Instead of using those shades, you can select bedroom paint colors that will help you establish the energy you seek. Nevertheless, with so many different colors, we understand how confusing it can be to select the right one. That’s why we’re here to help you learn more about the bedroom paint colors to avoid and which to pick. Whether completing a whole bedroom remodel or just repainting your walls, knowing the colors to avoid will set you on the right track.

These Are the Bedroom Paint Colors You Should Avoid

According to popular TikTok designer and interior architect Phoenix Grey (@mrphoenixgrey), certain hues aren’t the best choice for your bedroom because they won’t help you establish the vibe you want. Let’s dive right into the bedroom paint colors you should avoid.

@mrphoenixgrey Colour has so my energy, so keep that in mind as it reflects in your space #colour #bedroomcolor #interiordesign #homehacks #designertips #toronto #designhack #homeimprovement ♬ ShowTime – Hip Hop Instrumental

• Red: Because red is so high-contrast, it adds a lot of energy to your room that isn’t conducive to creating a calming bedroom. But don’t toss out your red paint yet—if you love this color, you can still add pops in other spaces in your home, such as your bathroom or dining room. Or, if you’re committed to painting your bedroom red, Grey suggests you select a moodier, darker hue.

• Yellow: There are many places in your home where yellow paint would shine, but it isn’t ideal for painting your bedroom. Much like red, it’s high energy and doesn’t add a mellow vibe to your room. Grey mentions that this energizing color is ideal for starting your day, but you may struggle to fall asleep in a yellow bedroom.

• Green: While we love how green brings the outdoors inside, too much in a bedroom is, well, too much. This is especially the case, Grey warns, for light greens. If you must have green in your bedroom, go for a gem-toned shade, so you don’t sacrifice coziness—or skip it altogether.

These Are the Bedroom Colors You Should Go For

Now that you know which bedroom paint colors to avoid, let’s discuss which colors Grey believes are a better alternative. And if you really want to give your space a facelift, you can implement some of these bedroom design upgrades in addition to a fresh coat of paint.

@mrphoenixgrey Replying to @DittaStone these are my go to’s for creating a really cozy environment in the bedroom #bedroomdesign #painthack #interiordesign #homehacks #designertips #toronto #designhack #homeimprovement ♬ Luxury fashion (no vocals) – TimTaj

• Pink: No, not bubblegum pink! Muted shades are your best friend when picking this color. One reason Grey loves pink in a bedroom is that it pairs beautifully with many different colors, plus you can easily add a visually appealing contrast.

• Terracotta: If you want to evoke feelings of warmth and coziness with your bedroom paint colors, terracotta is the way to go. It’s basically neutral, so you have a lot of flexibility when working with this paint. Plus, it adds a sunny vibe to your room without being too overwhelming.

• Black: If dark and moody is your vibe, look no further than black paint for your bedroom walls. While Grey warns that black bedroom paint is difficult to do right, if you succeed, you’ll have a unique sanctuary that allows you to rest and recharge. To do so, be sure to bring in other warm tones that create an intimate vibe. And don’t forget to select black paint with warm undertones for the best result.

Now that you’ve selected your bedroom paint colors, you can start getting innovative with your bedroom furniture to create a truly one-of-a-kind space that reflects you.

But ripping out wood paneling isn’t the only option for that dark heavy wall covering. Wood paneling can be painted. It’s a less messy, less costly option than removing it and dealing with whatever material you find underneath.

Yet nothing’s that simple, right? To erase the dated look of paneling, you’ll need to deal with the telltale grooves that give away what’s lurking underneath. We called on an expert to help.

How To Cover the Grooves in Paneling

We asked Jeff Shipwash, who fixes and flips houses through his Knoxville, Tennessee-based business, Shipwash Properties, how his team deals with wood paneling during renovations.

“We actually encounter many homes that still boast wood paneling within,” says Shipwash. “In the past, we would rip it out, or modify it to make it appear more modern.” But if you want to keep the paneling and make it appear more like drywall, he says, “Prep work is critical in order to make sure you get a great finish.”

Step 1: Fill the grooves with joint compound

Shipwash says his team usually starts by filling in the groves with a quality joint compound, aka drywall mud or joint mud. He recommends USG joint compound. You’ll also need a putty knife.

“This step is only necessary if you desire the finished product to look more like [drywall] and less like paneling,” Shipwash says. “In my opinion, you need to fill in the grooves with at least two coats of drywall mud.” Also, sand between coats.

If you hire a contractor for the job, Shipwash says the cost will vary by the project size. “The average we spend per day on a drywall crew is around $1,000,” he says. “This is for a crew of two or three experienced contractors. I have seen a few solo contractors that bill around $400 to $500 per day.”

Step 2: Sand the entire wall

Once your two coats are complete, sand down the entire wall with fine grit sandpaper, ideally in the 180- to 220-grit range.

“This will do two things,” says Shipwash. “First, it will level the joint mud level with the rest of the wall. Second, it will scuff the paneling to allow paint and primer to better adhere and avoid chipping.”

After sanding, clean the walls with a damp sponge or rag.

Step 3: Add primer and paint

Next, apply a high-quality bonding primer. An oil-based primer works best. But if you don’t want to deal with the odor and the clean-up, opt for a stain-blocking latex primer instead.

Two coats of primer is ideal. You might get by with one coat if you’re painting with a darker color. Once the walls are primed to your satisfaction, Shipwash says, “you’re ready to paint the paneling to any color you desire.”

Note that in this article on painting wood paneling, our pro recommends an oil-based primer and paint, applied with a paint sprayer for the smoothest finish. That method calls for a lot of ventilation, equipment and clean-up. Water-based paints and primers will work, but applying them with a brush or roller won’t achieve the seamless look of a paint sprayer.

Is it Time to Rethink That Paneling?

Filling in paneling grooves with joint compound may be doable, but it’s labor-intensive for a DIYer.

“If you’re hiring a contractor to give your walls more of a [drywall] look, I honestly recommend just having them replace the paneling entirely,” Shipwash says. “This will result in about the same amount of labor time and the finished product will be better.”

Plus, maybe you shouldn’t be so quick to get rid of those grooves. “As a flipper,” says Shipwash, “I have noticed the trend of paneling to be coming back in style.” He says that many homeowners like to leave a wall of paneling as an accent to complement the surrounding, non-paneled walls.

“If you enjoy the look of the paneling but hate the color, skip the mudding step and go straight to cleaning, priming and painting.” he says. Or just clean the wood paneling and usher in a retro trend!

Best Overall Paint Crush Cleaner

Rollingdog Four-in-One Paint Brush Comb and Roller Cleaner Tool

You know how you when you rinse a paint brush out, the residual paint just seems to keep pouring out of it? Or you think you’ve done a good job at cleaning the brush only to find more paint has crept out? That’s because paint sits deep within the interior bristles where water can’t reach it. This toothy paint brush comb digs down deep into the bristles to dislodge “hidden” paint. It also functions as a paint roller cleaning tool, with features to clean standard and mini rollers.

Pros

• Compact, mutli-functioning tool
• Cleans both paint brushes and rollers
• Budget-friendly price
• Made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel

Cons

• Tool may be small for some hands

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Unfortunately, painting quickly leaves walls and furniture susceptible to nicks and scratches. Luckily, touch-up paint pens save the day–and my peeling paint. One of the most popular options on the market, the Slobproof Paint Pen, is available on Amazon. This means I easily got my paws on it to test for the general population.

Best of all? Since I’m not an expert painter, my thoughts and recommendations are applicable to the average person. If I like this paint pen and think it’s simple to use, it probably is. Let’s get into it, shall we?

What is the Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pen? 

The Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pen is a pen-like receptacle for touching up dings and scratches around your home. The upper part of the pen is made of see-through plastic, which is where your desired paint is inserted using the included syringe. On the bottom, you’ll find a small tip where the paint comes out, which is similar to that of a paint brush. To disperse paint, twist the upper part of the pen.

Besides being able to easily touch-up paint on places like walls and ceilings, the Slobproof can also be used for general arts and crafts. Need to entertain your nephew for an hour? Hand him one of these (and a piece of blank paper). If you’re lucky, you may have a masterpiece to hang on the fridge.

Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pen Features

Although Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pens aren’t exactly feature-rich, like the latest smart home devices, these pens still have a lot going for them. For starters, you’re able to refill these. Yes, contrary to the belief of some reviewers, you can clean, dry and reuse each of these pens. To do so, simply turn the end piece until it pops out. You’ll also need to pull the brush out of the pen (and wash it) in order to prevent unwanted color mixing.

The pens come with a plastic cap, which is designed to fit easily over the brush. This is useful for those who want to keep their paint fresh for easy touch-ups. And since the brand claims the paint stays fresh for up to seven years when properly used, you can store these with your other painting supplies.

How We Tested It 

As someone who can’t bring items up the stairs without dinging them on the wall, I had countless opportunities to use the Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pens. A headboard, chair rail, wall and even my ceiling were subject to my intense scrutiny and subsequent painting. In fact, I walked around my home for weeks with my eyes peeled for opportunities to use this handy painting tool. Truth be told, using this pen was so easy that I wanted to do each nook and cranny in my home, leaving no stone unpainted (er, unturned).

My excitement aside, here are the main pros and cons to be aware of prior to purchasing these touch-up pens:

Pros 

• Reasonably priced
• Keeps paint fresh for up to seven years
• Available in a two- or five-pack
• Simple to use
• Works with latex- and water-based paints
• Useable on a variety of surfaces
• Refillable

Cons 

• Small brush tip may not work for larger dings

FAQ 

How do I fill the touch-up paint pens with paint?

Luckily, you won’t have to have the talent of a circus Houdini to fill the pen. Simply use the included syringe to dispense your desired paint into the plastic end. (Remember to hang onto any leftover paint you used to paint your home for when touch-ups are needed!)

How long will my paint stay fresh inside the pen?

According to Slobproof, paint stays fresh inside of the pen for up to seven years. However, I cannot personally speak to that, as I’ve only used the pens for a few months.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say 

Still not sold on touch-up paint pens? You don’t have to take my word for it. Check out what other verified purchasers from Amazon really think.

“Highly recommend these touch-up pens,” writes five-star reviewer, Sarah Lynn. “Easy to use. I’ve been using them in my new construction home for around eight months now on the drywall and trim. With dogs and young children, these are a must-have to fix little spots. Love these pens.”

Amazon reviewer, Samantha W., writes, “I am IN LOVE with this product. It made touching up my house so easy before I listed it for sale. It was super easy to use and the paint blended seamlessly, it looks like there was absolutely never anything stuck into my walls. Love it, definitely a gem.”

“These are the coolest little things,” explains purchaser, L. Grimes. “The paint stays ‘fresh’ and the brush doesn’t dry out in between uses. This is literally the perfect paint pen for everyday touch-ups and scratches. You get two in a package, so you can fill them with two different paint colors to have on hand for the higher traffic rooms of the house.”

