Painting & Finishing

For projects where hardwood, tile, carpeting, or other flooring options just won’t do, let a few simple coats of paint come to the rescue.

Painting furniture and other household items is an inexpensive way to make over a space, but are there things in your home that you shouldn’t paint? Step away from the spray paint, and carefully reconsider your decorating choices. Here’s the lowdown on what’s fit to paint and what’s better left alone.

With a rainbow of colors to choose from, selecting paint can be overwhelming. Make the process easier and find a paint you love using these shopping tips.

Don’t throw away latex paint that has thickened in the can! Follow this 10-minute process to thin it out to the proper consistency, and save yourself the cost of buying new paint.

A fresh coat of paint does wonders for a room, and because painting is something most homeowners are comfortable tackling, it’s probably the most common DIY project out there. If there’s a paint job in your future, though, don’t limit yourself to simply rolling some paint on the walls. Take a little inspiration from these 13 weirdly awesome ideas for reinvigorating or glamming up your walls, ceilings, or floors.

Discover whether tipping a painter for a job well done is expected or even acceptable.

Hands-down, painting is the biggest way to change the look and feel of a room on the smallest budget. Few projects are as DIY-friendly as painting, not least because you only need a small number of painting tools to complete the job and achieve professional-level results.

Flex your creativity, redecorate on a budget, and reduce bulky waste—you can achieve all three by learning the art of furniture painting with Bob Vila.

A gallon of gas? It won’t get you too far. A gallon of milk? If you have a big family, it can be gone in a day. But a gallon of paint? It can go a long way, meaning leftover paint is a common occurrence. If you share our quest to make everything old new again, consider using the leftover paint to renew or revamp your home. Here are 19 cool projects you can do with 128 ounces or less.

Give your projects a smooth and lustrous protective finish. Here’s how to varnish wood for satisfying, professional-level results every time.