Other options for painting?

Question

My husband and I are going to be moving into a new apartment and in the contract it says that we are not allowed to paint. However I NEED color, is there any other options that anyone can suggest for me that will not leave too marks on the walls?

Answer 1

there's a product that comes in a plastic bag which comes in different colors....u just add water to the product and roll it onto the wall with a card board roller ( like a pasty paper material ) when your ready to move u just re-wet the product which is now on the wall, it gets soft and can be removed, no harm to the wall....I think it can be found in the wall paper section...foget the name of it, but 1 bag only covers 32 sq feet

Answer 2

They do make removable wallpaper and borders.  You can also "make" your own by starching fabric to the walls.  Simply use a light weight fabric, saturate it in liquid starch and use credit cards or plastic putty knives to smooth out the bubbles.  I let my own renters do this technique because it leaves virtually no trace that it was ever on the wall.

Answer 3

Yes, use curtain rods and hang long curtains across a wall or two....

Answer 4

Hi, and Hi Eskie,

   In the contract that states you cannot paint, I want to assume you still have to hand over a Security deposit. I might also assume that every apartment is painted White.

   In that contract, do they at least allow hanging ART? framed photos?

   I think, if it was mine, and I was so restricted, I'd probably focus on accessories, decorative accents, even folding screens I could have standing on the floor, even behind sofas, etc.

   As a former landlord  I do GET IT, and I'd probably be a bit upset if you painted your walls in dayglow, then left me to fix the issue.

   I think too, before I ever signed a lease, I'd be asking questions to the point that management gave up info, like a Criminal interogated for hours by the Police.

   There is another thought. It's a rental, owned by someone else, and should probably be respected, even when a tenant gets comfy over time. I've done rehab work for landlords where I found a Harley in the living room, and had to remove and re-install, new carpet.

Just my two "sense"

Answer 5

Ashlee,

Hi! I remember having the same problems with apartments my husband and I used to live in! These are things we did:

1.) I'm a bit of a hippie and I love exotic designs, so I bought some extra large "tapestry" type bedspreads from a local import store for between $10 - $30. I attached them to rods and hung them in some of the really big "blank" spots in the apartment. Eventually my husband even built frames for some of our faves. Quilts or even just nice peices of fabric from the sewing store can be great to fill up large spaces.

2.) Large, colorful art goes a long way even when its simple. We found some cool peices on sale at the local art supply store and I painted a few using colors that matched our furniture. We also got a killer Ansel Adams print from a yardsale that fit perfectly in the weird spot in the hall.

3.) Thin, colored lampshades can change the entire mood and color of a room with the fick of a switch. I had a friend who used a clear lampshade and filled it with negatives of favorite pictures. It gave the room a neat wallpapered look. (Along with everything else!)

4.) Shadow-boxes or shadow-box type shelves can display your more colorful belongings and collectables in an eye catching place.

5.) Large, colorful accessories like throw pillows, vases, flower arrangements, etc. are great for adding big chunks of color all over the room.

BTW: Some landlords will let you paint - even if it's against their regular policy, if you ask nicely and agree to hire and pay for a professional painter to repaint when you move out. (It save the landlord money in the long run.) Just be sure to get it in writing!

I hope this stuff at least gives you a couple of ideas! Best of luck with the new pad and I hope you figure out something fabulous! :)