Decorating
The Paint Doctor Is In
You think slapping on a coat of paint is simple, right? Just brush it on, and you're good to go? Not so, says Archie Deese, also known as Atlanta's Paint Doctor. "There's a lot you can do with paint," Deese says, "which also means there are a lot of ways you can do it wrong."

One of the most important things when painting a room is planning. Start by looking at the room you're going to paint, taking into account the color of the furniture, window treatments and any artwork that will go on the walls. If you're still putting the finishing touches on that particular room, wait to paint.


Once you're satisfied with the room's décor, buy samples of colors you think you'd like to use and paint two coats on 2-by 2-foot sections on the walls you see as you enter and exit the room. Then wait. "Look at the color for two to three days, or maybe even a week," says Deese. "If you like it after that, then do the entire room."


If the idea of choosing a paint color makes you break out in hives, you might want to enlist the help of an interior designer-and it doesn't have to break the bank. Contact your local university's interior design department and have them put you in touch with an advanced student, or try the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) student groups for the expertise of a designer without the posh price tag.

Doing it right the first time is key. Deese says that he often gets calls to fix a botched paint job or restore the trim or ceiling ruined by an amateur paint job. "If you're confident with it being OK, then paint it yourself," he says. "If you want it to look professional, hire one; otherwise you won't be satisfied and [you'll] end up having it re-done, which will, in the end, cost you much more than you planned." For more information, visit www.atlantaspaintdoctor.com



Paint RX
Tips for doing it yourself from The Paint Doctor, Archie Deese.

For the average-sized room you'll need two gallons of paint, a ladder, drop cloths, paint roller, brushes and painter's masking tape. "When buying paint, don't go for the cheapest one," says Deese, "shoot for somewhere in the middle." If the room you're painting is big, play it safe and buy an extra gallon of paint. "If you run out in the middle of the room, it's too late," he says. "You're going to have to do that whole wall again, otherwise you'll see the line right down the middle."

Archie suggests always using flat acrylic latex paint because it's the easiest to work with and touch up.

Keep a record of all the paints you've used. List the brand name, finish, color and number, where you bought it and the month and year-and label the can with the same information. If a paint can is sealed properly and stored at room temperature, it should last up to two years.

"It doesn't hurt to get referrals from friends and price a few different contractors," Deese says. "You might be surprised how, when you add up all the costs of doing it yourself, plus the time, hiring someone might be cheaper."