Ask Woodiwiss: What should I know about painting after removing wallpaper?
Wallpaper removal is easier when done methodically, giving you a better surface for new paint. Grandma's floral prints were nice, and the baby's room is now home to a teenager—so perhaps now is the perfect time to start stripping wallpaper off the walls and giving it a fresh coat of [...]
Ask Woodiwiss: When should I stain or paint my deck?
Unlike blue jeans, a weathered deck is not a good look. Get your deck maintenance in order with these tests and tips Does your deck look so gray that people confuse it for the sidewalk? When it rains, does your deck hold on to water like a mulch bed? Did [...]
Ask Woodiwiss: Why should I hire someone to stain my deck?
We talk a lot in this blog about how to do some home painting and staining projects yourself. As DIY projects go, a weekend of deck staining seems like a good project. Grab a gallon of deck stain and some brushes, and have a go at it. Unlike interior house [...]
Ask Woodiwiss: What’s the easiest way to paint a garage door?
Painting a garage door is relatively easy as DIY home paint projects go. Pressure wash or wipe down the garage door. Pressure washing is easier (and more satisfyingly fun). Prime the entire surface with a roller and let it dry. Start painting the garage door after the primer is dry. [...]
Here’s what to avoid and prepare for during a kitchen renovation
It might not feel like it, but the kitchen is arguably the most important part of your home. Nearly everything that happens in your house except sleeping starts or ends in the kitchen. We've been lucky to participate in some gorgeous kitchen renovation and remodeling projects over the last twenty [...]
How to prepare for a paint job while in escrow
Your real estate agent—and contractors—can help you during closing paperwork and escrow holdbacks If you've never bought a house before, it works a lot like this: You and your real estate agent travel around looking for the right home. When you identify a home you like, your Realtor will help [...]
Ask Woodiwiss: Do I need to stay home with the house painters?
This question comes up from time to time, but we assume most people ask it in their heads 100% of the time: "Should I stay home while the house is being painted? Can I leave my home unattended?" Alternatively, commercial offices and businesses wonder the same thing. The answer is: [...]
Ask Woodiwiss: how do I safely clean dust and grease off my walls?
"Oh, what's that?" You wonder as the light shines just right on the hallway wall. Kneeling down you see what looks like a smudge, but how'd it get there? It's clear, but it's hard to tell on a painted wall. Walking to the kitchen for a damp paper towel you [...]
Ask Woodiwiss: How often and when should I paint my ceiling?
How often should I paint my ceiling? You should paint your ceiling with a fresh coat about every ten to fifteen years. And it's best to paint your ceilings at the same time as the rest of your interior walls since the paint job requires moving furniture and obstacles out [...]
Are you falling for these house painting myths?
It doesn't seem that complicated on the surface, but painting a house or office appears to conjure many ideas that are mythical at best and dangerous at worst. Here are some house painting myths worth debunking before anyone picks up a paintbrush. Busted: adding essential oil to the paint makes [...]