Justin Bernhaut
Paint Furniture
Tips and tricks: Don't be afraid to go with a potent color, especially if the walls and the trim are neutral. Before painting, prep furniture with a flexible-foam sanding sponge, which can "get around curves, legs, and grooves," says Cathie Filian, a host of the DIY Network's Creative Juice. If the piece has a wax finish, remove it with denatured alcohol first.
Best paint for the job: "High-gloss paint will turn a piece into a strong focal point," says Edward Schaefer, a decorative painter in North Bergen, New Jersey, while "semigloss will freshen it up without emphasizing flaws."
From Real Simple: Easy Paint Makeovers
Justin Bernhaut
Tips and tricks: A plain mirror can have an expensive custom look when you paint it a color that coordinates with others in the room, says Schaefer. To work most effectively, position the mirror so you can paint evenly around the edges. Place a small mirror over a sturdy bowl or a large one on a small stool, and put down newspapers to catch spatters. Using a brush the approximate width of the frame will help minimize dripping.
Best paint for the job: A paint with a glossy finish will give a frame “a little sheen,” says Filian. Interior designer Robert LaHatt suggests adding a few coats of clear varnish for a lacquered effect.
Learn How to Paint a Wall at Real Simple.
Justin Bernhaut
Tips and tricks: Changing the color of an interior door can take a room from drab to fab. But too much contrast between the door and the wall can be jarring, warns Filian. If your walls are bright, choose a similarly lively color for the door. If they're subdued, go for a soft shade. Be sure to paint the frame too, so the door doesn't seem to float in space.
Best paint for the job: It's easiest to clean smudges and grime off gloss or semigloss paint. But avoid paints that are super-shiny―they tend to reveal even the tiniest nicks and dents.
More from Real Simple:
Paint Crown Molding, Stair Risers, Interior Window Frames
Choosing the Right Paint Color
Six Steps to Painting a Room
