Paint Ideas & Projects

Wood stains are coatings that protect the surface of furniture while promoting a dramatic look from the natural grain. Learning how to apply stain allows you to bring out wood's rich colors and textures. This guide will teach you the various methods on how to stain wood and wood-staining techniques.

Although siding types vary -- and each may call for slightly different exterior paint application techniques -- for the most part, the steps in this guide will have you covered. 

You’ll also need to address how to safely access the highest points of your home. Using brushes, rollers and sprayers can help.

This project guide covers surface preparation, cleaning, priming and painting techniques and applications. 

Note: Practice lead paint safety. If the house or surface you're painting was built before 1978, see EPA's renovation, repair and painting program for guidelines. 

A fresh coat of paint can transform the look of your home. Before you get started on your DIY painting project, there are a few things you should know to make all parts of the job go smoothly. So, gather up your basic tools such as paint trays, paint rollers and paint tape, and use these handy painting tips to make your next interior paint job look professional.

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Note: Practice lead paint safety. If the house or surface you're painting was built before 1978, see EPA's renovation, repair and painting program for guidelines. 

Removing old paint from wood can be the first step to seeing familiar furniture and surfaces in a new light. With several options available, the process is easy and safe, requiring simple precautions. 

Chemical paint strippers are solvents available as either liquids, gels or pastes that soften the old finish for easy removal.  Many brands have minimal odors and clean up with water. 

Heat guns offer another excellent option when determining how to remove multiple layers of old paint. The heat gun softens the paint causing it to bubble up and making it easy to remove with a metal scraper. 

When removing old paint before applying a fresh coat or stain, sandpaper or power sanders provide a quick way to prepare the wooden surface.  

Don't worry if you don't own all of the tools needed to complete this DIY project. Rent tools and trucks for any project at The Home Depot.

Safety: When scraping, sanding or removing old paint by other means, you may release lead dust. Lead is toxic and exposure can cause serious illness, especially in children and pregnant women. Any removal of lead paint may also be subject to Federal and State regulations. Consult your local building authority for more information.

When painting the interior or exterior of your home, painting the door trim gives the space a finishing touch. Most people use the terms door jamb and door frame interchangeably, but there is a difference. The jamb is only part of a door frame. The jamb is the interior sides of a door frame where a door is secured. The other parts of the door frame are the head, sill, door stop and weather stripping (on exterior doors.)

Note: Practice lead paint safety. If the house or surface you're painting was built before 1978, see EPA's renovation, repair and painting program for guidelines. 

Note: Practice lead paint safety. If the house or surface you're painting was built before 1978, see EPA's renovation, repair and painting program for guidelines. 

Learning how to paint an interior door is an easy do-it-yourself project. Interior doors can be heavy and hard to remove. Most people attempt to paint a door in place instead of trying to take it off its hinges. However, the best way to paint a door to prevent drips and runs is putting it flat on a pair of sawhorses.

When determining how much paint you need, don't guesstimate, calculate. Know exactly how much you need with our project calculators.

Once you've thoroughly cleaned and prepared your exterior wood surface, it is time to apply the stain. This guide will help you quickly apply exterior stain and maintain it for beautiful, long-lasting results.

Tip: While this guide will provide basic steps to follow when finishing a stain project, it is very important that you follow the specific directions printed on the stain label for best results.

Safety: Before staining, lay a tarp or drop cloth to catch any excess stain. Do not allow clean-up water, combined with stain, to escape via storm drain or sewer.

Don’t overlook your ceiling the next time you paint a room. With a little consideration, you can find the best ceiling paint for a room and change its look entirely. Certain ceiling paint types can enhance your decor and make rooms seem either larger or more intimate. Follow this guide to learn about the best paint for ceilings and what type of paint for ceilings best suits your home.

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Note: Practice lead paint safety. If the house or surface you're painting was built before 1978, see EPA's renovation, repair and painting program for guidelines. 

Freshen up your concrete, basement or garage floor with a stain or a new layer of paint. Applying paint or stain to the floors outside your main living areas can keep them looking finished and clean for extended periods without extra care. This guide will explain the differences between epoxy and stain. It will also discuss the best floor paint for your needs, as well as which surfaces can handle each product.  

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Texturing a wall is an inexpensive way to add a unique and interesting touch to your rooms. Plus, when you need to disguise imperfections and drywall seams, knowing how to texture walls yourself is a valuable skill. This guide will teach you how to texture a wall with a roller and other common supplies, paint additives or textured paint.  

