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Home Color Refresh: Painting Walls DIY

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Refreshing your walls with some spackle and paint can give your home a whole new feel or boost your current decor themes up a grade. Or sometimes you might just need to do a repaint to save your security deposit. Though it may seem daunting at first ...
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Choosing Your Colors

 
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Color has great effects on your mood, mindset and well-being. Choosing your paint color can give you another opportunity to really set the mood you want in a room. Check out the information behind color psychology to see which colors have which effec...
Room Color Psychology: How Paint Color Affects Your Mood - From House To Home
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This quiz is kind of a fun way to think about what your style might say about you and your home and which color palette suits your walls and personality
Color Personality Test | Color ID | Sherwin-Williams
 
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Use this page to peruse the more popular colors and spectrums for your paint choices
Popular Paint Colors - The Home Depot
 
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Glidden paint samples are available as well as Behr
Glidden 8 oz. PPG1148-4 Lazy River Satin Interior Paint Sample PPG1148-4P-16SA
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If you are questioning what the paint will look like in your space and worried it will not turn out right try getting a few color samples and painting them on in swatches next to each other in your desired location to see how light changes and chosen...
BEHR PREMIUM PLUS 8 oz. #ECC-50-1 Sunbath Eggshell Enamel Interior Paint & Primer Color Sample B320416
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Prep Supplies

Having these items on hand will make your diy journey easier and more enjoyable
 
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Let me tell you, nothing ends your DIY day as fast as getting materials into your eyes. You will be dealing with paint spatters, flakes, fragments, dust, cleaning supplies, and close up details, I couldn't work without these. I'm an artist and I need...
HDX Clear Indoor Safety Glasses (6-Pack) EP107
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For cleaning tough wall stains and marks try Magic Erasers extra durable. The regular type works but shreds more easily as you begin to wear it down.
Mr. Clean Extra Durable Magic Erasers Multi-Purpose Cleaning Sponge (10 Count) 003700069525
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After you remove unused old nails and screws and scrape off the raised wall bits you'll need to spackle the old holes. A good tub of this lightweight spackle will do the trick for small to moderate sized scrapes, nicks and holes
DAP Patch-N-Paint 32 oz. Premium-Grade Lightweight Spackling 01611
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For light scraping and spreading spackle get a few putty knives in multiple sizes for ease working in different areas of your home.
Anvil 4 in. Flexible Steel Putty Knife X4F-ANV
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I find this size to be most convenient especially for quick patches and small scraping jobs
Anvil 1.5 in. Flexible Steel Putty Knife X15F-ANV
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For a few sanding options a set of multi grit emery cloth can be a good option
3M 3.66 in. x 9 in. Coarse, Medium and Fine Assorted Grits Emery Cloth Sandpaper (3 Sheets-Pack) 5931ES
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Good for light sanding of unsightly bumps and smoothing spackle. Instead of buying too many sand paper supplies this is ergonomic and convenient
3M 2 7/8 in. x 4 7/8 in. x 1 in. Fine Angled Drywall Sanding Sponge CP-042NA
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Having some small clean terry towels for rags will allow you to avoid paper towel waste and keep your walls clean from residue on old rags. Make sure the extra fibers are shaken out and these are good to wipe down walls wet or dry and for miscellaneo...
HDX 14 in. x 17 in. Multi-Purpose Terry Towel (60-Pack) T-99613-HDX
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For creating sharp lines without pulling off dried paint use a painters tape like these. They are gentle to remove from surfaces but able to be pressed firmly to seal paint out. This size is good for general taping for ceiling and baseboard edges.
3M ScotchBlue 1.88 In. x 60 Yds. Original Multi-Surface Painter's Tape (3 Rolls) 2090-48EP3
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For creating geometric designs designs this thinner size of tape offers more convenient control
3M ScotchBlue 0.94 in. x 60 yds. Original Multi-Surface Painter's Tape 2090-24EC
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For taping off various surfaces that have texture a specialty tape can do the trick better and prevent more paint bleeding
3M Scotch 1.41 In. x 60.1 Yds. Rough Surface Green Painter's Tape (1 Roll) 2060-36AP
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If you are working around hard flooring taking down some masking paper can make it much more convenient and provide an even surface to avoid trips and falls
USG Fiberock Brand 3 ft. x 167 ft. Floor Protector Paper 290019
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Plastic drop cloths are really wasteful and annoying. They rip and slide off furniture easily, bunch up, and are tripping hazards even taped down. To avoid mishaps and wasted paint try a fabric cloth. A canvas drop cloth is reusable and heavier. You ...
Everbilt 6 ft. x 9 ft. Grays Canvas Drop Cloth BARI-DP8-6.9
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I love having a bunch of reusable buckets around for many projects. Keep these out for putting down your dirty tools in a safe, contained spot or for washing up.
The Home Depot 5 Gal. Homer Bucket (3-Pack) 05GLHD2
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Smaller more portable version of these durable buckets
The Home Depot 2 gal. Orange paint Bucket PN0192
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A good folding step stool can last for many projects so I recommend these over the individual plastic type, they don't hold up with the activity needed for this project
Gorilla Ladders 2-Step Compact Steel Step Stool, 225 lbs. Load Capacity Type II Duty Rating (8ft. Reach Height) GLS-2CS-2
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I love this ladder for so many projects, especially painting. It can hold a full can of paint or small tray for doing tops of wall and ceiling edges with sections for hanging tools. It is sturdy and durable and does not tip easily.
Gorilla Ladders 3-Step Pro-Grade Steel Step Stool Project Ladder, 300 lbs. Load Capacity Type IA Duty Rating (9ft. Reach Height) GLHD-3T
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Painting Supplies