Final Verdict 

Whether you own or rent your home, the Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pens are a staple I recommend. Keep them alongside your primer, roller and paint brushes. They’re about to become your handy best friend.

Where to Buy Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pens

Budget-conscious individuals: It’s our time to shine. The Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pens won’t leave a gaping hole in your pocket as many retailers sell them for around $20. Pick up a two pack from Amazon to fix your own paint dings and scrapes today.

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Earthy Taupe Pink

Earth-tone-inspired hues are all the rage this year, and spring paint colors are no exception. Taupe pink is an excellent option because it adds warmth to your space but isn’t too overwhelming. Therefore, it’s a perfect bedroom paint color, but you can add splashes to other interior areas, such as the living room.

With the help of this potato stamp wall art tutorial, you can easily use this veggie sitting in your pantry to transform your space. It’s quick, simple and efficient. Here’s what you need to know to get started with this potato stamp wall art hack.

How to Create Potato Stamp Wall Art

Not even the most skilled interior designers expected potato stamp wall art to take off when predicting paint trends over the next decade. Still, we’re here for it! Ready to tackle potato stamp wall art? Here’s how to make this process as seamless as possible.

Even when you paint with a potato, it’s crucial to properly prep for interior painting. By doing this, you can rest assured you’ll have the perfect paint job when you’re all done. Make sure you prep the wall beforehand, too—check out these tips for indoor painting.

For starters, be sure you protect your furniture by covering it. Remove any light or outlet covers, and cover the floor. Then, you can start with patching to fix any trouble spots on your wall. Then, gently clean the surface of your wall to remove any unwanted substances. To wrap up your prep, make sure you’re protecting your trim.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you can begin making your potato stamp wall art. This video from TikTok creator @indie.boho.nest demonstrates the process beautifully:

@indie.boho.nest What produce should i try next? #fyp #fixerupperhouse #decorhacks #paintedwall #diywallart #diywallpaper #viralditiktok #homegoals #accentwall #diyersofinstagram ♬ Oh my God. – Quinny👍

To do it yourself:

• Grab a potato from your pantry.
• Cut it in half.
• Cut an ‘X’ shape into the exposed part of the potato.
• Use a knife to remove the excess pieces.
• Grab some paint.
• Dip your potato stencil into the paint to create a potato wall art stamp.
• Apply it to your wall to create the desired pattern.

And that’s it! We love how this adds visual interest and texture to the wall. And if you’re open to trying something new aside from traditional sponge painting, this is a fun twist.

Can You Use Other Vegetables for Wall Art?

While we haven’t seen other creators getting crafty with other vegetables, you can add your spin on this trend by using different foods to create a wall stamp. For instance, if you want to create an accent wall in your kitchen and want a food-inspired print, you can halve an apple, remove the seeds and dip it into the paint to use as a stamp.

What is the Bucket Edge?

The Bucket Edge is a piece of heavy-duty aluminum that sits over your trim or other surfaces that you don’t want to get paint on. Unlike masking tape, it takes seconds—not minutes—to set up, and there’s zero risk of paint seeping through.

You can also use this painting tool to cut and mark straight lines, remove bubbles from wallpaper and scrape ceilings. That’s not all: it replaces your dustpan and is even useable as a funnel in a pinch.

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How to Use the Bucket Edge

Simply place the Bucket Edge over the area you’re trying to protect and start painting. It comes in three sizes (12, 20, and 40 inches), so there’s no job too big or too small. The three sizes nest together for easy storage.

To use it as a dustpan, turn it upside down and sweep all the debris onto the flat surface. Pick it up and use the funneled ends to ensure every last bit goes into your trash bag—not all over your floors.

The Best Bucket Edge Reviews

Five-star reviewer Jimmy has been a house painter since the 1990s, and writes that this is one of the most useful tools in his arsenal. “I absolutely hated painting before I found this tool. Why? I hate taping off a room and it cuts into my labor costs…These are well put together, and the edges are not flimsy. I have 2 more sets on the way!”

“The Bucket Edge tools are awesome! I bought them after we purchased a new home,” reviewer Jennifer Mccabe explained. “They worked great to paint the entire home. No doubt they saved us tons of time not having to tape off nearly as much and we didn’t need to tarp off floors. My husband loves the Bucket Edge and will continue to use them in his construction and remodeling business.”

“This tool has been amazing,” customer Justin remarks. “I will never paint without them and definitely recommend this product. Saves a tremendous amount of time as well as money spent on tape. It has been useful on every job so far which is impressive.”

Where to Buy the Bucket Edge

There are three different sized available at Walmart. The 12-inch is great for small projects, like painting furniture or window sashes. The 40-inch is ideal for large jobs. And if you’re a professional—or have a lot of DIY painting projects in your future—it’s worth investing in the Bucket Edge three-piece set that includes 12-, 20- and 40-inch models. If you ask us, it’s worth the price to never worry about paint dripping on our trim.

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Sherwin-Williams’s Outlook

Sherwin-Williams CEO John G. Morikis announced during a company earnings call in late January the company expects a “very meaningful deceleration of demand” for their paint products.

“We will not be immune from what we expect to be a very challenging demand environment in 2023,” Morikis said. “Visibility beyond our first half of the year is limited. On the architectural side, U.S. housing will be under significant pressure this year. Slowing existing home sales and continued high inflation also will be headwinds.

“On the industrial side, we have already seen a slowdown in Europe, and the same is beginning to appear in the U.S. across several sectors. In China, COVID remains a factor and the trajectory of economic recovery is difficult to map.”

Morikis has been the CEO of the Cleveland-based company since 2016.

Sherwin-Williams’ stock price plummeted nearly nine percent after the company’s earnings reports, from $247.09 a share to $225.06 by the end of the day. It has since rebounded roughly five percent and was trading at $235.51 when the markets closed on Feb. 8.

According to Natalie Lung of Yahoo, existing home sales have declined year-over-over for 16 consecutive months. Coupled with increased mortgage rates, new residential volume “could decline 10%-20% this year,” she writes.

“(Sherwin-Williams) is focusing on investing, adding stores and growing the market share of its residential repaint business — its largest and fastest growing segment, which includes paints and coatings for inside and outside the home — saying that factors such as home-price appreciation and aging housing stock can help offset the impact from slowing existing home sales.”

Shifting Housing Market

Surging mortgage rates hit record lows in 2021 but increased dramatically in a span of 12 months.

Interest rate increases have major ramifications on mortgage payments. A 30-year fixed-rate loan at three percent on a $400,000 home with a 20 percent down payment, or $80,000, would cost roughly $1,350 per month for principal and interest. A six percent loan for that same home would cost $1,900 a month. That’s a difference of $550 a month.

Bankrate reported December 2022 was the 11th consecutive month with declining home sales. The median home price in the U.S. reached a record high $413,800 in June, but has since retreated to $366,900, according to Bankrate.

Last week, National Association of Home Builders chief economist Rob Dietz said at a press briefing at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas that a “recession is underway” for home builders, according to Construction Dive.

“We’ve never had a period where home prices have declined and there has not been a recession,” Dietz was quoted as saying. “I think the rest of the economy will feel it in 2023 via slowing economic output and rising job losses.”

But the good news, there are shortcuts that cut the prep time in half without skimping on quality.

Before you start taping up every surface in your room, check out these painting hacks from TikTok user @therenegadehome. She shared two videos with a total of six handy hacks to make sure you never have a messy paint project again!

@therenegadehome Any others hacks I should try? #painthacks #diyproject #homeimprovement #painting ♬ TWINNEM – Coi Leray

Line Your Trim with a File Folder

No need for extra painter’s tape here. Use a file folder to keep things clean as you paint, especially in tough, detailed areas like door frames and trim that connects to the floor or ceiling. You’ll also need a steady hand.

Place the folder between the areas you are and aren’t painting, and slide it along the surface as you go. The result? Clean lines, without the 45 minutes of laying painter’s tape beforehand.

Keep the Paint Can Tidy

Take all the painter’s tape you aren’t putting up on your wall and use it on your paint can. It can help prevent every painter’s pet peeve — a messy, paint-covered pail and label.

For this, join two strips of tape at an angle over the top edges of the can. Secure them with a third strip, wrapped around the can right under the rim, and voilà! You’re left with a DIY spout that allows for easy paint-pouring and clean-up.

When you’re finished, rip off the tape, cover and store away until the next use.

Keep Your Paintbrush Clean

A paint-covered brush handle makes for messy hands and stained clothing if you aren’t careful. To avoid this, simply wrap some painter’s tape around the base of your brush and the handle.

If things start to get too messy, you can wipe off the excess paint with a towel or replace the tape as you go. And when you’re done with your project, just rip off the tape to reveal an almost brand-new brush — besides the bristles.

@therenegadehome Let me know if you’ve tried any of these in the comments ⬇️ #painthack #interiorpainting #diypainting #diy ♬ Forever – Labrinth

Use a Rubber Band to Wipe Your Brush

There’s nothing worse than trying to put a lid back on a can of paint with a messy rim. To keep this from happening, put a rubber band vertically around your can, adjusting it to the center. Dip your brush in and wipe it off on the rubber band so paint drips right back into the can.

Use Fabric Softener to Clean Your Brushes

We never want our brushes crusty with paint, but sometimes water alone doesn’t clean well enough to prevent it from happening. This trick solves that problem in a jiffy: Mix some fabric softener with a little water and soak your brushes in it for an hour. They’ll look as good as new!

Use a Six-in-One Painter’s Tool to Clean Rollers

Use the curved part of this handy tool to scrape off excess paint, making it super easy to wash the rest out. It also functions as a putty knife, scraper, gouger and paint can opener — is there anything this gadget can’t do? Look for a six-in-one tool like this before you start painting.

Pastel Pink

The once-beloved Millennial Pink is out, and it’s time to say hello to updated, deeper hues. Even though you might still see pops of this Pepto Bismol-esque shade in homes, it’s largely diminishing in popularity because it can easily overwhelm a living space. Instead, designers are opting for bolder, sometimes darker, colors. Take a cue from Pantone’s color of the year, for example, and opt for magenta instead.

As Sales Editor of Family Handyman and a self-identified DIY fanatic, I’m always looking for the best paint roller deals. If you’re like me and love to change up the colors in your home on a seasonal basis (yes, I’m a little obsessed with redecorating), you’ll appreciate the savings from these paint-related DIY deals.

How To Choose the Best Paint Rollers for the Job

As outlined in Family Handyman’s guide to paint rollers, paint roller frames and covers come in a wide variety of sizes. Some of the most common sizes include two-inch rollers for small projects and detailing, four-inch rollers for tight corners and the classic nine-inch rollers for painting wide strokes on a wall.

Covers are available in several different materials, ranging from woven or knitted synthetic—best for most projects—to lambswool and lambskin, which work well for oil-based paints. Foam rollers, thanks to the minimized laps lines, are ideal for natural substances like wood.

