House Paint Encyclopedia

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

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.

• Find the Best Exterior Colors
• House Color Combinations
• House Color Charts
• House Color Software
• House Color Books
• Painting an American Foursquare House

Not sure what colors? Look at at photos of similar homes. Browse these photo galleries for Colonial, Victorian, and early 20th century house styles.

• House Paint Pictures
• Queen Anne House Pictures
• Bungalow House Pictures
• Cape Cod House Pictures
• Craftsman House Pictures

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
• Bring Color Into Your Home
• Use Feng Shui to Choose Paint Colors
• Tape a Room for Painting
• Paint Interior Walls
• Paint a Ceiling
• Paint Around Windows
• Be Safe When You Paint

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

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

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

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.

• Why Paint Fails
• Paint Problems on Historic wood
• Repair Stucco Siding
• Strip Exterior Paint
• Work Safely With Lead-Based Paint

All paint is alike, right? Not! Use these resources to select the right kind of paint and paint supplies for your project.

• Types of Paint
• How to Buy Paint
• How to Get Designer Paint for Cheap
• How to Buy Brushes
• Paint Manufacturers
• Special Paints For Special Needs
• Healthy Paints
• Ceramic Wall Paint
• Insulating Paint
• Make Your Own Eco-Friendly Flour Paint

Still stumped? Show us a photo of your house and ask your questions. We do our best to give paint color advice and feedback.

• House Helpline
• House Paint Color Workshop