Make sure you have enough quantity of your supplies and paint to avoid unexpected delays for restocks
 
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Keeping this multi tool close will solve a myriad of issues as you work. It aids with scraping, opening cans and packages, cleaning brushes, acting as a short straightedge and more. I wouldn't go without it.
Husky 15 in. 1-Painters Multi-Tool with Stainless Steel Blade 91422
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Save yourself the hassle of extra cleanup and picking gooey pieces of partially dried paint out of your fresh supply or off the wall with a bunch of disposable paint stirrers
Unbranded 12 in. Wooden Paint Stick for Crafting 1 Gallon (10-Pack) HDPS-10
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These are extra long for 5 gallon buckets instead of 1 gallon
SHLA Group 21 in. Wood Paint Stick for 5 Gallon (3-Pack) PS5G-3
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A basic set of a few brush sizes and types will allow you to switch easily during your work on various areas. Good for baseboards and molding as well as edging and filling small to medium taped areas
Unbranded UTILITY 2 in. Flat Cut, 3 in. Flat Cut and 2 in. Angled Sash Utility Paint Brush Set (3-Piece) A227
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A long handled corner brush can prevent knuckle banging or paint transferring from hands to unintended areas
Wooster 2-1/2 in. Pro Nylon/Polyester Thin Angle Sash Brush 0H21430024
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For working with baseboards or in closet areas a short handled brush allows more control and ergonomics, the can hook is a bonus convenience
Wooster 2 in. Shortcut Hook & Hold Polyester Angle Sash Brush 0H32210020
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Trying to reach behind immovable objects with a paintbrush can get really messy, this protects on one side so you avoid paint on things other than the wall
BEHR 5 in. Tight Space Painter for Hard to Reach Places W000697
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For adding textures, strokes or daubing stencils these foam brushes can be a useful addition to your supply stash
Unbranded 2 in. Flat Disposable Foam Paint Brush (9 -Pack) A 8509
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A general set that will get you going with multiple tray liners and rollers
Unbranded 8-Piece Metal Tray/Shed Resistant White Woven Paint Applicator Kit RS 808
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For covering narrow or awkward areas while still holding a decent amount of paint
Wooster 3 -Piece Polypropylene Tray/Applicator Kit 0HR3250044
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An adjustable extended pole will help covering walls from top to bottom and ceiling coverage without having to drag a ladder around as much
Wooster Sherlock GT Convertible 2 ft.- 4 ft. Adjustable Extension Pole 00R0900000
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Instead of tape, sometimes a straightedge will do, you can use a piece of plastic or scrap cardboard if you like, or for something larger this adjustable extended tool can help
Anvil 36 in. Aluminum Multi-Angled Paint Spray Shield 19PT0906
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If you get latex paint on a hard surface that you don't want it on, Goof Off can help you remove the strain without as much work. Have it handy for mishaps
Goof Off 12 fl. oz. Professional Strength Latex Paint and Adhesive Remover FG658
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For cleaning up enamel or oil based paint odorless mineral spirits are what you need
Klean-Strip 1 qt. Odorless Mineral Spirits QKSP94005
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Primer