If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, these deals make it possible to stock up on a range of options so you’re prepared for anything—without brushing off your bank balance.

The Best Paint Roller Deals

Wood Grip Professional Roller Frame

Cage rollers are an essential painting tool, and this wood grip roller frame saves you a few bucks at a markdown of 30%. Compatible with almost any nine-inch roller cover, this roller frame offers a heavy-duty metal frame and end caps to prevent slips and dings that are detrimental to smooth finishes.

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Two-Pack Polyester Roller Covers

As mentioned earlier, polyester and other synthetic materials make great multipurpose paint rollers. This two-pack of polyester roller covers offers a set of disposable covers, compatible with almost any paint (including the editor-approved Restore Coat Flex Paint). Save $6 when you take home this twofer today.

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Corner Paint Roller Kit

Flawlessly navigate outer corners with ease using this corner paint roller kit. Reminiscent of an edger for outer corners, each roller comes with a roller handle and two mini covers that glide along the outer edge of rooms and trim, coating everything in one swipe. Snag the set for 34% off thanks to Walmart’s paint roller deals.

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Wood Pattern Roller

Love the look of woodgrain, but not ready to install paneling? This wood pattern roller mimics the look of wood without the use of texture paints! Simply pick one up at 50% off and swipe, roll or stamp onto surfaces to take any space from blah to boo-yah in seconds.

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Wall Pattern Tool

If the last roller made you excited, you’ll love this one. Pick up this wall pattern roller at a savings of 53% and get creative with four different roller patterns. Overlay the patterns on a base color, or try something wild. This innovative painting tool makes it easy to experiment with textures for less.

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Exterior Paint Roller Kit

This exterior paint roller kit has everything you need to start switching up the look of your home. Pop it open for easy access to a paint tray, paint stick, masking tape, brush and rollers in two different sizes and materials. Score the set at a savings of $10 while the deal is live.

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Interior Paint Roller Kit

Save a generous 39% on one of the best-rated painting tools on Amazon for a limited time. This interior painting kit comes with a nine-inch roller and a four-inch roller, both with two covers ideal for interior painting. A bonus brush and sponge are also included. Use the sponge for varnishes, texture or feathering edges.

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Painter’s Mitt

While this isn’t technically a paint roller, we’d be remiss in neglecting one of the best painting tool hacks: the painter’s mitt. Made from the same nap as a roller cover, this mitt offers a way to get into tight corners and around pipes without fussing with special equipment. For a limited time, score one at 35% off—making the price only $5!

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FAQ

How do you clean paint rollers?

Cleaning paint rollers efficiently requires the assistance of paint thinner when you’re working with oil-based paint, or water when working with latex. As with most paint-related projects, safety is key when cleaning supplies—always use gloves, a respirator and safety goggles when cleaning rollers and brushes.

Can you reuse paint rollers?

You can absolutely reuse paint rollers—to a point. When properly cleaned, paint rollers last for several applications. After a while, though, the fuzzy materials often deteriorate, leading to uneven coats. If you plan to reuse a paint roller multiple times for one project, keep the roller moist after removing the paint by covering it with plastic wrap to prevent dried-on flakes.

Otherwise, we recommend using a new roller cover for every project. Stock up on painting essentials with these paint roller deals for a flawless finish every time!

Shop smarter with our expert recommendations for tools, gear and money-saving deals on can’t miss DIY and home products. Sign up for the Stuff We Love newsletter.

@diywithemma Did you know this DIY hack?🤩 Made this fun video with @TikTok UK to show people that you can learn on TikTok! #ad #tiktoktaughtme #learnontiktok #smarternotharder #paintingfolderhack #howtotiktok #hometipsandtricks #homedecor #diysos ♬ Lo-fi hip hop – NAO-K

How to Paint a Door on Its Hinges

In the video, Emma uses a plastic folder to ensure she doesn’t get paint on the top of the door or bottom of the door (or the walls or floor!). To try this hack yourself, order a basic plastic folder along with paint in the color of your choice. Then, hold that folder along the top and bottom edges of the door while painting across them. The paint should successfully get onto the front of the door, but be blocked from muddying the edges that will rest in the frame.

Helpful Tips for Painting a Door While It’s on Its Hinges

Now, some of you savvy handymen may be glaring at your computer, asking, “But what about drips? What about panels? What about sanding and priming and finishing?!” And to that I say: you’re right. The best way to paint a door is always going to be to take it off its hinges. However, if you’re feeling time-pressed or lazy—no judgment!—here are some tips to get ahead of this quick method’s pitfalls.

Prevent Drips

Whenever you are painting vertically, gravity can lead to drips if you’re not careful. Take these necessary precautions to minimize that risk:

1. Use a roller brush wherever possible, as these apply paint more uniformly than normal brushes. Mini rollers are especially helpful for the smaller surfaces of a door.
2. Paint in thin coats. Sure, they don’t cover as well, but they ensure a much smoother surface. Aim for two to three thin coats.
3. Use a drop cloth or rosin paper on the floor beneath the door to catch any drips that do occur.

Accurately Paint Panels

For a paneled door, painting can be slightly trickier. This is because rollers can’t reach those interior details and the different surfaces can make any flaws on the door look more prominent. To get ahead of these issues, use a small foam or synthetic brush, making sure to “cut in” to get the most accurate strokes.

Reduce the Appearance of Flaws

The best way to reduce the appearance of flaws is to get rid of them entirely by filling holes and scratches and priming the door before painting. But, if you don’t feel up to that task, use the below tips to reduce and camouflage flaws while still saving time:

1. Always wipe down your door before painting! This will prevent dust and hair from marring your new paint job.
2. Avoid high-gloss paints, which will draw attention to uneven surfaces. Instead, opt for a satin or semi-gloss, which offers a subtle sheen that can minimize scuff marks.
3. Lightly sand the door between paint layers using 220-grit. This can remove any lingering dust or drip marks.

More Painting Tips

Door painting is a real art, so it’s always a good idea to read more about it to understand the best approach for your particular door. Whether you’re painting a varnished door, a front door, or a whole garage door, rest assured there are numerous tips available to help simplify the process. Additionally, be sure to learn about common painting mistakes and how to fix them. Soon, you’ll be a painting pro, ready to tackle the entire house—inside and out!

How You Can Make Money Flipping Furniture

The concept is simple: find or purchase old furniture for a low price, fix it up into something desirable, and resell for a profit. The key to maximizing income is to develop a keen eye for which pieces are likely to sell, ensuring that whatever you pick up is able to be refurbished and fits your target market.

How to Find Furniture to Flip

First, you’ll want to scout for the right pieces. Your business acumen will grow over time, but to start, focus on finding cheap or free furniture made of solid wood or metal. Low price points encourage the highest profit margin and these materials are the easiest to rework. Plus, now that pressboard has become so standard, solid wood and metal tend to be more desirable for purchasers.

Additionally, make sure that any furniture you purchase is within your capabilities to refurbish. Intensive restorations will cut into your profits, so stick to pieces with easy fixes, like scuff marks, small cracks, wobbly legs and missing knobs or feet. All of these issues can be addressed in a timely manner.

To find these flippable pieces, check estate or garage sales, flea markets, Craigslist or Facebook “Buy Nothing” groups. Over time, you may develop relationships with specific sellers which can help ensure you’re getting quality pieces.

How to Flip Furniture

Now that you’ve acquired your pieces, it’s time to get flipping! The best ways to breathe new life into an old piece are to fix any preexisting issues, try a coat of stain or paint and give it some new hardware. Follow your creative instincts and consider which styles of furniture you’ve seen selling elsewhere.

To make these changes, you’ll need a few basic tools. These include:

• Soap and water
• Mineral spirits
• Epoxy putty
• Sandpaper
• Primer
• Oil- and water-based paints
• Wipe-on finish
• Paintbrush
• Screwdriver
• Screws

The first step should always be to clean the piece. After that, you can patch any cracks, fix wobbles or replace missing feet.

The next step is to decide if you’d rather paint the piece or refinish it. If painting, remember to always sand and prime your surface. If finishing, assess the existing finish before applying a new coat.

After your paint or finish dries, attach some snazzy new hardware—and if needed affix new upholstery—and you’ve got a totally unique piece to resell.

How to Sell Flipped Furniture

There are a few online resources that can help sellers vend their creations. OfferUp, Etsy, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Bonanza are all great beginner options. With more experience, platforms like Chairish and Shopify can help sellers locate specialty markets.

To ensure the best return on your investment, price your pieces reasonably, comparing them to similar posted items. Also be sure to take quality photos with good lighting and composition to showcase your hard work. Add any unique details, as well as measurements and materials in your description. Finally, if possible, covering shipping costs can be a tempting incentive for prospective buyers.

Good luck and happy flipping!

What Does a White Bathroom Do to Your Reflection?

According to Grey, there are a few reasons why you should opt out of painting your bathroom white. “A cool tone can make your space feel very blue and cold, and reflects negatively, especially in an intimate space,” Grey explains. “Your face is not going to look its natural skin tone.”

Here’s his full explanation in his latest video.

@mrphoenixgrey

Best colors to use coming up next #colorhacks #decortips #interiordesign #homehacks #designertips #toronto #fyp

♬ Happy Up Beat (Medium) – TimTaj

What Other Paint Colors Should I Avoid?

Now that you know why you should steer clear of a white bathroom, let’s discuss some of the other colors to avoid. Grey also mentions black, peach and green as colors to not use in your bathroom.

In an intimate space like your bathroom, Grey believes peach isn’t as inviting as some alternatives. Grey also believes that black isn’t the best option as it absorbs light, making it tacky to apply your makeup accurately. And while green is a popular bathroom color, Grey warns against it as it contracts red on the color spectrum which also alters your skin tone.

Remember, just because these aren’t a perfect match for your bathroom doesn’t mean they won’t look great in other places in your home.

What Paint Color Is Best for the Bathroom?

So, if a white bathroom isn’t the best option and black, peach and green should be avoided as well, what is the ideal hue for a washroom? Taupe, blues and grays are all excellent options. These colors are known for being serene and relaxing, and won’t wash out the color of your skin tone when looking in the mirror.

Again, these are just recommendations based on how color interacts in a space. If you like it, don’t be afraid to make your bathroom your own—just be conscientious of how it can impact how you see yourself in the space.

Bathroom Painting Tips

Ready to begin repainting your bathroom a more reflection-friendly alternative? There’s a lot to learn about best practices for painting your bathroom. For starters, don’t forget to cover windows and doors, set your tape, and remove the fuzz on your roller. You can also check out our complete guide to painting tips, so you’re best prepared to tackle this project. And if you’re considering painting your bathroom tile or cabinets, we can answer any questions you have about those, too.

Modern paint rollers make the job much faster and easier, but there’s one problem: Many rollers are made of fibrous wool or a synthetic version of wool. This leaves the painted surface even but somewhat textured. Some homeowners find it ugly, preferring perfectly smooth, shiny walls. Trouble is, with wool or wool-like rollers, there’s no way to avoid it.

