After Mom had her cataract surgery, she looked around her house and complained about how filthy it was.  Nobody said, “No shit, that’s why we sneak in to clean the place whenever you are gone for the day.”  We were hopeful that her better vision might usher in a new era of modern cleanliness.

We forgot that people have a remarkable ability to adapt and overlook, if that’s what it takes to not have to change or do anything.

Mom would have liked Rusty and his rustic bathroom habits.1  After Rusty moved out, the empty-the-room deep clean allowed me to notice the nicks and scratches that had accumulated on the door thresholds and trim.  My new project is patching and painting.

The last time I painted was 15 years ago as part of a larger room renovation project.  Since then, paint quality has improved and I know more.  There is nothing major, but a bunch of minor flaws add up to a general unfavorable impression.

Here are before and after photos of the most galling damage.

The wall color hasn’t changed, that’s the difference in light between afternoon and morning.

There are also scuffs and smudges.  I’m using Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim enamel in semi-gloss.  It’s supposed to be the most durable and washable.

Always take photos of the paint can and color, so you know what you used and when.

Painting is a nice renovation because it isn’t expensive and provides visible results.  This project is attractive because it isn’t disruptive and I can do a few thresholds at a time.  Baseboards are optional.

1 Mom wouldn’t have minded Rusty pissing in the house, as long as he did it in the basement.  It’s got a drain, what’s the problem?