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If you're looking for creative wall painting ideas, consider taking your decorating to the next level by painting stripes on your walls. High-contrast straight lines will elevate the look of a room and is an easy paint design for walls that DIYers of any skill level can tackle. This Home Depot guide gives you step-by-step instructions on how to paint stripes on a wall or ceiling, how to draw straight lines and tips for taping off the wall for precisely painted stripes.

Tip: Get ideas and experience color in a new way with our ProjectColor app.

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When staining an exterior project, choosing the right applicator will determine the look of the stain. It will also affect how long a stain job will last. Whether you apply stain with a roller or brush will depend on your project. Read this guide to understand the difference between brushes and rollers when applying stain to exterior projects. Look on the paint or stain’s label to find the recommended applicator type.

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Any outdoor project that involves wood, such as decking, fencing and exterior furniture, will face aging and wear from sunlight, rain, humidity and more. While paint offers a colorful, protective coating, exterior wood stain not only provides a shield against the elements, it can bring out the wood’s natural beauty. This guide reviews the different types of exterior stains to determine the best exterior wood stains for your project.

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Keep your outdoor wood and masonry surfaces looking good for years. Waterproofing wood and masonry protects decks, patios, wood siding, basement walls and driveways from damage caused by water, sunlight and mildew. This guide will show you how to waterproof wood and masonry. 

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Find the best exterior wood sealers and masonry sealers to keep your outdoor spaces looking clean and new. Exterior sealers create a topcoat that protects, waterproofs and refreshes porous surfaces like decks, fences, driveways, patios and walkways. When learning how to seal wood and other materials, you’ll have to choose between stains, colored sealants, waterproofers and other types of exterior sealers. This guide highlights all the different types of exterior sealers available so you can pick the right one for your job.    

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Using a paint sprayer instead of traditional rollers or brushes lets you save time, exert less effort and achieve consistent paint coverage on your project. Paint sprayers simplify repetitive painting tasks on hard-to-paint surfaces while still providing a uniform finish. This lets you cover more surface area in significantly less time, which reduces arm fatigue. This guide will help you determine the best paint sprayer for walls and the best airless paint sprayer for your project.

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Painting almost always results in a few drips, splatters and spills. Before those accidents happen, cover your floors, valuables and furnishings with drop cloths and tarps.

This buying guide highlights the different types of drop cloths, tarps and plastic sheeting available and how to properly apply them before beginning your painting project.

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Drafts, bugs and runoff water can enter your home in gaps as small as 1/64 inch, about the size of a straight pin. Caulk can be used anywhere to seal gaps or form a bond between different types of building materials. It can save money on energy bills by blocking drafts. Plus, it can keep out water and pests. This guide will answer questions like “what is caulk?” and help you decide what type of caulk or sealant to use for various projects inside and outside your home.  

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When giving your home a painting refresh, don’t forget about the floors that may also need some TLC. Take a good look at your porch and concrete walkways, as well as the floor of your garage and basement. If these surfaces are looking unkempt, consider giving them a makeover. This guide will walk you through the differences between concrete porch paint, concrete and deck restorer, and garage floor paint.

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Choosing the best wood stains for your project mainly depends on the type of wood or object you are using. Staining wood can breathe new life into furniture, adding beauty to your home. This buying guide highlights the different types of wood stains available and the best wood stains for your project.

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A fresh coat of paint can really improve your home’s curb appeal. But, if you’re tight on time or budget, limit your exterior paint projects to ones that will make a big impact.
 

This guide outlines the seven projects to tackle that will completely transform the exterior of your home, including painting the entry door, trim, garage door, shutters and more.

The best exterior paint for your project can improve your home’s appearance while also protecting it from moisture, fading and temperature changes. Different types of exterior paint are available for every part of your home’s exterior, including siding, fences, doors, gutters and more. This guide will discuss the paint qualities you should look for and help you determine the best outdoor paint for your home.

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Note: Practice lead paint safety. If the house or surface you're painting was built before 1978, see EPA's renovation, repair and painting program for guidelines. 

Painting furniture can rejuvenate your home as effectively as buying new pieces, but at a much smaller cost. Whether you want to bring fresh life to familiar furniture or have acquired an old piece that needs a new look, applying furniture paint is fairly easy and affordable. Painting wooden or metal furniture meant for indoor our outdoor use can have different requirements, but most of the tools and supplies are the same.