That’s where this internet hack comes in. In a few seconds, the video shows a way to smooth walls after rolling on paint.

How It Works

@sharnenejewell

Smoooth! 😎 No sanding or plastering! Roller stipple gone 🙌 #decorating #hacks #diyonabudget #paintinghack

♬ original sound – Jessica Nauman

Traditional wall painting involves priming, then rolling on paint as smoothly and evenly as possible. This hack suggests that besides a prepped and primed wall, roller and paint tray, you should have a rubber-edged squeegee at the ready.

Typically used for cleaning windows and drying off shower walls, squeegees guide a medium-soft, straight rubber blade over the surface. The idea is to apply paint with the roller, and then gently pass the squeegee over the wet paint, smoothing it and removing the texturing.

Results

This hack didn’t work particularly well for me. The biggest problem was paint removal.

I began by painting a section of wall with a standard roller. Trouble was, when I passed the squeegee over the wet paint, it removed almost all of it. Sure, the wall was smoother, but only because it had almost no paint on it.

Unwilling to call it quits too soon, I experimented with different pressures, angles and even squeegee blades. For the most part, the results were the same. I found it difficult to move the squeegee across the wall gently enough to smooth out the roller texturing without removing substantial amounts of paint.

I also found the squeegee blade acted like a miniature dam, forming ridges of wet paint which required more roller work to smooth out. That undid any good I’d done with the squeegee.

Eventually, after considerable practice and experimentation, I found the optimal level of squeegee pressure to smooth most of the roller texturing while removing minimal paint. Problem was, the finished result still didn’t look great. On closer inspection, I found visible lines in the paint, and some areas were thicker than others.

Bottom line: I didn’t find this hack worthwhile. I have considerable painting experience, but found this technique took quite a lot of trial and error to implement correctly. Ultimately, it wasn’t worth the extra effort or time involved.

Better Options

If you’re concerned about paint rollers leaving texture on your walls, here are a few options I think are much more worthwhile than this hack:

• Use a foam roller: Not all paint rollers are made of wool-like material. Some are polyurethane foam, which leaves considerably less texturing behind than wool.
• Try a latex paint additive: Paint additives slow the drying process and help decrease roller texturing. They do it by giving the paint longer to “flow out” after it has been applied to your walls. Longer dry time and more flow mean less texture and more uniform surfaces.
• Ignore it: As a guy who’s applied many coats of paint to many walls, I can assure you roller texturing really isn’t a big deal. Once the paint’s dry, it’s hardly noticeable. For all intents and purposes, roller-painted walls are perfectly smooth, without any extra work. You’d have to look carefully with a flashlight to detect the texturing. Besides, roller-textured paint has its advantages. Mainly it hides imperfections. No drywall taping and mudding job is perfect, and slightly textured paint can help hide some of these natural irregularities.

But chips, scuffs and holes add up over time. And once we notice them, they’re all we see. The good news is, you don’t have to hire a professional painter to freshen those walls. But you can’t just start flinging paint on the wall, either.

My sister offered to “touch up” my mom’s entry hall last year, and the results make us laugh to this day. Vincent van Gogh couldn’t have painted more vividly-noticeable brushstrokes. (Guess what I’ll be doing next week?)

Did you know that paint doesn’t magically blend with the same color, even if you bought them at the same time? That’s why professionals “box,” aka mix, cans of the same color paint together before applying. (At home, you can do this in a five-gallon bucket.)

But what if you’re trying to match paint already on a wall? Is it possible to get a good match? “Absolutely,” says Tyler Wigington, the store manager at Sherwin-Williams in Dallas.

While it’s best if you have a spare can from the original job, Wigington says advanced paint-matching technologies and proper techniques make it easier than ever for homeowners to get the most seamless results possible.

Find the Best Paint Match

This is the most important step in the process. Unless you plan to paint an entire wall — which is a good option for major damage — precisely matching the paint color and sheen is key to a successful touch-up.

Read on for the best ways to match paint already on a wall when you don’t have the original paint can, backup gallon or brand name.

Paint chip from wall

Take a physical chip from your wall into the paint store. Employees will use a machine called a spectrophotometer to analyze the chip and give a precise color analysis, as well as tell you the sheen.

With a sharp knife, cut a piece at least the size of a quarter (the bigger the better, says Wigington). You don’t have to go deep; just strip off the first layer of paint and drywall paper. The chip needs to be in one piece.

Do this in an inconspicuous area and apply drywall joint compound to skimcoat over the cutaway section. Lightly sand once dry, and paint using the tips below.

If your walls are lath-and-plaster, it’s more difficult, because plaster is extremely hard and tends to crumble. Try cutting down to the lath with a jab saw and carefully scraping away the plaster behind the paint, but be prepared for a mess. Another method of matching is probably best.

Paint-matching apps and scanners

Paint matching apps analyze paint color and sheen with smartphone technology and handheld scanners. Hold the scanner up to the wall and the device does the rest.

You can also upload a picture directly, without the scanner, and the app will find the closest match. Most apps are free or inexpensive. Handheld colorimeters (scanners) can cost up to $100.

Picture of paint on the wall

Take a picture of your wall in natural light and bring it to the paint store. The same spectrophotometer that works on the paint chip can also match the paint from the picture, or get close.

This works best if you’re painting an entire wall, not just a patch, Wigington says. It won’t be perfect, but with proper technique, you’ll be the only one who notices.

Paint chip from store

As a last resort, try to match the paint visually with standard paint chips found at paint stores. Bring home several and hold them up in different lighting. As with the picture method, this works best if you paint the entire wall.

How To Apply Touch-up Paint

Once you match the right color, try the painting techniques below for the best results. Fix small holes, like from a picture hanger, with patching compound. Larger holes need a drywall patch, which you can buy as a kit or DIY.

Sand, clean and prime your wall before painting. Dirt and grime prevent paint from adhering, so don’t skip the prep work.

Corner to corner

Paint the entire wall “corner to corner” for best results, says Wigington, even if you find the perfect paint match. Slight differences in paint color are much less noticeable when they meet along an edge. This is a good idea if you have multiple spots on the same wall to patch and paint.

Feathering

Often it’s not the color that’s so noticeable but the difference in the thicknesses of the paint layers.

Load the tip of your brush and apply to the center of the patch. Use the brush (don’t reload) to drag out, or feather, the new paint into the old. A high-quality paint brush minimizes brushstrokes.

Foam brushes and rollers

Go with a foam brush for small patches on smooth walls professionally sprayed or rolled, Wingington says. Use a light touch, and extend past the edges of the patch slightly by repeatedly lifting and dabbing with the end of the brush.

If your patch job is larger than a nail hole, use a mini roller and don’t load it fully. Starting from the center of the patch, roll outward with the least amount of paint possible at the edges.

Dilute the new paint

As paint dries, the moisture in it evaporates into the air and wicks into the surface of the wall. New paint wicks at a different rate than the original paint, so experts at Sherwin-Williams recommend diluting the new paint slightly (five to 10 percent for water-based paints). This slows the wicking rate and helps the new paint blend into the old.

Recently, I was busy and hired a crew to paint my kitchen. I learned two things about inspecting a paint job:

1. Consideration. There are other good painters in the world beside me. Really. They have their own ways of doing things that help them be professionals. “I’ve done a lot of painting, too,” says Vince Christofora, owner of Woodstock Hardware in Woodstock, New York. “I might tape off trim, but pros may not and expertly cut in the paint with a much better brush than I might use.”
2. Communication. Sometimes, I bite my tongue and lived with the pro’s painting approach. Other times, a detailed contract of the project (prep to clean up) was my ally. When something was not done, I could respectfully but confidently refer to the contract and not worry about nagging or micromanaging. “Nobody likes being confrontational,” says Christofora. “Pull out the contract when X, Y and Z are not done.”

When to Inspect the Paint Job

Inspect with each step, not when the project is complete. “You have most leverage before final payment,” says Christofora. “Intermediate inspections help everyone. No painter wants to break down ladders or scaffolding only to learn the customer has a small issue two stories up that could have been easily addressed when the scaffolding was still in place,” he explains.

Christofora recalls this anecdote from when he built and opened a laundromat in December. “Come April when we tried to open windows, all were painted shut with two coats. When we called the painter, he freaked out and denied doing it. After logically walking through the facts, he agreed he must have done it and carefully cut the paint so the windows worked. But, the back and forth soured our relationship, and we never called this painter back.”

If possible, inspect in the morning not at day’s end when painters are bushed. “Asking a question is better than telling them they did something wrong,” adds Christofora. During an inspection, be fair and stick to the contract. “Trying to get extras while holding up payment is sure to create a sour relationship.”

Helpful Inspection Tools

• Flashlight or battery-powered work light.
• Painter’s tape or sticky notes to mark spots requiring attention. Do not use tape that when removed might damage painted surfaces.
• Cell phone or digital camera to document locations requiring attention.
• Step stool, small ladder or an extendable inspection mirror to see tops of doors or shelving.

What to Look for When Inspecting an Interior Paint Job

This applies to walls, ceilings, trim and cabinets:

• No drips, runs, dents, holes or marks on walls.
• All cut-in lines around trim and at changes in color between walls and ceiling should be straight and crisp.
• No paint spots on unpainted paneling, trim, light and outlet covers, heating ducts and registers.
• Joints where window, door and baseboard trim meet walls should be caulked before painting. Caulk should not be applied to cover up a bad paint job. Caulk discolors over time.
• Nail holes in window and door trim and baseboards should be filled and painted.
• Check window glass for paint splatter. The painter should be responsible for removing paint and, if in the contract, for window cleaning after painting.
• All doors, including closet doors, should be painted on all sides. Painting tops and bottoms prevents moisture from entering the door, which avoids swelling and opening and closing problems.
• If windows and doors, or trim around them, are painted, make sure they operate properly and weather stripping was not damaged.
• Inside of closets should have two coats of paint. Closet poles, brackets and shelving should be paint free.

Tip: Have the painter leave touch-up paint. The paint can should include brand name, color name and sheen. Paint the back of a switch plate cover in each room with the room paint, and write the information there, as well.

What To Look for When Inspecting an Exterior Paint Job

According to Christofora, exterior inspection is much the same as interior, with the addition of:

• Make sure landscaping and plantings are covered and protected. Tie back or prune plantings close to the foundation where ladders or scaffolding may be placed.
• Wet down grass or plants coming in contact with cleaning solutions before the cleaning, and rinse afterward. This minimizes plant burning or damage.
• Check decks, patios, sidewalks, driveways, roofs and chimneys for paint spills and drips.
• Make sure the top, bottom and both edges of each panel of overhead garage doors are painted.

