If you plan to paint this year, here are some tips to help prepare you for success.

Choose colors with confidence
A fresh coat of paint in the right color can quickly transform the look and feel of any space. To help choose the perfect color for your space, take advantage of the easy-to-use color selection tools available to help you find and try colors before you paint. Homeowners can use the online Color Visualizer, for example, to virtually paint a space and try on different color combinations, making it easy to choose colors with confidence.

Find color inspiration
Choosing the perfect paint color is key to creating the look you want, but how do most people find the right color? More than half of DIYers (56 percent) say they look to nature for color inspiration, while more than a third (36 percent) take their color cues from Pinterest images.

For added color inspiration, consider the 2015 Sherwin-Williams color of the year: Coral Reef, described by the survey respondents as “cheerful,” “upbeat” and “energizing.”

“A mix of pink, orange and red, Sherwin-Williams Coral Reef embodies the approach to design that we’re seeing for the coming year,” says Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “Its unexpected versatility brings life to a range of design aesthetics, whether traditional, vintage, cottage or contemporary. For a more relaxed look, it can also be paired with earthy neutral colors such as slate grays, medium-brown wood tones such as driftwood, and metallic finishes to complement its garden hue.”

Select the right finish
Once you’ve decided on the perfect color, make sure you’re getting the best finish for the space you are painting. For durability and washability, choose a semi-gloss paint. Semi-gloss is a good option for areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, as well as trim. For high-traffic areas, like a hallway or a kid’s bedroom, satin and egg-shell paints are preferred as the finish is easy to clean and maintain. High gloss paints are also extremely durable and easy to clean, making them perfect for windows, doors and trim. For spaces that have something to hide, a flat finish will work to your advantage.

Paint your space in the correct order
When planning your painting project, also consider the order in which you paint your space. Start with the ceiling, followed by the walls. If two coats of paint are needed, finish both coats before moving to the next step. Then, paint the windows from top to bottom. After the windows, paint the baseboards, trim and doorframe. Finally, paint the door. Following this order will help ensure a smoother painting process and will require fewer cleanups.

For more help in planning your next painting project, visit your local Sherwin-Williams store or www.sherwin-williams.com.

The post New year, new coat of paint: Success tips for DIY painting projects first appeared on The How Do Gardener.

Before you sell yourself short, consider following some of these simple DIY do’s and don’ts to make tackling your home improvement project a little more manageable and affordable.

* Do recognize your limits – It’s OK if you can’t handle the entire kitchen remodel on your own. Identify what components you can tackle solo before getting quotes for the project. Handling things like paint jobs and new cabinet hardware can help bring down overall costs. More often than not, the right tools also make a big difference. Also, it’s OK to ask a friend or family member for help – two hands are better than one.  Just be sure to return the favor when the time comes.

* Don’t underestimate the power of glue. From installing tile backsplashes and in-wall cabinets to sealing gutters and downspouts, high-performance adhesives are a must-have for every home. The Loctite brand is suitable for multiple DIY uses, including upgrades and repairs. So forget about tossing that broken lamp to the curb or replacing that loose drawer handle. A little glue goes a long way. To learn more about what adhesive is right for your project, visit the Loctite Product Advisor at www.loctiteproducts.com/product_advisor/.

* Do develop a mental picture – Before rushing into home projects, take the time to really envision what you want out of the renovation or update. Is the goal to make your kitchen more modern? Are you looking to maximize space in the bathroom? Pictures can help bring these goals to life. Stock up on magazines and pull out any photos that capture the essence of your project.

* Don’t rush – We are all familiar with old adage “haste makes waste.” Haste also can be costly. Do your homework before tackling home updates. Decide where to begin and carefully plan each step of the process. This includes taking accurate measurements, using effective tools and comparing prices on building materials.

Keep in mind that you won’t do yourself any favors by shrugging off advice or not planning in advance. Remodeling industry professionals report that between 25 and 30 percent of their work comes from fixing DIY debacles. While there are sure to be a few hiccups along the way, you will discover a new sense of pride and empowerment once your project is completed.

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