Q: What is the proper way to paint a room to ensure the paint lasts as long as possible?

A: The first step to ensuring your paint lasts is proper surface preparation. The surface to be painted should be cleaned with a product such as TSP and then sanded, which will provide a rough finish for the paint to adhere to. The next step is to apply a quality primer and allow it to dry completely; now you are ready for your first coat of paint. You should always be sure your first coat has dried completely prior to adding another coat, as this will provide superior adhesion and a long lasting paint.

— Joe Brown
Ace Hardware
4121 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park
530-677-4417, acehardware.com

Q: What is the difference between inside and outside mount?

A: Your custom window coverings should fit your window perfectly, so here are some tips for measuring. Where do you mount your blind? Before you measure, consider whether you want to mount your window blinds inside the window frame or outside the window on the wall or trim. An inside or recessed mount hangs inside the window frame. The top of the blind does not project out of the window opening and provides a neater, more finished look without hiding wood trim. An outside mount hangs either directly on the wood trim or above and outside the wood trim on either side. In either outside mount situation, your wood trim is covered when the blind is closed. Although an inside mount is usually preferred, an outside mount can make a window appear larger, hide unattractive windows or provide total light control.

— Cheryl De La Campa
Affordable Furniture and Blinds
55 Fair Lane, Placerville
530-621-9566, affordablefurnitureandblinds.com