What to Do If You Find a Problem Later

After final inspection, there should be little cause for return. “With the rare coating failure,” says Christofora, “painters may be called back. Usually, a failure is because the surface was not prepared properly or directions were not followed pertaining to weather conditions, etc. These callbacks are problematic because painters either did not do the work right or the customer demanded a cold weather painting, for example, and the painter relented, causing the paint to not perform as intended.”

Tip: A new addition or home can “settle,” creating cracks in ceiling joints or “popped” drywall screws over the course of 12 to 18 months. Repairing these is usually the homeowner’s responsibility.

When you hear the term “textured paint,” you may be thinking about — and cue the horror movie soundtrack here — sponge paint or popcorn ceilings, which we know you don’t care to revisit. That’s not what we mean here.

But there are rumblings that textured paints — or, to other pros, specialty wall finishes — are back on the rise. In particular, you may have heard about or seen images of limewash, Roman clay, or microcement as trending wall finishes that may nevertheless be sometimes categorized as textured paint.

We’re here to demystify!

What Is Textured Paint?

According to Ashley Daubert, interior designer for Beam, textured paint can include additives such as sand particles that add grit, enhancing the texture of the walls. But it doesn’t have to be additives; it can also be the techniques used. A painter can apply regular paint with a trowel to achieve different patterns, or spray the walls and then apply paint on top to create texture.

For DIYers new to this, paint rollers with textured patterns can help easily achieve a similar professional effect. Daubert’s colleague Liv Buli, the head of content at Beam, draws a finer line.

“Personally, I think specialty wall finishes such as lime wash, Roman clay, microcement and tadelakt are trending versus a textured paint,” she says.

“Although there are paints and application processes that can create a faux plaster look, perhaps if someone doesn’t have the budget for the real thing, they are looking into the faux options. Regardless, texture in any medium is trending! Even in wall coverings and fabrics.”

Jason Smith, regional manager of Precision Painting Plus, likens textured paint to mixing a cake. “You have pigment, which is like the flour,” he says. “Eggs are the resin, or the glue that binds everything together. And milk or water is the third main ingredient — in this case, the textured finishes.”

Textured paints, he says, have additives such as silica sand. Or additives can be implied in the way another chemical dilutes the paint. He’s seen the biggest — and maybe only — uptick in this category with limewash.

Types of Textured Paint

There are a few ways to get textured paint, Smith says.

• Premixed: These come looking like a can of paint. You buy it off the shelf, pop the top and paint it on.
• Mix-ins: These are powders you add water to, then add to the paint, changing its texture. Then you apply the paint to the wall.
• Aggregates/Additives: “These you can add yourself at [The] Home Depot or [a} Benjamin Moore store, for example,” he says. “You’ll buy a container of silica sand or mica flakes and dump them into the can.”

These are all mostly based on latex paints, not oil-based, since those are a “different and kind of dying breed,” Smith says. But, he says, if you decide to go the oil-based paint route, you’ll need a paddle or drill mixer to get the consistent finish you’re looking for. “Handmixing won’t disperse the aggregate accordingly,” he says.

Textured Paint Finishes

According to Daubert, there are a few finishes you may see with textured paints.

• Smooth texture: Uses thicker paint without any aggregates. Applied with a putty knife to look like plaster.
• Sand texture: Uses sand as an aggregate mixed in with the paint. Varying sizes of grains can change the finished look.
• Knockdown texture: Involves spraying a thick layer of paint. After that has dried, the high points are knocked down and spread by a putty knife or trowel.
• Slap brush: Technique using paint applied in sweeping, brushing and twisting motions to achieve a texture and pattern.

Pros and Cons of Textured Paint

Pros of textured paint

• Hides imperfections on existing walls: That’s the one really big one. It can add a softness and warmth to the space that flat paint couldn’t achieve, Daubert says.
• Limewash brightens brick: Limewash will brighten and change the color of your brick while creating an artistic or natural finish, rather than a flat, static coat of paint. It can also warm up other textures and add dimension and visual interest.
• Application: “If you’re a pro DIYer, you’ll be able to do it no problem, with pretty good results,” Smith says. But if you typically shy away from paint DIY, hire a pro.

Cons of textured paint

• Design: Some textures can date the room. Limewash and Roman clay are different wall finishes that have a more timeless appearance, Daubert says. “As long as folks understand it is a trend, so more likely than not you’ll get tired of it and want to change it,” then go for it, says Smith.
• Cost: It’s a specialty finish and pros will expect top dollar, says Smith. It also takes more time, adding to the cost.
• Maintenance: Smith says maintenance on textured-paint walls is a double-edged sword. “If a textured finish or wall gets damaged, recreating that same texture will be almost impossible,” he says. “You’re looking at redoing the entire surface.” That means possibly even ripping out the drywall and starting fresh. But overall, maintenance is relative lower, because the texture likely will add additional durability. At the least, he says, if it’s applied properly and the surface is prepared correctly, it will last as long as any other paint product in your home.

Best Lime Texture Paint

JH Lime Wall Paint stands out for its generous texture and varied limestone appearance. Its natural anti-mold, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties result in a velvety, matte suede.

JH’s secret is in the “sauce” — mature pit lime aged for more than three years. You apply directly to porous or previously painted surfaces, though you’ll need their Mineral Prime for drywall.

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Wrong. You need exterior paint for exterior trim, for the same reason you can’t use interior wood filler to patch holes in your deck.

Exterior paint must withstand tough weather conditions, so it’s formulated differently than indoor paint. There are also significant differences between various exterior paint formulations, so a paint that works on exterior walls usually isn’t the best choice for trim. One more thing: Don’t expect to find the same color selection in exterior paint that you have with interior brands.

What to Look For in Exterior Trim Paint

Interior and exterior formulations differ in binder and pigment materials, the ratio of pigment to binder, and sometimes the solvent.

There are usually more binders in exterior paints, which are more durable. The pigments are made from inorganic materials like red oxide and yellow umber, which withstand sun and rain better than the organic pigments in interior paint, but with earthier tones.

Volatile non-aqueous solvents generally can’t be included in interior paints because of air-quality concerns but are OK outside, so you usually have a choice of water- or solvent-based exterior trim paint.

The higher concentration of binders makes exterior paint more resistant to weather, but it also gives it a higher sheen because binders are more reflective than pigments. Exterior wall paints often contain glare-cutting additives to flatten the sheen. But for trim paint, you’re better off without them because a higher sheen helps the trim stand out and provide an accent.

To summarize, look for the following when shopping for exterior trim paint:

• Sheen: Choose satin, semigloss or full gloss.
• Oil- vs. water-based: Both are fine, although cleanup is messier with oil-based paints. If you want a full gloss sheen to make a door or flower box pop, you’re better off with an oil-based paint. It flows more slowly and smoothly and dries to a harder, more reflective surface.
• Additives: The most beneficial additive is a mildewcide, and you’ll find that in many high-quality products. You can mix that in yourself, so it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker if your chosen product doesn’t have it.
• Color: Some product lines have more varied color palettes than others. If you’re committed to a particular hue, you may be limited to a particular product line.

Shopping for Exterior Trim Paint

Specific exterior paint formulations vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and as with anything else, you get what you pay for.

Behr Marquee Exterior is regarded as one of the best, and that’s reflected in its price — a little more than $60/gallon. Sherwin-Williams Everlast, a close competitor, costs a little less and is almost as good. But it has a satin sheen, slightly flatter than semigloss, and tends to collect dirt faster.

Most exterior trim paints cost much less than these top-of-the-line products, with the average per gallon around $30. But they won’t last as long and coverage may not be as good. You’ll find the expected coverage displayed on the can.

Make sure you buy enough paint. Most products cover 250 to 400 square feet per gallon, but it depends on the porosity of the surface. You get better coverage when painting primed or pre-painted trim than raw wood.

Choosing the Right Color

You could write a book on how to choose colors for exterior trim, invoking the color wheel, feng shui principles and general color matching guidelines. But who has time to read all that? Keep things simple:

• Blend with existing colors: Trim should harmonize with the colors of the walls and roof, but also pay attention to surrounding landscape features. A complementary trim color such as terra-cotta or pinkish beige would look less monotonous on a green house in a forested setting than blue or a different shade of green. On the other hand, the darker shade could help cool things off in an arid, sunny location.
• Pay attention to the architecture: Bright, fun colors appropriate for a beach house would look out of place on a more stately residence.
• Check out the neighborhood: Before you buy that can of lavender paint, assess how well that color fits with the neighboring homes. In some cases, your color choices may be limited by homeowner’s association or community rules.

Is Trim Painting a DIY Job?

The quick answer is yes, if you’re comfortable working on a ladder. The job doesn’t involve any high-tech painting equipment. All you need is a brush and possibly a four-inch roller to speed things up.

The most difficult trim to paint is overhanging fascia on multi-story homes. To do it, you need a ladder that extends beyond the roof line. If the roof is exceptionally high, or the ground around the foundation is sloped or unstable, you may be better off hiring a pro painter with all the necessary safety equipment for the job.

How to Paint Exterior Trim

If you’re installing new trim, prime it and paint one coat before you hang it. That way, you’ll only need to apply one more coat from a ladder. Don’t skip the final coat. It will hide blemishes, cracks and nail holes that are an inevitable part of trim installation.

When painting existing trim, some painters like to tape the edges. But if you have a good eye, a steady hand and a high-quality three-inch angled trim brush, you may find this step unnecessary. Just make sure you have some leftover wall paint to touch up the spots where your paintbrush slips.

Work from the top down when painting vertical trim so you can take care of drips as you go. Don’t carry a full can of paint onto a ladder. Pour some into an empty can or a pail and hang it from a ladder hook. To prevent paint from dripping over the edge of a paint can, drill a few holes in the rim to allow it to drip back into the can.

Begin each stroke on wet paint and brush in long, continuous strokes. Stroke lines usually aren’t visible on exterior trim, so you don’t have to be overly fastidious. But you do want to avoid overloading, which causes drips, and applying too little paint, leaving streaks.

Still, composites have come on strong since Trex entered the deck market in 1996. When my son and I put a deck on his place a few years ago, there was no doubt we were going to build with composite, because of the low-maintenance. Lower-cost wood is still the top seller among homeowners in all income levels, but composite decks can dominate with homeowners in upper income levels. For example, in the wealthier western suburbs of Minneapolis, “composites sell way more than wood here in our store,” says Charlie Phillips, city desk sales person at Scherer Bros. Lumberyard in Hopkins, Minnesota.

Among composite deck owners, a common question is: Can you paint Trex and other composite decking? First, a little background.

What is Trex/Composite Decking?

Composite decking is a mixture of wood fiber, plastic and a binding agent that is denser, stronger and heavier than wood. Trex is one brand of composite decking, and there are others, including Timbertech,and Deckorators. Composite decking is low-maintenance and has a long warranty. It’s also eco-friendly, because it’s made of reclaimed wood and recycled plastic. Trex claims, “The average 500-square-foot composite Trex deck contains 140,000 recycled plastic bags! That makes us one of the largest plastic bag recyclers in the U.S.”

