Bob Vila Radio: Interior Paint Prep

Nothing says clean and new like fresh paint. If you’re moving into a new place this fall or just want to perk up the old one, your paint pail is your best friend.

Listen toBOB VILA ON INTERIOR PAINT PREP, or read the text below:

最难的部分绘画,对一些人来说,是deciding on a color. If you’re matching what’s there already, you can usually take a chip of it to the store and have them run a computer match. A paint chip book is a great investment: for around ten bucks, you can carry an entire line of colors around the house with you and pick out the likely suspects.

Never be afraid to buy quart or smaller samples first. Colors change as they dry, and they look different at different times of day and under different lighting, so it’s always best to try any new color out on the wall first in small doses before you buy a room’s worth.

Clean up any major marks, holes, or stains before painting over them. Scrub with detergent and rinse, then take care of crayon marks or scuffs with an art gum eraser. Or for more stubborn stains, sand with a fine-grit paper and add a coat of primer to seal the area before you re-paint.

Bob Vila Radiois a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

For more on interior painting, consider:

How To: Paint Trim
How To: Paint a Ceiling
Bob Vila’s Top 12 Painting Tips