Learning how to paint plastics poses many challenges. Its one of the most difficult surfaces to paint. Forextra protection against peelingand cracking, ask your paint dealer about primers and paints made specifically for plastic surfaces. Credit:BHG /Michela Buttignol These products are versatile and can transform drab outdoor objects into attractive ornaments. For bathroom and kitchen walls that arent subject to constant exposure to water, use top-of-the-line interior latex paint. Shower walls and similar surfaces arent suitable candidates for paint....

A paint refresh can turn a ho-hum staircase into a grand entrance. Here’s how to do it right. it’s possible for you to do a lot of updates in a house with good bones. Credit: Brie Williams These things shouldn’t hinder your plans, though. Even carpet is relatively easy to deal with if you have the right tools and information for removal. A sealer is also necessary for heavy-use areas, which can show wear more quickly if left unprotected....

Learn how to paint terra-cotta pots so you could turn plain clay pots into colorful accents for your home. Nowgrab your paintbrushand get started! Colors will be bright and saturated, especially if you use primer and multiple coats of paint. Credit: Carson Downing To clean painted clay pots, gently wipe them down with a damp cloth as needed. Wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth and let it dry completely....

A step-by-step guide on painting trim like a pro. However, the trim must be properly prepared before being painted. It can also require the removal of old paint or varnish to provide a fresh surface for the finish. Credit: John Gruen Be sure to wear protective glasses when stripping, and a dust mask when sanding. Chemical strippers can contain toxic fumes, so ventilate the room adequately before applying the stripping solution....

Painting doesn’t have to be a job strictly for professionals. With our help, you could confidently go into your next set of homepainting projects. Choose latex paints insatin or eggshell finishfor most interior walls. Credit: Marty Baldwin Durable semi-gloss paints are shinier and can be used on kitchen andbathroom walls. Opt for flat finishes for walls with imperfections; flat finishes hide defects. Glossier sheens will highlight flaws. Credit: Marty Baldwin...

Whether they’re intentionally made or not, holes in walls happen. Larger holes in drywall are typically the result of an accident. Completely fill the hole with spackle, then use the putty knife to scrape away any extra. Credit:Grant Webster If necessary, usepaint to touch up the repairfor a like-it-never-happened finish. If you painted the room recently, use leftover paint from that project. Kits come with a self-adhesive mesh patch that sticks to the drywall and covers the hole....

Here’s everything you better know about peeling a kiwi. What Is a Kiwi, Exactly? Slice inside, and youll discover tender, bright green or gold flesh thats speckled with tiny black seeds. Credit:Rachel Marek; Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman If you dont mind the fuzzy, somewhat-fibrous consistency, feel free toeat the skin of a kiwifruit. Then grab a cutting board and sharp paring knife. Insert a spoon as close as possible inside the fruit, just where the skin meets the flesh....

Jake Sternquist For the uninitiated, dragon fruit can be intimidating. Then, so you’re free to savor the fruits of your labor (sorry! ), we have a few ideas for dragon fruit recipes that wont disappoint. Credit:Jake Sternquist Under that peel, youll find seed-speckled flesh thats either white, purple, or red. The flavor is somewhat reminiscent of kiwi, pear, and watermelon, with a faint floral note. If you cant find fresh dragon fruit, check the freezer aisle....

Garlicgrows underground in bulbs, also called heads. Each bulb is made up of sections called cloves, which are encased in layers of papery skin. Look for firm, plump bulbs. Credit: Kritsada Panichgul Here’s how to peel garlic to include that delicious savory flavor in all your favorite dishes. The remaining cloves won’t dry out as quickly when stored as part of the bulb. Use your fingers to gently pry the clove free....

There’s something ultra comforting about digging into abowl of pastawith a hearty homemade marinara sauce. Why should you remove the tomato skin? Another reason to peel fresh tomatoes is that the skin containsflavonoidswhich can become bitter when cooked. Credit: Kritsada Panichgul Here you’ll learn how to peel and seed tomatoes for amazing sauces, salsas, and more. Remove any stickers on the tomatoes. Then follow our how to easily peel tomatoes....

Candra Huff Purchasing a home begins with finding the right real estate agent. But how do you choose the right agentand what should you look for when deciding? Do some digging, Pendergrass says. Credit:Candra Huff Be sure to read reviews for any firm you consider. Look for an agent with experience and a proven record. Do they show attention to detail and presentation? From there, have a conversation about your goals....

One of our favorite 2022 kitchen trends, two-tonekitchen cabinets, is all about ditching uniformity and embracing contrast. This happy medium between all-white and color-covered kitchens has been steadily gaining popularity over the past few years. As a result, were now seeing tons of dual-color kitchensflooding our Instagram feeds. Credit: Annie Schlechter The best part about thistimeless kitchen trendis two-tone cabinets let you play with color without going all in. Splash a daring hue on the island or one wall of cabinets....

A fresh coat of stain can revive your deck. Learn how to choose the right stain, including the right opacity, for a look you’ll love. There’s something about adeckthat makes a backyard feel complete. Credit: Aniko Levai Stains can also protect your deck against pesky problems like rot and mold. Learn how to pick the perfect deck stain colors and the right opacity with these tips from the pros. For example, tan siding begs for a smoky blue counterpoint....