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The right paint for every surface you own.

Metal, plastic, concrete, ceilings, garage floors or your next canvas. Tell us what you're painting and we'll send you the exact paint, primer and finish to use.

  • The exact productsPaint, primer and finish matched to your surface
  • A prep checklistSo your paint job actually lasts
  • Weekly ideasNew guides and painting projects in your inbox


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Never buy the wrong paint again.

A printable 3-page cheat sheet showing the exact prep, primer, paint and finish for 30 surfaces. Keep it in the garage and skip the guesswork at the hardware store.

  • Prep, primer, paint and finish for 30 surfaces: walls, cabinets, metal, plastic, concrete, decks and more
  • Sheen guide and "which primer is which" explainer
  • Prep checklist, weather rules and a how-much-paint calculator
  • Bonus: weekly email with new guides and painting ideas
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How it works

From "which paint?" to finished

1

Tell us your project

Pick your surface or idea: a metal gate, plastic toy, garage floor or a first canvas.

2

Get your paint match

We email the exact paint, primer and finish, with a short prep list so the job lasts.

3

Paint with confidence

Follow our step-by-step guides and get fresh ideas and tips every week.

Reader stories

Projects that turned out right

★★★★★
“Painted my rusty patio set using the metal guide. Two summers later, still no flaking.”
Reader nameHomeowner
★★★★★
“The garage floor article saved me from buying the wrong kit. The epoxy vs. paint breakdown was exactly what I needed.”
Reader nameWeekend DIYer
★★★★★
“We tried the beginner painting ideas with the kids. Now it's a new canvas every Sunday.”
Reader nameHobby painter
Quick answers

Common paint questions

What's the best paint for metal?

For most outdoor metal, a direct-to-metal (DTM) or rust-inhibiting enamel works best. Remove loose rust, scuff-sand, and use a metal primer on bare steel. Our full guide compares the top options.

Can you use acrylic paint on plastic?

Yes, with the right prep. Lightly sand, clean with rubbing alcohol, apply a plastic bonding primer, then seal with a clear coat so the paint doesn't peel or scratch off.

Is garage floor paint as good as epoxy?

Epoxy is tougher and more resistant to hot tires and chemicals. Garage floor paint is cheaper and quicker to apply but wears sooner. The cheat sheet shows which suits your budget and use.

Is the paint guide really free?

Yes. Fill in the short form and it arrives in your inbox straight away, along with our weekly guides. Unsubscribe any time with one click.

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