Sometimes you need extra coverage if your walls soak in paint or have stains, a good base ensures even color and texture throughout
 
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For really tough stains like sharpie marker or mold and mildew Kilz primer is relied upon to cover and provide an even base for painting. This is the choice of most painters, pro or personal
KILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 1 Gal. White Interior/Exterior Multi-Surface Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker 20941
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A reasonably priced multi surface coverage Primer for indoor or outside, Behr brand is reliable quality
BEHR 1 Gal. White Acrylic Interior/Exterior Multi-Surface Stain-Blocking Primer and Sealer 43601
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Basic and good quality for general indoor home coverage
Glidden 1 gal. White Interior/Exterior Acrylic Multi-Purpose Primer GLHPIE60WH-01
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Paint

These are the paints I've found to be of high quality standards. A note: Semi Gloss will reflect light with a shine but is easy to clean, Satin is preferred for a soft sheen and easy cleaning, Eggshell is a preferred finish over matte but between mat...
 
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Figuring out how much paint you need before you start may help lower frustration. This guide can help you understand how much you may need based on finish and room size.
How Much Paint Do You Need?
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Behr provides a high quality enamel paint/primer with extra defense against stains, good for areas like kitchens, bathrooms and kids rooms
BEHR ULTRA 1 gal. #N240-1 Cascade Beige Extra Durable Eggshell Enamel Interior Paint & Primer 275001
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If you want to avoid a primer you can try a paint with primer included for more ease, I love that about this paint. It really helps to be able to skip the primer sometimes. It will cover well but you might still need a primer or multiple coats for da...
Glidden Diamond 1 gal. #PPG1097-4 Dusty Trail Satin Interior Paint with Primer PPG1097-4D-01SA
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I needed an easy to clean white paint for my studio area that allowed me to have a good background for my art photos and no distraction with color. This paint is generally great for simply white walls
BEHR PRO 1 gal. #52 White Semi-Gloss Interior Paint PR17001
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Ceiling paint is mostly levels of Flat so it doesn't reflect much light. This one makes stains easier to deal with.
BEHR ULTRA 1 gal. Ultra Pure White Ceiling Flat Interior Paint & Primer 555801
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When choosing finishes it's important to understand the function of the area you're painting so they can be more than just aesthetic choices. Enamel with a gloss finish is easier to wipe down for cleaning high traffic or interaction areas later like ...
BEHR PREMIUM 1 gal. #52 White Semi-Gloss Enamel Interior/Exterior Cabinet, Door & Trim Paint 712001
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For baseboards or tricky accent materials this Painters Touch by Rust-Oleum is versatile in it's coverage
Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 32 oz. Ultra Cover Gloss White General Purpose Paint 1992502
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Baseboards are easier to clean a with an enamel paint
Rust-Oleum Stops Rust 1 qt. Protective Enamel Gloss White Interior/Exterior Paint 7792504
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Decorative Tools

For customized style and visual interest
 
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If you prefer paint but enjoy the patterns wallpapers offer try a simple, reusable patterned foam roller to create a unique wall style in between paint and wallpaper. You can layer colors for even more creativity
ToolPro 9 in. Poinsettia Textured Foam Roller Cover TP15183
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Stencil patterns are available in sheets that can be reused and moved as you like. Stencil sheets may provide a more consistent pattern or customizable texture than pattern rollers
Stencil Ease Toulouse Wall Painting Stencil SSO2160
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To add accents or create your own pattern intervals you can purchase individual stencil images and place individually or repeat them at will
Stencil1 Palm Fronds Repeat Pattern Stencil S1_PA_100
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