Get matched with top painters in Topeka, KS

When it comes to how to paint a brick chimney, consider that standard paint can seal in moisture and cause serious chimney problems. Instead, use a vapor-permeable sealant. You’ll first scrub and sand the chimney; then, you can patch any gaps with caulk and apply the sealant. We recommend hiring a pro for this job since it entails working on the roof, which comes with a lot of necessary safety precautions.

If you have a can or two of paint that's past its prime, replacing it shouldn't be too expensive. A gallon of paint costs an average of $25. You may pay more if you want a superior quality paint or if you choose oil-based paint instead of latex or acrylic. 

Buying in bulk can help you save, provided you use all the paint you purchase. For example, a 5-gallon bucket of paint tends to cost less per gallon than a pint or quart-sized can.

The biggest issue with painting your interior walls with exterior paint isn’t the way the paint looks or performs—it’s the lack of ventilation. The higher quantities of VOCs in exterior paint will have a harder time dispersing in an enclosed space, so do everything you can to direct them out—like turning on a fan and opening your windows and doors. Afterward, you can simply prime and redo your walls with interior paint, and no one will know the difference.

The general rule when painting a home on your own is one day per room. It can take longer based on room size, drying times for a particular paint, and the number of coats used. If you hire a professional, the team of painters will usually work more quickly. With a professional doing the job, you’re looking at one to three days for the entire home, depending on the number of coats you need and the size of the team.