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FIX IT 101- Home Repairs Help

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How to Find Your Original Paint Color

 

Welcome to Fix-it 101! with Bill Wicknick, Historical Restoration Specialist, Mason, Cement Finisher, and Specialized Craftsman.

The goal of this section is to help you with basic around-the-house repairs in a practical way. Each month, we will feature a different repair project plus Reader Q&A.

Please use caution in all projects and if you do not feel 100% confident about doing a project - Don't! It is far better to call a professional if you have any doubt! Egos last, safety first! And please keep a first aid kit well stocked!

Before we begin, I'd like to give you some information about what you can consider having on hand in your personal tool kit. Generally speaking, there are five main categories of repair projects. Each of these categories require special tools that you may need only once, so in those cases, renting may be best. Fortunately most projects can be completed using basic tools.

I've compiled a basic list of the most versatile everyday tools and separated them for you by project category. These items will be useful to have in your toolbox.

You do not need to get every item on this list all at once, but if you pick them up over time, your toolbox will help you to handle most small repairs around the house.

Project: Patch That Hole!

General Q&A 

Q. I live in a beautiful, older building. How do I find my original paint color?
 
A. Click here for details on how to do this.

Q: I am painting my apartment and I don’t know whether the walls are covered in an oil-based paint or a latex paint… how can I tell which paint to use?"-M.R. 

A. Thank you for your question! There are paint-testers on the market but you don't need to pursue that route in this case.You may use Latex-Acrylic Paint on a wall that is currently coated with an oil-based paint. However, you cannot use an oil-based paint over a wall covered with latex. My advice is choose a latex-acrylic paint which will work in either scenario.