Painting How To & DIY

Improve the value of your home by discovering our painting step-by-step tips & ideas.

S23 E2: Mauro Henrique patches a drywall crack on a kitchen wall
Play

Filed under:

How to Patch Cracked Drywall

When a homeowner’s laundry room relocation left him with perpetual drywall cracking, he called the team at Ask This Old House for help. Paint expert Mauro Henrique knew just what to do to patch the wall once and for all.
A paint roller is seen resting on a metal grid inside a white bucket, filled with blue paint.

How To Roll-Paint a Wall Like a Pro

Learn the secrets to a smooth, professional paint job with our comprehensive guide to rolling paint onto walls.
The supplies needed to prepare a laminate countertop, including a paint brush and blue tape.

How To Paint Laminate Countertops: A DIY Guide

If you're looking to refresh your kitchen or bathroom without a complete makeover, painting laminate countertops may be the perfect solution.
Painting_iStock_1286396829

Popular House Paint Apps

Here are our favorite mobile apps to help you choose wall paint colors virtually.
room_colors_xl

How To Choose the Right Colors for Your Rooms

Make your house look fresh, beautiful, and cohesive with paint color selection tips and tricks shared by professional designers.
S22 E14: Mauro Henrique paints a wood paneled home office
Play

How To Paint Pine Paneling

A homeowner recently updated their home office by painting the ceilings and installing crown molding. However, the rest of the office is feeling quite outdated, with pine paneling covering more than halfway up all of the walls. When she decided it was time to cover that paneling, she called the Ask This Old House team for help, and paint expert Mauro Henrique answered the call.
Painting trim of a window

How To Paint Trim

Master the art of painting trim. Our guide covers prep, tools, and techniques for flawless baseboards, crown molding, and window frames.
S22 E11: Mauro Henrique paints graffiti-covered garage walls
Play

How to Paint Over Spray Paint Graffiti

Paint expert Mauro Henrique helps a homeowner cover her son’s old graffiti artwork on her garage walls.
S22 E9; Mauro Henrique paints a front door
Play

How To Prepare, Prime, Paint, and Finish a Front Door

Painting your front door can instantly increase your home's curb appeal, and you can do it in just a few easy steps. Read about how to paint, prime, and finish your front door in our step-by-step guide.
S22 E6: Mauro Henrique whitewashes an outdoor bench
Play

How To Whitewash an Outdoor Bench

Whitewashing is a simple DIY project that can make a big impact. Find out how to whitewash an outdoor bench here.
Finished Product, White wood trim brightens the fireplace, which is accented by a rustic mantelshelf; a black-painted firebox adds depth.

How To Completely Refresh Your Fireplace on a Budget

Homeowners can easily make over their fireplaces without breaking the bank. Read our guide on how properly plan for the project, and refresh your home's coziest feature.
S21 E16, Mauro Henrique paints a concrete foundation
Play

How To Paint a Concrete Foundation

Painting a concrete foundation is a simple DIY project that can improve your home’s curb appeal and protect it from moisture damage.
ASK_1005022AT_0033
Play

How to Remove Different Types of Wallpaper

Paint expert Mauro Henrique shows host Kevin O’Connor some methods for removing different types of wallpaper, and Kevin’s shocked at the results.
Painting Expert Mauro Henrique tapes to begin interior painting.

Interior Painting Tips: Best Practices From an Expert

This Old House painting expert Mauro Henrique shares his best practices for painting, including the right tools and techniques.
paint_tile_2107
Play

How To Paint Tile

Paint expert Mauro Henrique helps a homeowner avoid a costly and drawn-out project by painting his avocado green tiles with an epoxy paint.
iStock_183054139

How To Texture a Ceiling

If you’re tired of the same old flat surface or dealing with a ceiling full of imperfections, a textured ceiling may be the way to go.
ASK_2032_straightedge02
Play

How to Paint a Straight Edge Without Tape

Paint expert Mauro Henrique shows host Kevin O’Connor how he paints a straight edge when tape just isn’t an option.
Stain_iStock_155383094

​​How to Stain Pressure-Treated Wood

Restore your weathered deck, picnic table, or fence to its original glory and protect it from the elements with a beautiful stain finish.
IMG_1090_2400x1350
Play

How to Spray Paint Like a Pro

This Old House painter Mauro Henrique has finished a deck with spray paint. What do you need to know about choosing and using spray paint?
A painted fabric chair.

How to Paint Upholstery

Transform a faded, stained, or outdated piece of fabric furniture with the products and easy technique detailed here.
Brick_iStock_1139920966

How To Stain Brick

Brick is durable and can last a long time, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the same look forever. Learn about brick staining here.
paint_panel_2005_SF
Play

How To Paint Wood Paneling

This Old House painting expert Mauro Henrique shows host Kevin O’Connor a universal approach to painting wood paneling.
0137205

17 Beautiful Painted Furniture Ideas

Looking for a unique statement piece? Check out our visual guide for painted furniture inspiration to suit your individual style and decor.
Ask_ASK1912_Paint_Radiator_Cover_01272021MT_0062_tout
Play

How to Re-Paint an Old Radiator Cover

Ask This Old House painter Mauro Henrique demonstrates how to safely repaint a radiator cover that tested positive for lead paint.
iStock_177410989

How to Paint Baseboards 

A simple paint job is a relatively painless way to freshen up your baseboards and improve the overall look of the room. Read this guide to learn how to easily paint the baseboards in your home.
ColleenMcQuaid_P1310330

How To Remove Paint From Metal

Bring new life to metal by stripping old, stuck-on paint using one of these easy-to-follow methods.
0920_RTB_Pick_A_Paint_Color_606A0369_webtout

Everything You Need to Know Before You Pick a Paint Color

Whether you’re looking for a soothing hue for your living space or want some drama in your dining room, don’t pick a paint until you’ve read our expert advice
Screen_Shot_2020_09_22_at_1.58.55_PM
Play

A Comprehensive Guide to Staining Unfinished Wood Perfectly

Adding a wood stain gives your project the warm finish you’re looking for. Watch this video and follow the guide to learn how to stain wood.
A paint sprayer that can be used on wood furniture

How to Spray Paint Wood Furniture For a Fresh Look

Have some worn wood furniture in need of a makeover? Read this comprehensive guide to learn how to spray paint wood the expert way.
A person using a paint roller to paint over wallpaper in a house.

How To Paint Over Wallpaper and Make Your Walls Shine

Want to change the look of your room with paint, but your walls are papered? Read this guide to learn when and how to paint over wallpaper.
Brick fireplace after a paint makeover.

DIY Fireplace Makeover: Transform Your Hearth on a Budget

Transform your fireplace on a budget with these a fresh coat of paint, a new mantle, decorative tiles, and other DIY fireplace makeover ideas.
Sherwin_Williams_Gallery_Wall_Tout

DIY Entryway Gallery Wall

Accent your entryway with a stylish gallery wall featuring an easy molding frame
Screen_Shot_2020_06_01_at_10.51.05_AM
Play

How to Paint a Geometric Accent Wall

This Old House DIY Expert & House One editor Jenn Largesse demonstrates how to prep and paint an accent wall with three colors arranged in a geometric pattern.