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To get the best color perormance out of your paint, make sure and use the right primer. If you're using bright, bold colors, you'll want to use a tinted primer. A tinted primer will enable you to use less coats and cover the same surface in less time, giving you enhanced color.

Here's how to keep paint from peeling off your house when you live in a damp climate. Using a breathable oil primer will allow moisture buildup from inside the house to escape. Cover the primer with two coats of 100% acrylic latex paint. All climates are prone to mildew and latex paint is inherently resistant to mildew. (Latex paint will also hold its color longer than oil-based paint.)

When repainting your house, here's a way to restore that smooth original finish. After you've removed all loose paint and sealed the surface with a latex primer, use a water-based, exterior grade wood filler to fill in the rough areas that remain. With a four inch tool, spread an even layer of wood filler and smooth it out. When it's dry, lightly sand it, and apply a second coat the same way if necessary. When the surface is perfectly smooth, apply your finish paint.

Use a power sprayer to cut days off your next big exterior paint job. Apply a thin coat first as a primer, using even, steady strokes that overlap. Start at the bottom and work your way up, so you can get at the underside of your clapboards or shingles. Allow this coat to dry and apply final coats the same way. Remember to keep the sprayer and its attachments clean and clog-free.

Don't throw out that rusty old patio furniture - salvaging it can be a great weekend project. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove all the rust and flaky paint.Wash and dry it, then give it a good coat of metal primer. Choose a good outdoor metal paint and apply a couple coats. Invest a little elbow grease and you've got something worth saving.

Before starting an exterior paint job, make sure to sand the surface and remove peeling paint. Next wash the surface to remove dirt, power washing if necessary. Patch small cracks and seams with caulk, and check for proper ventilation. Finally, add primer to any bare wood.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you're painting masonry.Like any surface, masonry needs to be prepped thoroughly before repainting. Make sure any loose and flaking paint is removed, then coat with masonry conditioner. Wait twenty-four hours and then apply a coat of primer before your finish coat to ensure even coverage and a beautiful end result.