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Painting and Finishing - Page 2 of 41

At its most fundamental level, painting hasn’t changed much in the last century. The painter uses a simple tool — basically a stick with some animal hair attached to one end — to spread a liquid finish over the target surface. That’s still true for many homeowners who do their own painting. Pros, however, may use spray equipment instead of a brush, and the paints and stains available today are sophisticated blends of waterborne pigments and binders rather than lead-based formulations. In other words, painting is deceptively simple: It sort of looks like what Gramps might have done, except it isn’t.

However you tackle it, painting consists of a few well-defined steps: paint and equipment selection, surface prep, application, and cleanup. The basics should be fairly easy to master. If the surface is carefully prepped (paint really doesn’t hide much) and the paint is carefully applied, the result should be everything you expect.

Where Fine Homebuilding’s experienced pros can help is with what’s not so obvious. How, for example, do you refinish that once-beautiful, and expensive, entry door with hand-mixed stain and a new coat of varnish? How do you restore your hardwood floors so they glow again? Is spray equipment something that’s worth renting?

Painting, whether it’s indoors or out, is a powerful home decorating tool. Finishes also preserve and protect metal, wood, and other materials exposed to weather and sunlight.  Not everyone is destined to become a world-class painter or finisher, and you may very well want to call a professional. But going beyond the basics is well worth the effort.

  • Paint Prep With Less Waste

    When painting ceilings, reduce the amount of waste you produce by hanging reusable fabric from the walls instead of plastic sheets.

  • Give Windows and Doors a Durable Finish with Linseed Oil Paint

    Discover why linseed oil paint is the go-to choice for Fink & Son Historic Restoration.

  • Paint Behind Strike Plates

    Add a professional finish to door-hardware installations with a small, site-made spray box.

  • Resurrecting Linseed Oil Paint

    This centuries-old paint offers vapor-permeabiity, maintainability, and longevity with zero VOCs, but know its limitations before you get to work.

  • Painted Wallpaper Predicament

    If wallpaper has been covered by paint or new paper, don't try to layer more on top. The only way to create a reliable, smooth surface is to remove the wallpaper, step by step.

  • Sponsored Content
    Complete Interior Repaints Made Simple

    Kyle Thomas, owner of Thomas House Painting, shares insights on a condo repaint using Benjamin Moore® paint for a beautiful, durable finish.

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    Preserving Historical Homes Through Painting

    Painter Zach Kenney talks about his passion for preserving historic homes in New England using colors from the Benjamin Moore Williamsburg Collection.

  • Sponsored Content
    The Right Roller Nap Length

    Choosing the right length depends on the substrate you're working with and the finish you're going for.

  • Sponsored Content
    Foster Positive Client Relationships

    Maintaining rapport and professionalism leads to happy clients.

  • Podcast 598: Members-only Aftershow — Long-Lasting Paint Jobs

    The crew talks about painting and exterior finishes.

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Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

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