Painting advice for real decisions

Painting advice for your next project.

Practical guides to painting, preparation and coordinating your home or office project.

Paint finishMatte, Eggshell or Satin: Which Finish Works in Your Home?A practical guide to sheen, cleaning and choosing a finish.Read article →

Empty living room with pale walls, a wide window, white trim, a fireplace and wood flooring.

Surface preparationDrywall Repair Before Interior Painting: What Needs Fixing First?What needs fixing before the finish coats go on?Read article →

Navy walls beside white plantation shutters, white trim and a wood floor.

Interior paintingPainting Dark Walls a Lighter Color: What Changes in the Prep and Paint PlanPlan the preparation, primer and coverage for a lighter wall color.Read article →

Open-plan living area with a sectional sofa, light walls, white trim and large windows.

Interior paintingInterior Painting in Potomac: How to Prepare Your HomePractical room preparation for a project that fits everyday life.Read article →

Dining room with warm-toned walls, white wainscoting, decorative ceiling trim and a chandelier.

Doors & trimPainting Interior Doors and Trim: What to Include in the ProjectDefine the details, from door faces and casings to baseboards.Read article →

House with dormers and a columned entrance, surrounded by lawn, landscaping and trees.

Exterior paintingExterior House Painting: What to Fix Before the First CoatLook at the surfaces and repair needs before choosing the finish.Read article →

Commercial paintingOffice Painting in Maryland: Planning Work While Your Business Is OpenCoordinate the painting work with the people who use your office.Read article →

Empty basement with light walls, white trim, stairs, a white brick fireplace wall and a wood-look floor.

Painting & flooringPainting Before or After New Flooring: How to Plan the Order of WorkCoordinate the room, the finishes and the final touch-ups.Read article →

Furnished living room with white walls, decorative trim, dark-framed windows and a fireplace.

Interior paintingTouch Up the Paint or Repaint the Whole Wall: How to DecideDecide whether a test patch or a full-wall repaint fits your goal.Read article →

Dining and living area with light walls, white trim, a wood table, seating and wood flooring.

Interior paintingChoosing Interior Paint Colors: Working with Your Existing Floors and TrimChoose wall colors in the context of the finishes you are keeping.Read article →