Painting & Wallpaper

Instructions Step 1: Select a wallpaper patch Select a piece of leftover wallpaper that is several inches larger than the damaged area. Step 2: Tape the patch to the wall Tape the patch against the tear or stain in the wall with drafting tape. Step 3: Cut through the patch and the damaged paper Cut …

Instructions Step 1: Penetrate the paper Score the wallpaper with a wallpaper-scoring tool to make it easier for the warm water and vinegar to penetrate the glue. Only press hard enough to tear the paper to avoid damaging the wall behind it. Step 2: Spray the wall Spray the wall with a solution of one …

Instructions Step 1: Take a cue from pros Take a cue from the pros when you pick paint colors for interiors or exteriors by beginning with a standard color wheel. Step 2: Study color wheel relationships Study the relationships between primary, secondary and tertiary colors and understand that there are unlimited color options. TIP: Harmonize …

Instructions Step 1: Choose color Find ideas by looking at decorating magazines. Then choose complementary paint colors for your base paint and secondary paint, which will set the mood of your room. Step 2: Prep area Prep the area by washing the walls. Place a drop cloth over the floor and furniture, sand rough areas, …

Instructions Step 1: Moisten the seam Dab the seam with a wet sponge. Use light strokes to make the wallpaper damp, and to soften the adhesive. Step 2: Lift up seam Use a putty knife to gently lift up the seam to expose a section of wallpaper. Step 3: Apply the adhesive Apply a small …

Instructions Step 1: Determine the room to wallpaper Decide which room you want to wallpaper and measure the walls, top to bottom and side to side, to determine the square footage you need. Step 2: Take pictures Take pictures of the room and collect pictures from magazines that appeal to you and inspire you to …

Instructions Step 1: Tape the moldings Tape the window, door, ceiling, and floor trim. Step 2: Paint a base coat Apply a base coat of paint. Cut in the edges with the paintbrush and paint the rest of the wall with a roller. Wait until it’s dry to determine if you need a second coat. …

Instructions Step 1: Decide if your walls need priming Assess your walls. Patched, sanded, stained, bare wood, and darker-color painted need priming. Primer also works well if you are applying latex paint over an oil-based coat. Pain TIP: When priming your walls, keep a window or door open so fumes can escape. Step 2: Choose …

Instructions : Wood stain and polyurethane are highly flammable and contain harmful vapors. Work in a well-ventilated space and wear rubber gloves and a face mask. Step 1: Choose your stain Pick a shade and style of stain that will give your piece the look you want. Oil-based stains are the easiest to work with …

Instructions Step 1: Think about mood Think about the function and mood of each room. If a bedroom, think soft, cool colors. If a kitchen, think social gatherings and cooking projects and choose bold, energetic colors. TIP: Natural light will highlight bright colors, while fluorescent lighting will darken colors. Incandescent lights will warm most colors. …

Instructions Step 1: Buy a drywall kit Consider buying a drywall kit. Sold in hardware stores, it contains almost everything you need to repair holes. Step 2: Smooth and clean location Use a knife to scrape off any loose plaster and then smooth the area with sandpaper. Clean with a damp cloth. Step 3: Fill …

Instructions Step 1: Prep it Every time you start painting, prep the brush by dipping it into water. Shake it out before you dip it into paint. Step 2: Don’t let it dry out Whenever you take a break, wrap your brush in a clean, damp rag. TIP: Keep the brush out of the sun …

Instructions Step 1: Smooth bumps & wipe If painting a new wall with no previous paint, use sandpaper to smooth any bumps. If there are any holes, spackle and sand them. Then wipe with a damp rag. Step 2: Cover trim & floor Cover the trim with blue painter’s tape and cover the floor with …