Paint not only gives something a new look, it changes the way we look at things – renewing our appreciation for what we once took for granted.

From basic painting supplies to trend-setting paint colours, Canadian Tire has what you need to bring new life to your home, indoors and out. Here are few house painting ideas to make your work easy and interesting.

Choosing your finish

Flat, satin, eggshell, semi-gloss, latex, alkyd - what should you choose? Start by considering how the room will be used and the type of traffic it receives. An elegant flat finish may not be the best choice for a child's room or high-traffic area, but it's ideal for a ceiling, living room or an area in which you want to hide imperfections in the wall. A higher sheen paint such as satin, eggshell or semi-gloss is usually easier to clean, so it's great for hallways, children's rooms, kitchens or bathrooms.

Thousands of colours to choose from - how do you decide?

Your favourite colour may not be the perfect colour for your home because what looks great in your wardrobe may be overwhelming in your living room. So, how do you choose? There are many things to consider when you are choosing paint colors:

• Furnishings - Eliminate the possibility of clashing colours by taking a swatch of your upholstery fabric with you when deciding on a colour.
• Light - Room lighting also plays a big role in the appearance of colour, so tape a paint chip to the wall to check the colour throughout the day
• Room size - In a small room, a light colour may create more of a feeling of spaciousness than a deep colour. By choosing a deep colour for a large room, you can create more of a feeling of intimacy.
• Room use - The room's function should be an important factor in your colour choice. Some colours lend themselves better to certain applications. That blue that looks so relaxing in the bedroom may be wrong for the dining room.

Painting Preparation: the first step to a great finish

A great paint job requires more than great brush technique. Long before the first stroke, caulking, wall repair and taping can determine the difference between a passable and a professional paint job. Here's what you need to know about each step.

• Whether you're weather-proofing an exterior wall or water-proofing a bathroom, caulking is vital to proper surface preparation.
• Canadian Tire carries a variety of acrylic latex and silicone caulking products to help you create an effective seal and protect against water damage.
• Painter's tape is how professionals avoid getting paint on baseboards, door frames, adjoining walls and the ceiling.
• Decorating a child's room? Painter's tape is a great way to create stars and other patterns.
• Canadian Tire carries a selection of tape to suit whatever surface you're protecting. In addition to standard painter's tape, there are special low-tack tapes that are suitable for stucco, wallpaper or other delicate surfaces.

Transforming furniture and more

Here's a colourful way to complete the look of your backyard deck, balcony or porch. Rust paint can help you transform ordinary furniture into one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

While you're reinventing the great outdoors, why not revitalize your railing or metal planters? It's this easy:

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