Can You Paint or Stain Trex Decking?

Check with the manufacturer of your deck material, but with Trex the answer is yes and no.

Yes

You can paint or stain early-generation Trex styles (Origins, Accents, Profiles, Brasilia and Contours), which were not stain-, scratch- or mold-free and were subject to color fading with natural weathering.

A Trex painting bulletin says: “Yes, you can paint or stain early generation decking or railing to achieve a custom color, but it is not necessary for protection. Paints and stains that adhere well to wood will work as well or better with early generation products. Early generation decking and railing that has been faded (approximately 12 to 16 weeks for new product) can be painted or stained at any time, even years after it has been installed. Use a paint or stain that is designed for a walking surface. Contact the manufacturing to make sure these meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements for walking surfaces before applying.”

No

Trex introduced a high-performance composite decking product in 2010, and as of 2014, Trex no longer manufactures the early-generation composite decking. This newer decking should not be painted or stained. Today’s Trex composite decking has a shell that wraps around three sides of the board to protect it from the elements, provide resistance to fading, staining, scratching and mold. Thus, painting this shell would affect the shell’s performance and the 25-year limited residential fade and stain warranty.

The Trex painting bulletin says this about painting or staining the new decking: “The TOP SURFACE of Trex Transcend, Trex Enhance, and Trex Select decking CANNOT be painted or stained. However, painting the ends or underside of these deck boards is allowed. Exterior grade paints and stains that adhere well to wood will work on these surfaces. Use care to not allow paint or stain to get onto top surface of decking.”

DeBoer is against painting the ends or underside of composite deck boards. “Painting seals moisture into the wood-plastic material, which can cause rotting and cracking,” he says.

How To Paint or Stain Trex

If you want to paint early-generation Trex, here’s what to do:

1. Clean the deck with a commercial deck cleaner or use a homemade mixture of soap and water. For mildew and molds on your deck, add vinegar and baking soda to the cleaning solution. Or, soak the surface with vinegar before washing with soap and water. Make sure to cover nearby plants to protect them from residue from cleaning, primer, paint or stains. Also, use painter’s tape to cover house siding at deck level.
2. Use 240-grit sandpaper to rough up the boards to improve paint or stain adhesion.After sanding, wipe away the sanding dust with a tack cloth and then a damp rag. Let it dry before painting or staining.
3. To help paint stick better to the deck surface, prime the boards using a sprayer, roller or brush and an acrylic latex primer designed for exterior applications only.
4. Paint using a sprayer, roller or brush and a latex paint with a semi-gloss or satin finish. If you want to stain instead, use an acrylic latex stain with mildew and UV inhibitors.

Think Twice Before Painting or Staining

A case can be made for painting or staining composite decking that is no longer under warranty and that you want to make last a few more years. “But that’s a temporary fix to the inevitable solution of replacing the decking material,” says DeBoer.

“Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish,” says Phillips. “Replace your old boards with a new composite. You’ll have a new deck made of better material, and warranties get better with better products. The whole idea is to go maintenance-free with composites, so why paint it?”

The cost of composites has gone down with time. “The efficiency with the machining process has improved,” DeBoer says. “It’s easier than ever to get into composites with a product like Deckorators’ Trailhead, which is closing the price gap compared with wood. Wood is $1 to $2 a foot, and Trailhead is around $2 to $3 a foot. So, for an investment that is a bit more than wood, you get a new composite deck and a 25-year warranty.”

Over the past few years, I noticed all the big paint manufactures came out with kitchen and bath or bathroom specific paints. The Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa Paint intrigued me the most because of its low luster finish, a traditional no-no in a bathroom setting.  So I decided to give it a try.

What is Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa Paint

Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa is a low luster matte finish paint, specially formulated to repel moisture, stand up to humidity and resist mold and mildew. Aura Bath and Spa comes in thousands of colors and features Benjamin Moore’s own Color-Lock technology for richer and truer colors.

Aura Bath & Spa is more durable than traditional matte finish paints, which are susceptible to scuffs and stains. It also contains no volatile organic compounds, AKA zero VOC. That makes it ideal if you have children, or you’re concerned about potentially harmful off-gassing that takes place as some paints dry.

How We Put It To The Test

Our upstairs bathroom, its dazzle diminished a decade after a renovation, badly needed a refresh. So on an early spring morning I headed down to my local hardware store, picked up a gallon of Aura Bath & Spa paint and got to work.

Performance Review

I’ve been painting a lot lately, so I immediately noticed this paint was different. The Aura Bath & Spa paint has a denser, almost soupy, consistency and a distinctive smell — not toxic or bad, just different. So I checked the can to be sure it was zero-VOC as advertised. Finding the Benjamin Moore Green Promise logo plastered right on the front of the label, I knew it had to be.

After laying drop cloths and completing all appropriate masking and wall repair, I got to painting. Cutting-in was a breeze in this small, World War II era bathroom, though it took some time to make my way around the shower, window, subway tile and light fixtures.

While cutting-in I appreciated the thicker consistency of the Aura Bath & Spa. It brushed out nice and evenly, without any drips. Once I finished cutting in, I used a 1/2-in. nap roller for the first coat because of my uneven plaster walls. Again, when rolling the walls and ceiling, I valued the thicker viscosity of the paint. It went on silky-smooth and with no globs or drips.

Though the Aura Bath & Spa paint is paint-and-primer in one, to me there’s no substitute for the richness and consistency two coats gives a project. After wrapping up my first coat, which took about 40 minutes, I assumed I could go directly back to the ceiling and start my second coat, but I was wrong — it hadn’t dried yet. I wrapped up my brushes and roller and waited another 10 minutes, then 20. Nope, still damp to the touch.

At this point, I did what any sane person would do on their weekend. I ran a few errands and came back an hour later to find dry walls.

The second coat applied beautifully like the first. After clean-up and ample drying time, the bathroom walls looked fresh and bright. The matte finish did an exceptional job of hiding the surface imperfections, an attribute I would endorse for anyone with plaster walls in their bathrooms.

After we moved our soaps, shampoos, lotions and toothbrushes back in and replaced the switch and outlet covers, I was really happy with the Aura Bath & Spa paint. Benjamin Moore has long made high-quality, great-looking paints, and this is no different. But with quality comes cost, and the Aura Bath & Spa paint is not cheap — almost $90 a gallon, a possible dealbreaker for large bathrooms.

Why You Should Buy This

In the end, this project has made me a loyal advocate for Benjamin Moore’s Aura Bath & Spa paint.  Though more costly and time consuming due to its lengthy dry time, I found its durability, distinct bathroom formulation and alluring finished appearance far outweighed any negative characteristics. Try it for yourself and I’ll bet you’ll feel the same way.

Pros

• Durable;
• Minimized surface defects;
• Uncommon matte finish;
• Moisture and mildew resistant;
• Zero VOC.

Cons

• Lengthy dry time;
• Expensive.

Where to Buy Aura Bath & Spa Paint

Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa paint is available at neighborhood Ace Hardware locations. Or order and pick up directly from benjaminmoore.com

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To some, painting may seem like the easiest thing in the world. But painting well requires more than just rolling some paint on a wall.

Before painting, start by moving furniture and laying down drop cloths. Then, you’ll need to mask off trim, casings and millwork for a thorough paint job. Next, remove the outlet and light switch covers, and be sure to fill and sand any holes or gouges with spackle. Now, here comes the fun part: we need to cut in.

Of the entire painting process, cutting in is my least favorite. You must be precise and thorough, all the while contorting your body on the floor or up on a ladder. 

With a long overdue repaint of my upstairs bathroom looming, I was excited to try the Purdy XL Cub brush.

What is the Purdy XL Cub?

The Purdy XL Cub brush is a compact edging and cut-in brush, part of Purdy’s versatile, all-around line of brushes. The XL Cub has angled, two-inch wide nylon and polyester brush hairs, recommended for all paints and stains.

At slightly more than eight inches, the compressed size of this brush is the real draw. The stubby, ergonomic handle and the overall slender design feels nimble and natural—a perfect feeling to start a weekend of painting.

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Product Features

The most distinctive feature of this Purdy brush is the short handle, which makes it easier to use in tight spaces. It’s also lightweight to reduce fatigue. We love the medium-stiff bristles on the Purdy XL Cub because it gives you more control. The angular cut is ideal for cutting in and painting trim.

How I Tested it

My bathroom’s plaster walls were in dire need of a fresh coat of paint. I’d put it off because of the daunting amount of cutting in and painting in tight spaces required. It would take some work to edge an entire perimeter of subway tiles, a floor-to-ceiling tile shower, an arch-shaped built-in medicine cabinet, and electrical fixtures and outlets. Phew, I was tired just thinking about it.

I figured this would be the perfect test for the Purdy XL Cub. But I also wanted to try the XL Cub on smooth, non-plaster walls, so I tackled a sheet-rocked bedroom in our finished basement. After completing all the necessary prep work, I got ready for my most hated task—cutting in.

Performance Review

The Purdy XL Cub brush makes painting simple, thanks to its compact design and small ergonomic shape.

The plush, semi-stiff, nylon and polyester bristles were easy to control and held plenty of paint for the finicky cut-in process. The short handle and two-inch angled brush made painting a breeze in tight spaces, like behind the door or around light fixtures.

Paint brushes often feel cumbersome if the brush is too broad or the handle is too long. Not the Purdy XL Cub. Not once did my hand cramp or feel fatigued while painting multiple rooms. Its compressed design and angled brush hairs made this the most comfortable paint brush I can ever remember using.

Pros

• Small handle
• Easy to use
• Ergonomic
• Ideal for tight spaces
• Angled for sharp lines
• Holds paint well
• Easy to clean
• Works with paint or stain

Cons

• Loses bristles according to recent reviews

FAQ

What Purdy brush is the most versatile?

The Purdy XL series is designed to be used with both paint and stain. However, we think the XL Cub is the ideal choice, especially for cutting in.

What type of brush gives the smoothest finish?

A soft bristle brush provides the smoothest finish, whereas a stiff brush creates crisper lines.

How do I choose the right paint brush?

Matching the bristle type to your finish is a starting point. If you need a little help, Family Handyman offers in-depth pointers on choosing a paint brush.

For most projects around the house, Purdy paint brushes are solid choices because they work with both paint and stain. For trim and detail work, an angled brush is your best option.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Amazon customer TechVic reviewed his Purdy paint brush, “Very well made brush. Great for brush mark free, clear finishes. Short handle makes it very easy to control. Brush is a good balance between stiff and soft hair.”

The busy Mom of Two says, “A little cashy? Yes, but worth every penny. The only brush I will use for cutting in and trimming. The short handle makes it comfortable in your hand and the quality of the bristles makes it possible to trim without taping. The angled edge is a must have. Totally worth every penny!”

