How To: Paint EVERYTHING

Wrought Iron

Is your metal patio furniture looking a little worse for wear? Give it a makeover! When painting wrought iron, success comes down to three important prep tasks: sanding, washing, and priming. For complete instructions, click here.

Laminate

Wood laminate furniture is great: You can find it virtually anywhere, usually at a low price point. Pieces often come in a neutral color like black, gray, or white, but you can easily add color with a fresh coat of paint. See the simple how-to.

Concrete

If your to-do list includes painting masonry or concrete, keep in mind that a thorough, modestly demanding approach is necessary, the details of which are right here. Consider dyeing concrete as an easy way to add a tint of color.

Wood Floors

It’s OK to be skeptical. Will a painted floor really last? The answer may surprise you: unequivocally, yes. Latex enamels formulated for floors, porches, and decks feature superior durability and a host of color options. Get the rundown on prepping and painting floors here. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try stenciling?

Stairs

A trendy design choice, painting the staircase is a wonderful way to make a dramatic statement about your personal sense of style. Click here for “step by step” instructions on tackling this fun project.

Fabric Curtains

There’s no rule saying that beautiful curtains have to cost a fortune. All you need for an eye-catching set are plain curtain panels and latex paint in the colors of your choice. Get the scoop.

House Exterior

Sure, it sounds like a mammoth undertaking, but if painting your home’s exterior this year, doing the job yourself can save you some real dough (plus the work may be easier than you fear). Don’t miss How To: Paint a House for help.

Rooms

We all know paint is probably the easiest and least expensive way to transform the appearance of a room. But as with any DIY, some methods deliver better results than others. Check out these quick tips, and for advice on choosing a color, click here.

Trim

Recommendations for painting trim vary. Have the walls already been painted? Has the trim already been installed? Your answers to these questions and others may determine the best course of action. For an in-depth look, click here.

Furniture

At some point, most of us will look upon a battered old nightstand, bookshelf, or chair, and think, “Boy, that thing sure could use some TLC.” Luckily, paint can restore furniture to its former glory, and we can show you how.

Kitchen Cabinets

Some swear by foam brushes, others prefer paint sprayers, and still others opt for plain old paintbrushes. When it comes to painting cabinets, opinions range pretty widely. If you plan to use a brush, click here; a paint sprayer, click here.