The Paint Quality Institute Blog

Welcome to the Paint Quality Institute blog - a source of tips, ideas, and inspiration designed to help with all of your home painting needs. Here, you'll find practical information that will help you choose a color scheme, select and properly apply paints and coatings, and creatively employ paint in your home remodeling projects.

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bad weather

Sometimes the Answer for Paint Failure Is Blowin' in the Wind

September 23, 2011 by Debbie Zimmer

Life is full of ironies. Some even involve paint. Consider the fact that top quality acrylic latex exterior paints easily expand and contract when temperatures rise and fall dramatically... yet, they shouldn't be applied on days that are extremely cold or extremely hot.

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Paint Banisters

Your Paint Shouldn’t Go Soft on Banisters

September 9, 2011 by Debbie Zimmer

If the paint color on the banisters and railings inside your home is fading unevenly, the cause may be the type of paint that was used on them. Certain enamel paints tend to soften when exposed to natural oils left from handprints and fingerprints.

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The 60-30-10 Color Scheme

Follow the 60-30-10 Rule for "Suitable" Color Schemes

August 19, 2011 by Debbie Zimmer

To bring proper balance to an interior color scheme, keep in mind the image of a man in a business suit. The harmonious proportionality between the suit, the shirt, and the tie is a winning combination that will also work wonders in any room.

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painted colorful ceramic vases

Treat Your Eyes to a Color Surprise

August 3, 2011 by Debbie Zimmer

One thing that makes life exciting is the unexpected. Since surprises are so much fun, why not incorporate a few into your home décor? It’s easy and inexpensive with paint.

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distressed furniture

Furniture Distressing Can Be a Relaxing Pastime

July 25, 2011 by Debbie Zimmer

Most home painting is undertaken as periodic maintenance as well as aesthetics, but there’s one painting project that is purely pleasurable: distressing furniture. Yes, the project involves paint and brushes, but so too does fine art.

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peeling paint

Getting to the Bottom of Peeling Paint

July 7, 2011 by Debbie Zimmer

Few things are as troubling to a homeowner as a case of peeling paint. As ribbons, or even sheets, of paint pull away from the home exterior, so too goes the protective layer that keeps Mother Nature at bay, and with it, the attractive appearance of the home.

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Touch-up Painting

Use a Deft Touch When Doing Touch-ups

June 22, 2011 by Debbie Zimmer

Making a paint touch-up is typically a simple fix, if you go about it the right way. But as with so many aspects of interior painting, there’s an art to getting the best results, even when doing touch-up work.

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outdoor composite deck

How to Freshen Composite Deck Material With Paint or Stain

June 7, 2011 by Debbie Zimmer

Manufacturers say the color of composite decking is permanent, although they admit it will fade. But what if you want to change the color completely, or simply freshen the appearance of your deck?

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Save Energy With Caulk

Caulk Is a Cost-saving Ally Around the Home

May 29, 2011 by Debbie Zimmer

When it comes to protecting and maintaining your home, there are few products that offer as many benefits as top quality caulks and sealants. What’s more, these multipurpose materials cost very little, yet they can help you save a ton of money.

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spring-house

Now That It’s Spring, What to Paint First

May 18, 2011 by Debbie Zimmer

As the days get longer and the weather warmer, a homeowner’s thoughts turn naturally to. . . painting! But when it comes to home painting, what to do first?

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