Amazon shopper, Koppinjo claims it’s the best paint brush they’ve ever used. “I have used this paint brush on all the trim in 2 different houses and I have tried similar brushes from other brands. NONE of them come close to giving me the kind of control and finish that the Purdy Brush does. Don’t waste time with anything else! If you’re doing trim or cutting any edges, go with the PURDY!!!!!”

Product Comparisons

There are a wide array of Purdy paint brushes. Some are best suited for latex paint, while others work best for stain or epoxy. Brushes like the Chinex Elite Cub are designed for textured surfaces such as stucco, rough-sawn wood or brick. Purdy offers four handle styles as well as a variety of widths and bristle styles. 

Final Verdict

Paint brushes are straightforward tools. The Purdy XL Cub’s quality materials, comfortable ergonomic shape and superb craftsmanship make it a desirable addition to your painting tool kit. It’s recommended for all paint and stains. If properly stored and cleaned, a Purdy brush will be useful for years to come.

Where To Buy

Purdy paint brushes have a long history of making quality paint brushes and loyal customers.  Try one today, and you’re sure to become a fan too.

The Purdy XL Cub is available at Lowe’s, Walmart, Ace Hardware, and at Amazon.com

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Finding the perfect new piece for your living space, only to discover the color isn’t perfect, can be frustrating. Luckily, there can be a simple solution: Just paint it.

Yes, you can paint RTA furniture from IKEA or any other store. Of course, this rule doesn’t apply to every piece of IKEA furniture. We wouldn’t recommend painting anything covered in fabric. And anything made of plastic can be tricky to paint and get right. The furniture we’re talking about is made from laminate-covered particleboard, the prevalent material in most of the “wood” furniture sold at IKEA.

If you’re buying a desk or a bed frame from IKEA, it’s most likely made of this.  With a little prep work and the right kind of paint, you can change the look of your IKEA particleboard furniture to whatever shade you want.

What Kind of Paint Works Best?

You’ll need three types to paint IKEA furniture: a primer, topcoat and sealer. The primer needs to be specifically for laminate surfaces, like this one from Zinsser. Applying a coat of primer to your laminate particleboard surface will allow whatever paint you choose to stick to the surface and not quickly peel off.

After you’ve painted over your primer with your chosen color, you’ll apply a final layer of sealant to ensure your new paint job lasts.

How to Paint Laminate Particleboard

Step One: Sanding

Don’t worry about putting together your furniture before you break out the paint. It’s much easier to paint particleboard furniture when it’s disassembled.

If you’re painting a piece of furniture you’ve owned for a while, take it apart and clean it with a damp cloth. Once everything is completely dry, take each piece of the furniture and lightly sand any surface you want to paint. Use a piece of fine sandpaper, something around 120 grit. You don’t need to sand the laminate down entirely —  just scuff the surface consistently so that the primer can stick to it.

Step Two: Primer

Once you’re finished sanding, it’s time to apply the primer. Wipe the surface clean with a dry cloth to remove any lingering dust. Then paint on the first coat of primer. The entire surface needs to be covered with primer, so you might have to apply up to two coats to ensure full coverage.

Primers can take up to four hours to dry. Some experts recommend waiting up to a week for a coat of primer to fully cure before painting on top of it.

Step Three: The Topcoat

Apply the top coat of paint once your primer has fully cured. Don’t put the paint on too thick. The finished paint job will look much better if you apply it in multiple thin coats. You can use many kinds of paint for your topcoat — even spray paint will work.

Step Four: Sealant

A quality sealant will protect your new coat of paint from stains and other damage. Use a product like this sealant from Varathane, which is water-based and dries quickly. You can start to put your furniture together as soon as the sealant has fully dried.

Pick a White That Pops

White paint is timeless. A bright white will pair perfectly with most non-white walls, including grays or a bold color.

One important factor when picking white paint is the sheen. With windows and trim, better to go with a satin or semi-gloss. An expert at your local paint store can help you narrow the choices.

Add a Splash of Color

Bold isn’t for everyone, but for the daring, a vibrant pop of color can add a tremendous focal point to your home. Bright green or orange will make your home stand out. Whether that’s good or bad is up to the beholder.

Make sure whatever window color you choose matches the interior and exterior walls. If you already have a bold wall color, you might want to go with something more neutral for your windows. Or paint the walls a neutral color to better complement your window choice.

Choose Something Moody

Adding color doesn’t have to mean bright or vibrant. A moody color like a dark green is inviting and gives your home a modern, bold look. If you do go this route, consider extending it beyond the windows and painting an entire accent wall that moody color.

Color Match With Your Home’s Décor

If you love that old arm chair, bold colored cabinets or a piece of artwork in your living room, draw that color out and add it to your windows.

The nice thing about this is, you don’t already have to have a bold color in your home. If you purchase the paint color you want for your windows, use extra paint on a dresser, coffee table or something else to tie it back to your windows.

Bring the Outdoors In

Is your home next to the ocean or a lake? Try a nice blue. If you live in the mountains or a heavily wooded area, consider a rich green color. Matching your window paint to the region will remind you every day why you love living there.

However, says Kloehn, subtle changes are making a significant difference for consumers. “The long-term performance they expect is far from where it was even 10 years ago,” he says. Incremental technological advances in paint chemistry have changed the way we paint.

We asked Kloehn and other paint experts to discuss the most innovative paint technologies out there today. Here’s what they say.

Sheen and Scrubbability

“The sheen of a paint has always been one of the big characteristics that predicts how it will resist moisture and how washable it will be after applied,” says Kloehn. Basically, shinier paint equals more washable paint, even if not everyone likes a shiny surface.

But Kloehn says an increase in 100 percent acrylic resins, colorfast technology (like Benjamin Moore’s Color Lock) and durability additives have allowed consumers to turn down the shine.

“People are moving to lower sheens once they’re convinced the lessor sheen can meet their performance needs,” he says. “These changes in paint have positively affected their durability, washability and resistance to mold since they repel moisture.”

Greener, Faster Drying Paint

The paint and coatings industry is changing formulas to reduce the chemicals released into the atmosphere when products are applied. That’s especially true of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), says Kloehn. “VOCs have been part of paint for a very long time,” he says. Removing them not only makes paint safer and less odorous, but also lets it dry faster.

But VOCs aren’t the whole story. “Customers should look for any changes in formulation that replace VOCs with other compounds that are also not user- or environmentally friendly,” Kloehn says. He cites ammonia as a common substitute for VOCs.

One Coat Wonders

Innovations in water-based (latex or acrylic) paints permitted the development of true one-coat paints. These thick, combination paint-and-primer products are major step-savers. Virtually every major paint manufacturer makes a version.

The Home Depot sells five one-coat brands, including Behr Dynasty Interior Paint & Primer, described by Behr spokesperson Ericka Cruz as its “most durable, most stain repellent, scuff resistant, one-coat hide paint, ever.”

And fewer coats aren’t the only pluses. Besides its scuff and stain resistance, Cruz says the Dynasty line features a tack-free film that reduces downtime between application and use. “This allows homes to return to ‘business as usual’ faster after a paint project,” she says.

Clearing the Air

Anyone who has ever painted an interior room deals with at least a little chemical odor, while applying the paint and in the hours and days after. But new technologies, such as Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint with Air Purifying Technology and SuperPaint with Sanitizing Technology, claim to actually reduce indoor odors and improve air quality.

Rick Watson, director of product information and technical services at Sherwin-Williams, says the Air-Purifying Technology version contains “special odor-reducing compounds [that] deconstruct odor molecules that come in contact with the painted surface, neutralizing and dissipating odors.” This new feature makes the paint especially suited for the kitchen and bathrooms.

The Sanitizing Technology product, Watson says, “helps keep walls sanitized 24/7 by delivering ongoing antibacterial action that kills 99.9 percent of certain bacteria on painted surfaces and remains effective for up to four years.”

Self-Cleaning Paint

Yes, you read that right. In the last few years, a few companies introduced self-cleaning exterior paints to the consumer market.

What does self-cleaning paint actually do? It creates a waterproof barrier so when hit with water, from rain or a hose, the water runs down the surface and takes dirt with it. Sherwin-Williams Emerald Rain Refresh is one such product. Watson says it “offers excellent application, flow and leveling, and weather protection,” and can be tinted with compatible Sherwin-Williams paint colors.

Color Matching Apps

Paint chips, make way for the digital future. Paint-matching apps have been around for a few years, allowing consumers to “try out” paint colors by taking a photo of the room they want to paint and virtually applying the color in the app. But a partnership between ColorReader and Samplize takes things one step further, offering an actual paint sample on your wall.

Use the ColorReader app to match any color you like. Whether it’s from a 1980 architectural magazine or your Grandma’s prized China collection, the app will find the closest color on the current retail market.

With Samplize, you can order a peel-and-stick paint sample of that color (as long as it’s a brand available through Samplize) and try it out on your wall before you commit to buying paint. It’s a neat idea, one that can result in fewer trips to the home store and fewer cans of “oops” paint in the wrong color.

When deciding which bathroom paint to buy, there are several factors to consider:

• Ventilation: Whether or not the bath or shower room is well-ventilated (has a bathroom fan and/or windows that open); and
• Mold and Mildew: If the bathroom has (or has had) problems with mold or mildew in the past.
• Health and the environment: Low-odor, non-VOC latex paints are not only durable, but they’re also safer to inhale when wet.

Expert tip: If your bathroom doesn’t already have one, install an exhaust fan right away. It’s the first step in alleviating mold and mildew problems.

What Type of Paint Is Best for Bathrooms?

Bathrooms have their own unique set of challenges when it comes to keeping condensation and fungus growth under control. And, that’s why choosing the right paint may require a few extra steps.

When prep work is warranted, doing it right can be the difference between a mediocre and stellar bathroom paint project that will stand the test of time. Your efforts on the front end will pay off in the long haul.

“For properly, well-vented bathrooms that have not exhibited any type of mold issues in the past,” says Vince Christofora, Engineer and hardware store owner. “painting a bathroom is no different than any other room.”

There is a host of different bathroom paint and coatings — in a range of qualities and price points — formulated specifically for use in very humid environments.

Bathroom Primers

For a majority of paint jobs, priming is the first and most important step. Pros recommend cleaning and lightly sanding walls to de-gloss the surface before priming.

A good bathroom primer performs several important functions:

• Seals porous surfaces from moisture;
• Provides a uniform undercoat for the paint to stick to;
• Blocks stains from bleeding through;
• Covers dark colors.

Expert Tip: In recent years, the paint industry has introduced “paint and primers in one.” A brilliant idea in theory, in practice the results can be iffy. That’s why many manufacturers and professional painters recommend priming surfaces separately — especially if working with bare walls or when going from a dark to a light color. Christofora likes PPG Gripper. A proven brand of acrylic primer-sealer, this all-purpose product works great and dries in 30 minutes.

