This is a comprehensive, practical, and easy-to-follow guide to getting that professional-looking finish every time. Painting is one of the most basic Do-It-Yourself tasks, and the one thing most of us think we don't need help with. But the results often paint a different picture. Smart Guide: Painting offers readers expert advice on everything they need to know to get that great-looking professional finish, including: how to select the right paint for each job; how to prepare surfaces to achieve the perfect finish; choosing the right tools for the job; as well as, fully illustrated, step-by-step techniques for painting walls, ceilings, woodwork, exteriors, and more. This volume also includes: a guide to the most common home painting projects and a comprehensive glossary and index.