save up to $1000 if you DIY. But, please be kind to your body and spread the work over 5 to 7 days. You are not a

Asking someone to do it, you have many options.
a. Ask the paint shop (they have packages, labour + paints)
b. Ask your contractor for a quote (ICI paint in Jotun containers?)
c. Call one of those painters in the Classified page.

You know, when I call those painters in the Ads, the conversation always goes like this. I think there is a booklet out there. I suspect, they are reading from the standard pattern.

Painter : Hair-lo
123abc : Hello, Good Morning.
123abc : How much does it cost to paint an apartment, size around 1500 square feet? I provide the paint.
Painter : HDB or Condo ?
123abc : Why ….? If it is Condo, are you going to charge me more?
Painter : (….silence…)
123abc : Condo
Painter : Where is Condo ?
123abc : Why ….? If it is Condo in District 9, are you going to charge me more ?
Painter : (….silence…)
123abc : Newton Circle.
Painter : Ahhhhh…. Newton… can ….can …S$1,300/= 2 men. One day, can finish.
123abc :

I think, I have uncovered their secret code. I think, the basic price is only $500 for a 1500 sqf size. Then, they “mark up”, depending on situation.

MARK UP CHART

~ Add $1000 for Condo in Sentosa.
~ Add $800 for Condo in District 9, 10 & 11.
~ Add $500 for Condo in other Districts.

I also think I have discovered their secret conversational pattern. Even the “silence” you see up in the above conversation is also well-planned. And these painters have been well-trained. They have an answer for every question you may ask. Don’t believe me ….?

STANDARD Q&A

Your question : Why you charge $1,500 for condo in Sentosa ?
Standard answer : Sentosa very far, must take cable car.

Your question : Why you charge $1300 for condo in Orchard ?
Standard answer : Orchard very expensive, workers must eat in restaurant. No hawker center, you know.

Your question : Why you charge more for condo ?
Standard answer : Condo ceiling very tall. Singapore men very short. So, must get foreign talents to come and paint for you. (Don’t be fooled by them. Foreign Talents = Bangladesh workers, ok !)

So now that I have broken their code and crushed their secrets, you can bargain very well with them now. Good Luck -


My tips and learning on Painting

-- There will always be touch-up. Do not be naïve. Your electricians are also human. Although did you notice that many of them like to say – “AND, LET THERE BE LIGHT” when you switch on for the 1st time..

-- If you DIY, after touch-up, donate your brushes and tray. Cross your heart and ask yourself honestly, will you paint again? Now, honestly answer that question ! No, right? So save yourself that storage and help another couple save some money.

-- Wait for the walls to be completely dry before applying another coat of paint.

-- Start from top – ceiling first then walls. Always use masking tape unless you are a natural born If you are that good, do not just paint your ceiling, draw on them like Michelangelo !
Please leave your contacts if you are one Michelangelo.

-- Remember, painting work is typically done only once. If done well, you do not have to worry about it for a long long time.


That is all for now.... Pls wait for my next post.

In the meantime.... hang loose and enjoy life ~~~


End of Part 2.