Taking on a painting project? Watch this video to learn some helpful tips for avoiding common mistakes. Read more

With all the new Green choices out there for paint, it’s easy to get confused. Bette Asbra, co-owner of Pro-Staff Painting & Faux Finishing, a Diamond Certified company, says the biggest thing to know when buying most “no or low” volatile organic compound (VOC) products is that by adding any color to the base, you’re increasing VOC levels. Many consumers don’t realize this—the more color added and the deeper the color, the more VOCs. Read more

Even after you pick the perfect paint color for a room, you still have to choose from five or six different finishes, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. To determine the finish that’s right for your particular project, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the benefits of each type and make sure it’ll be a good fit for your lifestyle or personal preferences. Before making a final decision, consider the following information:

Flat or matte
Flat or matte finishes are generally used on walls, ceilings and other low-traffic areas to hide surface imperfections and create a uniform, non-reflecting appearance. Stain removal can be difficult, so don’t use a flat finish in a kitchen, Read more

A quality paint job always starts with a thorough prep job. Recently I had 5 rooms in a small cottage painted and it took the painter more than 2 weeks of prep work before he even applied the primer! Greg Kuzmicki, owner of Solidarity Painting, Waterproofing & Restoration says too many painters cut corners by not prepping thoroughly and rushing through the job.

Mr. Kuzmicki thinks homeowners should be on the lookout for dry rot in particular. He says, “Most painters paint over dry rot because they just don’t notice it, but more often they just want to finish the job, get paid for it, and move on to the next job. This can be very costly to the homeowners in the future.” To be on top of things for your next painting project, Read more

When done correctly, a high-quality paint job can tie together an entire room, add mood and interest to a space, and even add value to your home. When you’re in the market for new interior paint, consider the following tips for selecting the perfect color.

• Paint is the easiest décor element to change and one of the least expensive ways to give a room a facelift. For that reason, it’s wise to choose a paint that compliments or sets off the color scheme already present in your room. Consider the furniture, flooring, window treatments, tile, brick and fabrics in the room you want to repaint. Or, if you’re redecorating, make painting the final step in your project so you’re sure to choose a hue that compliments your new furnishings and accessories.

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