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home office with matte paint sheen in gray

The Best Paint Sheen for Your Home Office

Working from home, either in a full-time or hybrid role, has become the new normal for many, and your home office plays a big role in how focused and productive you feel. From the lighting and layout to the wall color and finish you choose, the details matter. However, one design element is often overlooked… […]

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painted garage in Raleigh home with gray paint

What Kind of Paint to Use in a Garage (And How to Apply It Right to Walls)

Is painting a garage a good idea? While your garage might not be the most glamorous space in your home, with the right paint products, prep, and painting techniques, it can be a clean, bright, and incredibly functional space. So yes, it absolutely is a good idea if you’re prepared to take the time and […]

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modern living room with matte paint sheen

Choosing the Best Paint Sheen for Dining Rooms: A Complete Guide

A fresh coat of paint can completely transform your dining room, but it’s more than just finding the perfect color. Choosing the best paint sheen for dining rooms is just as important, if not more. Dining rooms are central, multi-purpose spaces that bring people together. Whether you’re hosting elegant dinner parties, casual family meals, holiday […]

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painted wood paneling on ceiling

A Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Wood Paneling

Is your home donned with wood paneling on the walls? This type of wall covering can make your space feel dark, dated, and dragged down. While this trend is a thing of the past, wood paneling doesn’t have to feel stuck in the ‘70s. So how do you make wood paneling feel fresh and modern? […]

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bubbled paint on wall

Why is my Paint Bubbling? | How to Fix Bubbling Paint Like a Pro

Have you ever painted a wall and suddenly noticed a bunch of odd bubbles? If so, you probably wondered, “why is my paint bubbling and how can I fix it… ASAP?” Paint bubbling (AKA, blistering) is a frustrating sight after you’ve just finished painting a wall or ceiling. Paint that has bubbled can make even […]

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Nick O'Keefe, owner of Oak City Coatings, sitting in kitchen with white Matte walls

Satin vs. Matte Paint Finishes: What’s the Difference?

When choosing paint for your home, homeowners often focus most of their attention on the paint color. But the truth is, the finish (AKA, the sheen), can make or break the final look and feel of your space. The finish you choose impacts how light reflects off the walls, which can mean either a brushed, […]

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blue painted ceiling color in cary house

Ceiling Colors: Thinking Beyond White for a Cohesive Look

When it comes to updating a space with paint or adding style and personality to your home, the ceiling is often not the first place homeowners think about. For decades, white ceilings have been the norm, as they’re safe, bright, and easily blend in. But what if your ceiling had more potential than that? What […]

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house with white paint and black accents in Raleigh

How to Choose the Perfect White Paint for Your Home’s Exterior

If you’re looking to paint your home’s exterior, white may be high on the list of color choices you’re considering. It’s a timeless, popular choice, but choosing the best white for exterior isn’t as simple as you may think. All whites are not created equal, so you have to look beyond the paint sample. Undertones, […]

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bathroom with wallpaper

Can You Paint Over Wallpaper or Should You Remove It?

Let’s talk about wallpaper. It’s a great way to add your unique style and personality to a space, choosing from fun colors, textures, and patterns. But like most things – wallpaper doesn’t last forever. So, can you paint over wallpaper? Or should it be removed before updating your walls?  While removing wallpaper before painting is […]

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blue ceiling on porch

Best Porch Ceiling Paint Colors | Haint Blue Porch Ceiling Colors

A freshly painted porch ceiling can instantly elevate your home’s curb appeal and welcoming vibe – but it’s not just about picking any old color. Many traditional southern homes lean towards porch ceiling paint colors in soft, sky-inspired blue hues. Have you ever wondered why that is? Painting porch ceilings blue, especially “haint blue,” has […]

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blue house with painted hardie board siding in Holly Springs

Painting Hardie Board Siding | Best Paint for Hardie Siding

If you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting siding solution for your home, you may have landed on Hardie board siding. This fiber cement siding is tougher than traditional vinyl or stucco and is heavier than wood or aluminum. It comes pre-primed, making the painting process even easier than other types of siding materials. If done […]

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Owner of Oak City Coatings and Color Consultant looking at paint colors in Raleigh home

HOA Painting Guidelines | Painting In A HOA Neighborhood

Living in a neighborhood with a homeowners association (HOA) has its perks (think… well-kept lawns, beautiful landscaping, parks, community pools, and enhanced property value). However, with those perks also come some rules that homeowners have to follow, especially when it comes to painting in an HOA neighborhood. If you’re wondering, “can you paint your house […]

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