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    The function of any primer is to give your surface an even base, to seal stains, and to ensure the smooth bonding and application of topcoats of paint.

    Like anything else in a home, interior walls need cleaning. Unlike most other surfaces, however, they need to be treated gently, with as little chemical abrasion as possible, if you want to preserve the finish.

Windows are close to the weather, and—that being so—they take a lot of abuse from the elements. More often than not, peeling paint from wooden windowsills and frames can be sourced back to moisture. When snow melts on your sills, when rain stands...

Cabinetry comes in a wide variety of options that are functionally and aesthetically quite distinct, and—when making a choice for your home—the decision can be overwhelming. Framed cabinets, frameless cabinets, full overlay, partial overlay,...

The health risks of mold and mildew in the home are severe enough that both the Centers for Disease Control (the CDC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA) devote entire sections of their websites to both public education and the...

Humidity brings mildew: that’s practically unavoidable. And it’s a particular problem in high traffic areas exposed regularly to water, condensation, and steam—like bathrooms. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a helpful primer that...

HGTV is a cable channel, the programming of which almost exclusively revolves around how-to and home makeover shows. In the “pro” column, HGTV can help viewers on an imaginative level. That is, it may show viewers how to reimagine a space; it may...

Excessive chalking is a common issue that looks precisely as you might imagine: a powdery, dust-like layer that lays over the surface of your paint. In fact, if you type “excessive paint chalking” into a Google Image search, you’ll find photo after...

Generally, the elements have a deleterious relationship to exteriors, causing wear and damage that can end in costly repairs. Exposure to weather does, however, have one very positive effect: cleaning your surfaces naturally. The few exterior...

Can you act as your own general contractor? Sure you can—though it’s not really advisable. The general contractor of a large remodeling project is like the maestro of an orchestra: his job is to make sure all the parts contribute to a coherent and...