Everything You Need to Know about Painting Your House

The colors and finishes you choose can transform your house. But, how do you find harmonious color combinations for your siding and trim? Check out these resources for advice, color charts, free online paint color tools, and more.

• Choosing Exterior Paint Colors - Things to Think About
• House Color Combinations
• Free Tools to Help You Choose House Paint Colors
• House Color Books
• Paint Colors for a Foursquare - Amy and Tim's Big Adventure

Not sure what colors? Look at at photos of similar homes. Browse these photo galleries for Colonial, Victorian, and early 20th century house styles.

• House Paint Pictures
• Queen Anne House Pictures
• Bungalow House Pictures
• Cape Cod House Pictures
• Craftsman House Pictures

The right colors and finishes will bring out the beauty of any room. Some color combinations can make a small room seem larger, or a large space cozier. The choice between flat, semi-gloss, and glossy finishes can also make a dramatic difference. 

Your house painting project will seem easier after you've seen painters in action. 

Professional painters have mastered strategies to make projects easier. Find out how pros minimize mess and create professional, long-lasting paint finishes.

Sponging, crackling, color washing, and other decorative paint techniques add excitement and an air of fantasy. Even if you are a beginner, you can learn simple decorative painting techniques that will transform your rooms. Start here.

• Put Texture on Your Walls
• Apply Color Wash
• Sponge Paint
• Consider Trompe l'oeil

Paint isn't just for walls! Even smooth, shiny surfaces can be painted if you choose the right products and follow simple guidelines.

Paint isn't prefect and problems will mount if the surface hasn't been prepared properly. Here's how to prevent common problems that lead to paint failure, and how to fix them.

• Paint Problems on Historic wood
• Repair Stucco Siding

All paint is alike, right? Not! Use these resources to select the right kind of paint and paint supplies for your project.

Still stumped? Here's help.

• A Gallery of Houses, A Paint Bucket of Tips
  Join us as we choose colors for houses submitted by our readers. See color solutions and ask questions.
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