Navigating the do’s and don’ts of fixing up your place

Navigating the do’s and don’ts of fixing up your place

You’re not alone - paint is such a weird beast. I’ve had to repaint my 1920s window trim twice because what looked soft white in the can turned yellowish in the afternoon sun. Your swatch-on-every-wall method is honestly the only way I’ve found to avoid surprises. As for labeling, I’ve started jotting the paint brand and code right on the jar lid with a Sharpie...not pretty, but it saves me from the “is this the bathroom or the pantry?” guessing game. Trial and error seems to be the real rule here.

I get the appeal of jotting paint codes on lids, but I’ve had those rub off or get smudged over time - especially if the cans get shuffled around in the basement. What’s worked better for me is keeping a running list in a notebook (or even just a note on my phone) with room names, paint brands, and codes. That way, if I ever need to touch up the dining room trim five years later, I’m not squinting at faded Sharpie. Also, for historic trim, I’ve found oil-based paints hold their color better than latex, though they’re a pain to work with. Just my two cents...

That way, if I ever need to touch up the dining room trim five years later, I’m not squinting at faded Sharpie. Also, for historic trim, I’ve found oil-based paints hold their color better than...

Totally get the struggle with faded Sharpie - had the same issue after a few years. What I ended up doing was snapping pics of the label and storing them in a “house stuff” album on my phone. It’s way easier to find than digging through cans, and you can zoom in if the label’s worn. Oil-based paints, though...man, I love how durable they are, but cleaning brushes is such a hassle.

Yeah, I’ve started taking pics of paint can labels too - saves so much hassle when you’re standing in the hardware store trying to remember if it was “Antique White” or “White Dove.” I hear you on oil-based paints. They last, but man, the cleanup is brutal. Ever tried those brush cleaning combs? They help a bit, but I still end up tossing cheap brushes half the time. Anyone else just switch to water-based for sanity, even if it means repainting sooner?

- Been there with the paint label pics - total game changer.
- Oil-based paint? Love how it holds up, but the mineral spirits mess is a dealbreaker for me.
- Tried those combs... eh, better than nothing, but I still end up buying bulk packs of cheap brushes because I just can’t be bothered scrubbing forever.
- Water-based all the way now. Even if I have to touch up more often, at least my sink isn’t a disaster zone.