Walls Transformed: Metallic Leaf

Inspired by the lovely display captured here, we've found a project post dedicated to the art of applying a combination of metallic paints and hologram foil, available online, to create a shiny, textured wall that becomes a standout interior surface in a bedroom or another room of the house.

  June 19, 2008 | Comments ()

House Paints Low on VOC and Quality?

As homeowners continue to request environmentally friendly products the choices are made along price point and quality. When it comes to low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) house paints the results are mixed. Many designers are noting that they just can't get the right color and that the quality is lacking as opposed to water-based latex paints.

  May 19, 2008 | Comments ()

Q&A: Should I Go Yellow?

Question from a reader:

I'm moving into an apartment that receives northwest light and the living room feels dark. I've read that painting a room yellow can help brighten it, but I don't know if the yellow paint will be too much or end up giving the room a weird ambiance.

  April 1, 2008 | Comments ()

DIY Maven: Painting Over Wallpaper

The DIY Maven shares her opinions about wallpaper! I've said it before and I'll say it again; wallpaper should be outlawed. It's not that there aren't some lovely patterns out there (the new Jonathan Adler designs are to die for!) however, when you start to hate it, and chances are very high you will eventually start to hate it, you're going to have to either remove it or put something over it.

  March 20, 2008 | Comments (4)

Paint it Pretty!

It's true. Changing the appearance of a space can be cost-effective. Don't worry if new furnishings aren't in the budget. A little paint will go a long way. Re-do those dull white or beige walls with a new shade that will add warmth or vibrancy. Not sure about choosing a color? HGTV designer David Bromstad suggests turning to nature, fashion or your favorite magazine.

  March 19, 2008 | Comments ()

Color Helper for Picking Paint

We found this Color Helper on Shelterrific last week and are interested to hear if anyone has tried it. It claims to match color palettes from all of the leading paint manufacturers (over 13,000 colors).

  March 10, 2008 | Comments ()

Old Idea, Fresh Look, Sponge Painting

Before you go buy new paint, check the garage. Reuse an old color to sponge over an existing wall from a different room. This gives you a whole new look without the cost. With the project organizer from Behr you can get an estimate of how much paint you'll need for certain sized rooms.

  March 5, 2008 | Comments ()

Choosing a Paint Finish

The most basic of DIY projects is painting but selecting a paint finish that you'll be happy with can be as arduous a task as choosing the proper color. Paint finishes come in two basic categories, flat and glosses. Flat finishes are great at absorbing light and give a matte look but they aren't easily cleaned while glosses are stain-resistant, washable, and reflect light.

Here's a more refined list of finish categories for latex (water-based) paint.

  January 16, 2008 | Comments ()

Cleaning Your Paintbrush is Easier than Ever

Stop wasting time trying to rescue paint brushes that have become useless because they were never cleaned properly. The EZ Clean Paintbrush debuted at the 2006 National Hardware Show and operates under a concept so simple it falls under the "Why didn't I think of that" category.

After using the brush simply screw the handle end into a garden hose or utility sink and turn the water on. The brush will get clean from the inside out as water runs over every bristle. Having not actually tested this brush ourselves we are curious as to the quality of the brush and handle.

If anyone has used one and wants to share please let us know in the comments.

  September 29, 2007 | Comments (1)

House Painting Tips

It's generally recommended to paint your house every 3-5 years to protect your siding, stucco, or shingles, as well as maintain a fresh looking exterior.

To prevent uneven drying from painting in direct sunlight, paint the north and west side of your home in the morning hours and switch to the south and east sides in the afternoon and evening.

The best time of year to paint your house is in the spring or fall when the temperatures are the most mild.

  July 30, 2007 | Comments ()