Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. When it comes to choosing paint for the exterior of your house, go with a semigloss finish for doors and trim. This kind of ...

Editor’s note: Welcome to the 70th installment of Brownstone Boys Reno, a reader renovation diary about renovating a brownstone in Bed Stuy. See the first one here. They also blog at ...

Well you are really going to love what I’m going to write about this week. It’s about Restore a Finish. This is the product that you apply to wood that will go through varnish (not polyurethane) and ...

Here’s a foolproof, can’t-go-wrong formula: Flat or eggshell finish for walls and semi-gloss for baseboards, window and door casings, doors and moulding. The reasoning? Flat paint doesn’t reflect ...

Q: We recently bought a beautiful hardwood entry door that we want to give a natural finish. Several people have told us these finishes don’t last long outdoors. Is that true and what do you suggest?

Dear James: My wood front door is still in good condition. When I tried to refinish with a clear coat, it flaked off. What type of finish will last longer this time? — Wendy L. Dear Wendy: A properly ...