I hate painting. I hate it with a passion. I hate the preparation, precision, and clean up. I like to jump back and forth between jobs, so that usually leaves me with dried paint and ruined brushes. I have done enough painting in my life to know how much I hate it.
I also love paint. At least, I love the paint at my shop. I like seeing my customers' projects and hearing about their great results. I also love giving people no-VOC & non-toxic paint. My color dispenser and paint shaker are older than I am, yet I feel a soulful connection to them. Mixing paint is a rite of passage for my employees.
This love/hate relationship has helped me develop excuses you can use for avoiding painting. Here are 3 that do NOT work for me, because I use eco-friendly paint:
1) I'm pregnant. Well, that won't fly because there's nothing harmful in the paint.
2) It's wintertime. You can paint with the windows closed when using non-toxic materials.
3) I've got animals/kids in the house all the time. See #1.
Since those three excuses don't apply, I've had to become more creative. Here are a few that I plan to use on the husband this summer:
1) I won't finish in one day. I like to flit around from here to there too much. It makes him absolutely nuts. My unfinished projects can be a bit of an inconvenience in our small home. So, hubby, if you want it done, you do it!
2) My work, my color. If you want me to paint, then I get to pick the color. I hear neon pink is back in vogue!
3) I'll insulate. The room that we have to paint first needs much more work: tear out old paneling (and bring to The ReBuilding Exchange for recycling), insulate with spray foam, and hang drywall. So I'll do the demo--who doesn't love demo! And I'll do the spray foam. It's a fun, easy job that gives me a tremendous sense of accomplishment. I learned how to spray foam in flip flops and a sundress a few years ago. And I can flit around from wall to wall to satisfy my inner demons.
That's how much I hate painting — I'll demo, foam, and hang drywall before I have to paint! Let me know if you use any of my excuses. I might have to change my tune if hubby catches wind of this!