Mold- and Mildew-Resistant Paint

Applying a paint that contains an antimicrobial additive will create a bacterial barrier to inhibit nasty, odor-causing fungus. A mildew-resistant standout is Perma-White Mold and Mildew Proof Interior Paint by Zinsser. A high-performing water-based formula, Perma-White protects moisture-prone areas and also prevents mold and mildew growth for up to five years. And, it’s tintable, so you can choose a custom color that matches your style and decor.

Moisture-Repellent Paint

Protect bathroom walls and ceilings from the inevitable splish and splash with quality moisture-resistant paint, such as Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa Paint. Aura’s high moisture-tolerant matte finish beautifully and effectively repels water droplets and is highly scrubbable, so if any mold does appear, you can wipe it away before it takes hold.

Waterproof Paint Over Tile

Christofora points out that many of his customers opt to paint over tile. Considered a short-term solution rather than a long-term fix, the right primer is absolutely critical in this situation. The primer needs to be a high-bonding primer to adhere to the tile. He recommends using Zinsser BONDZ Maximum Adhesion Primer. It sticks to surfaces that are typically resistant to coatings, creating a strong bond for any topcoat (even solvent-based paint and epoxies).

Perfect for DIYers, water-based epoxy paint, like Rust-Oleum Specialty Tub and Tile Spray Paint, is a heavy-duty water-resistant product for use on shower stalls and bath surrounds. Each can of Tub and Tile covers 15-square feet in one step, leaving behind a shiny, durable and hard finish.

A Word About Semi-Gloss Paint for Bathrooms

In years gone by, it was common to paint bathrooms with a semi-gloss sheen. This was because semi-gloss paints were thought to be more moisture resistant and could be cleaned/scrubbed easier than flat (matte) surfaces. Today, however, flat, eggshell and satin sheen paints perform just as well against moisture.

Expert Tip: Once properly cleaned, prepared, and primed, Christofora suggests a top-quality interior paint such as PPG’s Interior Manor Hall Paint.

It’s definitely in the DIY realm and similar to painting a home with wood siding. Just follow the steps detailed below for painting stucco. You can paint the trim before or after the walls, depending on your home and personal preferences.

Want to refresh your stucco without actually painting it? Consider whitewashing stucco instead.

Tools and Materials for Painting Stucco

Gather these tools and materials before starting this project.

Tools

• Caulk gun;
• Extension ladder;
• Paint brushes;
• Paint roller cage;
• Pressure washer;
• Roller covers (thick-napped).

Materials

• Acrylic exterior caulk;
• Block fill primer (optional);
• Polyurethane exterior caulk;
• Sandpaper (80- or 100-grit);
• Stucco patch (optional);
• Acrylic latex exterior paint, flat finish.

How To Paint Stucco

Here’s what you need to do before getting started.

Step 1: Inspect the House

Before you paint, check the condition of the stucco. Are there cracks? Hairline cracks are normal and typically will be filled with the paint you apply, says Gregg Cantor, president and CEO of Murray Lampert Design, Build, Remodel in San Diego. Stress cracks coming off the corners of windows and doors that run toward the ground are common, too. They happen over time with settling, and can be repaired.

But Cantor says if you see signs of other damage, such as horizontal cracks, large pieces of stucco missing or unusual discoloration, it may be a sign of more serious issues like moisture behind the stucco. Hold off painting and let a stucco contractor take a look to assess the causes.

Step 2: Pressure Wash the House

The stucco should be free of dirt and debris before painting. Pressure washing is a fast and efficient way to clean it, Cantor says.

You can rent a pressure washer if you don’t own one. Follow directions carefully and wear safety glasses. Cantor recommends setting the washer at 1,500 to 2,500 pounds per square inch (PSI). “Use the lowest pressure that gets the job done,” he says. “Test it first in an inconspicuous area before you tackle the whole house.”

If you want to use a detergent, Cantor recommends an eco-friendly, mild one. If you’re not comfortable DIYing this, hire a pro to do it for you. Once it’s washed, the house should dry completely before taking the next steps.

Step 3: Prep the Stucco

Cantor suggests repairing small cracks and holes with exterior acrylic caulk. Larger cracks or places with damage can be repaired with stucco patch. If the stucco was previously painted and the paint has chipped in places, lightly sand the edges of the chipped areas with 80- or 100-grit sandpaper to remove any loose paint.

Caulk around windows and door trim with polyurethane caulk. “It’s a little more difficult to use than acrylic, but it provides the best waterproofing,” Cantor says.

If there’s evidence of water leaking from a gutter and running down the side of the stucco (look for discoloration or deteriorated stucco), try to determine if water has gotten behind the stucco. If it hasn’t, then repair the gutter leak before you paint. If you suspect it has, call a pro to assess the damage and repair it.

Step 4: Choose your paint

For stucco, Cantor recommends an acrylic latex paint in a flat sheen. “Acrylic is a good choice because stucco is porous and needs to breathe,” he says. “So the paint you apply needs to breathe too.” Acrylic latex is easy to apply and cleans up with water.

Keep in mind you’ll need more paint for stucco walls than other siding materials. That’s because stucco is porous and has a rough texture.

Step 5: Prime the stucco, if needed

If this is the first time the stucco will be painted, you should prime the walls first with an acrylic latex block filler, says Ashley Kloehn of Hirshfield’s in Minneapolis. He recommends Benjamin Moore block fillers, like Ultra Spec Interior Exterior High Build Acrylic Masonry Primer (product no. 609).

“Stucco is really absorbent,” says Kloehn. “An acrylic latex block filler will soak into some of the pores of the stucco so that you’ll maximize the coverage you can get out of your topcoat.” Follow the manufacturer’s directions for application.

Step 6: Apply the paint

First, cut in around the windows, doors and other trim with a brush. Then roll paint on the walls with a thick-napped roller cover. Start at the top and work in small sections so you can keep a wet edge.

Alternatively, you can spray on the paint using an airless sprayer. If the stucco is highly textured, after spraying go over the paint with a roller (AKA back-rolling).

If you prime the walls, you’ll probably only need a single topcoat. Otherwise, you may need to apply two coats. Follow the paint manufacturer’s directions for best temperatures for applying the paint and when to apply a second coat.

Stucco Maintenance Tips

Cantor recommends inspecting stucco exterior walls annually, looking for areas of concern like flaking or peeling paint or excessive cracking. “These could indicate moisture or settling issues that would require a professional consultation,” he says. Touch up hairline cracks with paint, as needed.

Colorful Stripe Painted Stairs

If your white and wood stairs are starting to bore you, add a colorful stripe! This idea (shown here by @housegnborg) doesn’t require much paint or labor. The most challenging part is measuring and taping so the color is even on each stair riser. This bold chartreuse is gorgeous, but anything goes for a project like this. Take a risk!

How Much Does It Cost To Have Pros Paint the Interior of a House?

A professional typically will charge between $2 and $6 per square foot for interior painting. So if you have a 1,000 square foot home, it will cost between $2,000 and $6,000. The price can also depend on the paint you choose or the pro prefers to work with.

Aside from the cost to paint the walls, the professional price can vary based on the amount of trim, ceilings and other areas that need to be painted. The estimate should include labor and materials. Good questions to ask include:

• Will the painters be moving furniture?
• Will the floors and counters be covered with drop cloths, or is that your responsibility?
• Does the estimate include repairs to walls, primer for water stains or toning down dark-hued walls?

Once the professionals are done, remember to conduct a thorough paint inspection to ensure it’s a job done well!

How Much Does It Cost To Paint the Interior of a House Yourself?

On average, to paint the interior yourself will cost between $1 and $3 per square foot, about half what a professional charges. A gallon of paint runs about $20 per gallon for low-end and $30 to $55 for higher-end brands. The average-sized bedroom will need at least two gallons of paint for complete coverage.

Also consider what paint supplies you will need. These can run from $10 to $100, depending if you’re adding to your existing inventory or starting from scratch. The list of supplies you will need includes:

• Rollers;
• Paintbrushes;
• Buckets;
• Paint;
• Tape;
• Drop cloths;
• Rental equipment;
• Safety goggles;
• Paint filter mask;
• Ladder.

It can take a day or two to paint one room, depending on the number of coats and extra work such as trim. Consider the time it will take and supplies you will need when calculating how much it costs to paint your living spaces. Only you can determine what your time is worth.

How To Save Money on Interior Painting

Cutting corners can save you money but leave you unsatisfied with the end result. Be sure to purchase the best paint for your needs and don’t skip steps, such as laying down a primer if needed. And don’t go with cheap supplies just to save a few cents. Focus your cost-saving efforts here instead:

Borrow supplies

Brushes, rollers, sponges and tarps can add up. Ask friends and neighbors if you may borrow their paint supplies. Or buy a kit with all you need from an online resource, and save by purchasing everything at once rather than à la carte.

Determine if you need primer

Primer increases your overall costs, but you may not need it. You can skip this step when painting over similar types of existing finishes that are clean, dry, dull and in sound shape. For instance, latex to latex or latex to oils, according to Rick Watson, director of product information and technical services at Sherwin-Williams.

“We recommend a primer when you need to promote adhesion, or block stains, fill porous surfaces like concrete block, or resist alkali and efflorescence, provide corrosion resistance or (when) going from deep dark colors to white,” Watson said. Otherwise, save your money.

Measure the rooms

Measure correctly before you begin so you don’t waste money on supplies and paint you can’t return.

• Add the length of each wall.
• Multiply that number by the height of the room from floor to ceiling. This number is the square footage of the room.
• Deduct 15 square feet for each average-size window and 20 square feet for each door.

The final number is the square footage you will need to paint. If you are painting the ceiling, measure the length of the ceiling. Then multiply that number by the ceiling’s width to calculate the square footage and the amount of ceiling paint you will need, separate from the walls.

Add 10 percent to cover any mistakes in your calculations or potential problems. This way, you know you’ll have enough paint to finish the job. An online paint calculator can give you an exact amount of product to purchase.

Buy the Right Paint for the Space

One of the most important things to do before you start your project is choosing the correct paint. Flat and matte finishes may be cheaper, but they are harder to clean than an eggshell or satin finish.

Consider how the space will be used for your lifestyle. A high-traffic area, where children and dogs will spend a lot of time, needs a more durable paint than a bathroom. Ceiling paint is thicker than wall paint and grips the surface with fewer drips.

“Some paint is more durable and washable than others,” Watson says. “Some are designed to smoothly cover an interior with rich hues and specific types of sheens, and some paints can help sanitize or reduce odors.”

How To Prepare Interior Walls for Painting

Before you begin, prepare your walls for painting. Use a good cleaner-degreaser (read the label to see if it should be diluted) or an emulsifying soap to thoroughly wash the walls and any painted trim. Rinse the walls with clean water and allow them to dry thoroughly.

This is a good time to patch any holes with a wall repair patch kit. Sand any patches, scuffs, gouges or other imperfections to create a smooth surface. Finally, wipe the walls again with a clean, damp rag to remove any remaining dust.

Time to start painting! Start at the top and move down. Paint the ceiling, then the walls. Finish the trim and doors last.