Everything You Need to Know about Painting Your House

Need a new look? Cross-discipline teams have created this house paint encyclopedia to help you with all types of interior and exterior painting projects. Save money, save time, and avoid costly mistakes with these tips, techniques, and tools. Also get help choosing colors and finishes and find solutions to common house paint problems.

Pick Exterior Paint Colors

Colorful buildings on village street in Eyeries, Ireland — Village street in Eyeries, Ireland. Village street in Eyeries, Ireland. Photo by Pete Atkinson / Collection: Photographer's Choice RF / Getty Images

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

See Pictures

Queen Anne home in Saratoga, New York. Photo © Jackie Craven

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

Pick Interior Paint Colors

Coral Colored Room — Coral colored walls and carpeting give this room a warm glow. Photo © Paul Conrath/Getty Images

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.

Watch Videos

A woman on a ladder restores a fresco on a ceiling. Photo © Lisa F. Young / iStockphoto.com

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

Paint Like a Pro

Barack Obama paints at the Sasha Bruce House. Photo © Joshua Roberts-Pool/Getty Images — Barack Obama paints at the Sasha Bruce House, a shelter for teens in Washington, DC. Obama volunteered at the shelter to promote his 'Day Of Service' program on January 19, 2009. Photo © Joshua Roberts-Pool/Getty Images

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

Paint to Fool the Eye

Bookcases With Decorative Painting. Photo (cc) Flickr Member Danielle Blue

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 Any Surface

Porcelain tiles painted with ceramic paint. Photo (cc) Flickr Member Patti Haskins

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

Solve Paint Problems

Cracked Blue Paint. Photo © Background Abstracts / Getty Images

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.