Prior to painting an interior room, it would seem the only task is to select the right paint color, after which one can start painting, right? Actually, there is important prep work that is almost always necessary to complete before the actual painting process can begin. Take a few minutes to clean and prepare a room before painting can lead to a better-quality paint job and, ultimately, save time in the long run. Remove and Store Décor  The first step in cleaning before starting the painting process involves removing any wall décor and cleaning underneath where the items resided. Cobwebs and other debris tend to collect under wall adornments that have been hanging for years. If the underside is very dirty, it might be necessary to wipe away the debris with a damp cloth and...

What is chalk paint and why is it so popular? Chalk paint is a term that is trademarked by the Annie Sloan company, although many other brands now offer a chalky finish paint. It refers to a thick paint that results in a matte finish and is commonly used to paint furniture or home decor items, such as picture frames. Painted furniture is popular in many decorating styles, and just one painted piece can spruce up a tired room. Here are a few reasons why chalky paint is so popular: No sanding is required before painting . Yes, you read that right, no sanding! The paint is quite thick and provides great coverage, and because the desired result of finished chalky paint projects is antiqued and weathered, there is no need to produce a super...

Like any successful endeavor, staining your deck requires patience, persistence, and a steady hand. By taking extra time and focusing on precision, your wood deck will see immense benefits. Your deck will be able to withstand the elements and avoid unnecessary peeling and warping which will save you money in the long run. However, to stain properly, you must have a base knowledge of what and what not to do, ensuring a clean, even coat that will lengthen your wood's lifespan. Keep these steps in mind before letting that deck project become a deck disaster. Prepare for Absorbency In preparation for staining your deck, you want the area to have solid absorbency. Absorbency is crucial in enhancing the life of your deck, as a greater amount of stain will penetrate during staining and lock it in place. Pressure washing is an efficient way to...

Selecting the proper paint brush doesn't have to be guesswork. Different types of paints and surfaces require different equipment; using the wrong combination of paint and brush can lead to big problems. Before choosing a brush , you also need to know what type of paint you'll be using. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of different types of brushes by comparing their variable traits. Natural vs. Synthetic Bristle Brushes Both oil-based and water-based paints have distinctive pros and cons . More importantly, they require different brushes with bristles made of different materials. Bristles can either be made of natural fibers like animal hair, or synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon. When working with water-based paints a synthetic bristle brush is a must, while oil-based paints work better with natural fiber. Using a natural fiber brush...

Owning a home is a dream for many people, and that dream requires occasional maintenance, like patching holes in walls. These are usually the result of simple accidents, but repairing them is important to maintain the value of your home. It can be a hassle, but repairing a hole is not a nightmare. In fact, it is one of the easiest home repairs that you can make! Follow these four steps to accomplish the simple fix. 1. Clean the Surface Before you begin repairing your wall, clean the surface where the hole is located. If you don't take the time to clean the to-be-fixed area, your paint may not seal correctly. To properly clean the surface for dirt, dust, and oils, lightly dab and wipe the area around the hole with a damp cloth and...