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Where stripping paint is concerned, there is just no easy way out. Here are some tips: 1) Cover the floor under your work. 2) Wear gloves and eye protection. 3) Use disposable brushes; don't even try to clean them. 4) Be good and generous with solvent. 5) Scrape first with a putty knife, then follow up with superfine steel wool. 6) Always work in a well-ventilated area.

Before starting your next paint job, have your tools ready. For the prep, you'll need putty, a putty knife, sandpaper, masking tape, drop cloths, wash buckets, rags and liners. You may also need a step ladder for those hard to reach areas. Of course, you will also need the right brushes and rollers for the job.

Here s another great tip from BobVila.com. If you re looking for ways to personalize your space and you re ready to go a step further than a simple coat of paint, try faux finishing. Faux, French for false, finishing techniques were developed centuries ago to evoke the feeling of expensive, elegant finishes without the extravagant expense. With just paint, glaze and a few simple tools, you can create the look of marble, leather, malachite, parchment, silk, even gold leaf on walls or furniture. You could even wood-grain a plain white door to look like mahogany. The possibilities are endless, but you ll want to develop your technique on practice boards first. Also, it helps to have a sample or a close-up photograph of the actual material you re imitating to use as a guide. The best tools are the simplest. Start with everyday paint supplies. You ll need an angled 2 nylon brush for cutting in, cotton rags, painter s tape and a good multi-purpose ladder. The tools for faux finishing are often things you already have at home such as a natural sea sponge, cheesecloth, combs, rags and feathers. Your biggest investment will probably be a variety of artist s brushes for veining, stippling, color washing and a badger brush for softening. Most techniques are variations on the same process. First, carefully clean, prep and prime your surface. Then, apply the base color using good-quality latex paint and let it dry completely. Apply a coat of untinted, faux technique glaze mixed with water and latex paint in the color you want. Then, tool it, sponge it, rag it, drag it or blend several colors according to the technique you re going for. Blend with a badger brush to soften any hard lines. Add veins, details or stippling last, and seal with a coat of polyurethane to protect your hard work. There are lots of great faux finishing books and web sites where you can find instructions for painting just about any finish you can think of. Or, try making one up yourself! Find out more at BobVila.com: the ultimate home improvement web site! 2008 BobVila.com

Bob talks to Ed Waller from CertaPro Painters about painting of the guest bedroom in the Melrose, Massachusetts, project. Waller explains that the paint being used is a latex paint which does not contain VOC's (volatile organic compounds). As a result, the room is free from noxious odors even as the paint is being applied. The no VOC paint actually holds to the walls better and is only a little more expensive than conventional paints. Two coats will be applied in this project so no spots are missed. Bob notes how the paint is being applied over the molding. Waller explains this is so no spots are missed and when they go back to paint the trim, a craftsman will paint with precise, straight lines to cover any molding gaps where it meets the wall. Bob is surprised that the radiator has been painted, but Waller says old radiators are often painted with latex paint with no negative effect on their heating ability. Bob asks how to find a good painter. Waller looks at the previous work they have done and who they have worked for, then trains them properly with full supervision in the field. Waller encourages the use of an extension pole when painting as, for a minor cost, it helps the painting process greatly. Weller also encourages painting in a direction from floor to ceiling to apply the paint evenly across the wall. When it comes to painting the trim, the crew uses a semi-gloss no VOC paint from the Sherwin Williams Harmony line. The primer that was used was also a no VOC paint from the same line. Painting the trim requires a steady hand and is the measure of a good paint job. Expensive brushes with synthetic, flared bristles are used while painting latex on the trim. Waller reviews proper painting technique using a pail to hold the paint, and gently tapping the sides of the pail with the brush to get rid of excessive paint before applying. Weller also gives tips for painting older panel doors. The door is painted entirely by brush rather than roller and work is done with tough stuff first working inside to out, top to bottom, and left to right. Bob reminds viewers to tape the hinges and remove the doorknobs and keyhole covers before painting. The tape is removed before the paint dries completely.