My basement is currently unfinished. The floors are sealed and painted grey; there are two full above ground windows, so it's really quite clean, bright and dry. I would like to convert it to playroom for my son and his "active" friends -- BUT without actually contracting someone to finish it. I want to paint the open ceiling (black-industrial, or white-cottage??) and then the walls. I think I can tack up some muslin fabric or something around the areas that are above grade and have insulation/moisture barrier showing.
Does this sound feasible? My biggest task is painting the ceiling, pipes and ducts...any suggestions??
Thanks - Still lovin' this forum!! :)
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We have an air compressor too and looked into buying a paint gun for it. We found out it wasn't the best solution for interior walls as it has a smaller spray area and lots of overspray (more for painting cars etc). What we bought was one by Wagner, you can either fill the little cannister with the paint or put the tube directly into the paint can. I hear it does a great job, and it was only about $100 at home depot. I think it's worth it for the amount of work you save. As mentioned before, you will have to remove or cover everything in the room that you don't want to get paint on.
Other than that, I think I would go with a nice Clay-like colour. Even something like Clarksville Grey (like on the H&H set) or Sag Harbor Gray. It wouldn't look as cottagy as white, but not as industrial as black. If you want to have an industrial feeling, you can add black and chrome in your decor.
Can't wait to hear what you end up doing :)
Thank you for the input!
I've researched the possibility of using a compressor (loaned from a friend) - but have to purchase the spray gun and tons of extra paint due to the loss from overspray...not to mention the amount of work to cover everything (and cover it really well!) that I don't want painted. So this sounds like added work, mess, and expense; so is it worth it or should I just get to it and start painting?! I'm thinking Norm's advice sounds about right - not to invest too much right now because either eventually I'll finish it properly, or move!!
Thank you again!
I have 2 boys, 18 months apart. They are now grown but I remember well being very happy that I had a basement where there was room for hockey games, Hot wheels track, mini basketball hoop, ping pong table and the odd wrestling match! We had a small area for TV and games with a carpet and old fold out couch.-substitute trampoline, a rectangle toy box/bench for coffee table and lots of shelves with board games and once a family of hamsters, and a neighbour's rabbit for 2-3 months :( My advice: don't do too much...depending on your son's age...ours evolved with time and need. ;)
i think the simplest way to pay to paint all the pipes, etc would be to rent a spray gun from home depot. you could do the entire basement with rather than physically rolling/brushing. i'd imagine you may have to cover everything or move it all out until it's all painted.