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.

01

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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.

02

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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.

03

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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. Find tips here.

Find the Best Colors for Your Rooms
How to Choose a Color Scheme
Best Colors For Problem Spaces
How to Use Colors in Feng Shui
Red, White & Blue Schemes
Use a Color Wheel
Pick the Right Finish

04

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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. Watch these short online videos for ideas and instruction.

Choose Exterior Paint Colors
Choose Interior Paint Colors
Use Feng Shui to Choose Paint Colors
Tape a Room for Painting
Paint a Ceiling
Paint Around Windows
Be Safe When You Paint

05

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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.

How to Prepare the Exterior
How to Prepare Interior Walls
How to Paint a Room
How to Mask a Room
How to Cut in Your Interior Trim Paint
How to Paint Trim Around a Window
How to Paint a Ceiling
How to Use a Brush

06

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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

07

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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.These articles reveal the secrets for painting unusual surfaces.

Paint Ceramic Tile
Paint Old Laminate Countertops
Refinish a Bathtub
Paint Cabinets
Choose the Right Abrasives

08

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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.