If your house was built before 1978, the odds are not small. Knowing how to identify lead paint matters because the danger is not the paint sitting on the wall — it is the dust you create the moment you sand, scrape, or open a window that has been painted shut. According to the EPA,…
Updated: August 2026 | By Sophie Ulman The wrong way to get rid of old paint can cost you a fine, poison your local waterway, or leave a permanent stain on your driveway that no amount of scrubbing will fix. I know, because I’ve seen all three happen — including the driveway incident, which was…
By Sophie Ulman · Updated October 2026 Yes for latex and other water-based paint, no for anything oil-based. Stir plain clay litter into leftover latex until a stir stick stands up in the mix, leave the lid off until it is solid all the way through, and in most US areas the can can then…
By Sophie Ulman · Updated October 2026 Painting interior doors black has become one of the most popular home design trends. It’s bold, sophisticated, and instantly transforms the look of any space. But before you grab a brush, it’s important to understand the benefits, challenges, and step-by-step process to achieve the perfect finish. In this…
Does paint expire? Yes. Unopened latex lasts up to 10 years and oil-based 15 or more, but once a can is opened you have roughly 2–5 years — and bad storage can kill any paint in a single winter. There is no printed date to check; the can itself tells you, and below is the…