Here’s a detailed look at how we engaged Nippon Paint to repaint our entire home, including the process we went through, the colours we chose, our impressions of working with them, the final result, and the total cost involved.
It has been six years since we last painted our 4-room HDB flat, which we moved into back in 2018. This year, we decided it was time to refresh our home and give it a fresh look.
Alongside repainting, we undertook some renovations, including a major makeover in our bedroom where we transformed the space by building a raised platform bed. We also tackled minor DIY renovations in our home office/study room to including a corner for our toddler to safely be around when we’re working from home. These updates have really brought new energy to our home, making them feel fresh and lively once again.
Choosing Nippon Paint: Why We Made the Decision
When we decided it was time to give our flat a fresh coat of paint, choosing the right paint and painters was an important decision for us. After all, as busy parents with full-time jobs, a toddler, and a dog to look after, we needed a hassle-free experience that would not only deliver a beautiful result but also can accommodate to our family’s daily routine.
After much research and deliberation, we decided to engage Nippon Paint. Just to let you know, this post is not sponsored. We engaged Nippon Paint and paid for the services ourselves. The reviews and opinions expressed here are entirely our own and reflect our honest thoughts.
Engaging professional painting services over a freelancer was our first choice because, given our circumstances—having a toddler, a dog, and limited days to work from home—we needed a reliable, efficient solution. While we certainly appreciate the flexibility and often lower cost of freelancers, we felt that a professional service offered the expertise and dependability we needed for a smooth and hassle-free experience. Of course, freelancers can be a great option for others depending on their specific needs and situations.
Our decision to go with Nippon Paint was driven by a few reasons. Firstly, their reputation for high-quality products and excellent customer service stood out. Nippon Paint has been a trusted name in the industry for years, known for its innovative paint solutions and wide range of colours.
We also appreciated their commitment to eco-friendly products. Nippon Paint’s low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) options were important to us, as we wanted to ensure a healthier indoor environment for our family. Additionally, their comprehensive service offering, including free consultations and professional advice, made the decision easier.
The Painting Process: What to Expect
The process of repainting our flat with Nippon Paint was smooth and straightforward. It began with a consultation where a representative from Nippon Paint visited our home. She conducted a wallcare assessment to evaluate the condition of our walls and discussed our vision for the space. We were provided with various options and a catalogue to help us make an informed choice. At this point, we made a down payment to secure the work.
Once we decided on the colours and type of paint, the next step was scheduling the work. Nippon Paint’s team was prompt and professional throughout the entire process. They only asked us to secure our valuables in case anything was dropped or broken, but apart from that, they took care of moving and replacing the bulky furniture once the job was done.
The work started at 8 AM and ended at 5 PM, with an hour-long lunch break at 12 PM, which was convenient for us. This timing allowed us to drop our toddler off at preschool and pick him up afterward, so he wasn’t around during the painting.
The entire painting process took two days and covered our whole 4-room flat, including the ceiling. This included the living area (living and dining rooms), kitchen, one main bedroom, one kid’s bedroom, one study room, two bathrooms, the laundry yard, the bomb shelter (store room), five door frames, and the pipe in the laundry yard.
On the first day, they painted the walls and ceilings of all our bedrooms, the office/study room, and all the bathrooms. They completed the remaining tasks on the following day.
They started by covering our floors, doors, windows, and furniture to prevent the paint from getting on them. They also removed our curtain and blinds. Next, they sanded and primed the surfaces where necessary. They applied two coats of paint, and the job was completed in a timely manner with impressive attention to detail.
We also appreciated their clean-up service, as they put the furniture back and did minor sweeping and tidying up each day before leaving.
Colour Choices: Finding the Perfect Palette
Choosing the right colour was one of the most exciting parts of the project. Since we prefer a neutral and bright atmosphere, we decided on a shade similar to our old one but with a softer, calmer tint. We’re happy that Nippon Paint was able to deliver the exact look we had in mind.
All the walls were painted in the same shade, “Swansdown,” except for the home office, where we chose “Birch Patina,” a slightly richer colour. For the door frames, we used “Sahara,” which has a deeper tone to provide a nice, subtle contrast with the walls.
In our case, there weren’t many options for the ceiling, as they only offered white, which was also the case for the laundry pipe. This was fine for us, as we would have chosen a white tone regardless.
The Takeaway: Impressions and Results
After engaging Nippon Paint, we were genuinely impressed with the overall experience. From start to finish, the process was smooth and professional. The team’s attention to detail and expertise were evident in the final result.
Our flat now looks refreshed and brighter, with the colours perfectly matching our vision. The quality of the paint and the meticulous work of the painters have transformed our home into a space that feels both inviting and stylish. We’re thrilled with the outcome and appreciate the seamless experience Nippon Paint provided.
One downside to the painting process, which is common across many services, is the need to rearrange furniture to accommodate the painting process. While Nippon Paint’s team was very helpful by moving heavy furniture and placing it back afterward, we still had to spend some time rearranging items ourselves. Just a heads-up in case you’re considering hiring them and expecting a completely hands-off experience.
Another concern we faced was related to the paint’s odour. Even though we opted for an odourless option, the smell was still quite strong and noticeable, raising concerns about the potential impact on our toddler. The odour only dissipated after around five days of consistently airing out the space by opening the windows. We’re not sure if this duration is typical, but it did require patience on our part.
Additionally, the metal paint used for the door frames had a much stronger smell and dried more slowly. While the wall paint dried within a day, the door frames couldn’t be touched for the first two days. Although these issues were manageable, they did add some inconvenience to the overall experience, they were worth noting as they added some inconvenience to the overall experience (thanks to curious toddler hands and a nosy dog’s nose).
Cost Breakdown: What We Paid For
The total cost for repainting our 4-room flat came to approximately $2,700, with $200 paid at the assessment stage. This price included the cost of paint, labour, and additional services such as surface preparation and clean-up. We felt the cost was reasonable considering the quality of the materials and the level of service provided.
Overall, our experience with Nippon Paint has been very positive. The professionalism of their team, the quality of the paint, and the final result have exceeded our expectations. If you’re considering a repaint for your home, Nippon Paint is definitely worth considering for their expertise and excellent service.
Final Thoughts: Our Takeaway from the Experience
Overall, our experience with Nippon Paint has been very positive. The process was smooth, the team was professional, and the final result has transformed our home beautifully.
While there were a few minor inconveniences, such as the stronger smell of the metal paint and the need for some furniture rearrangement, these were outweighed by the excellent quality and finish of the work.
We’re delighted with how our flat looks and feel confident that Nippon Paint’s expertise made a significant difference. If you’re considering a fresh coat of paint for your home, Nippon Paint is definitely worth considering for their professionalism and high-quality service.