Product Comparisons

White, yellow, blue or FrogTape? Which painter’s tape to use for sprayers, brushes, smooth trim and exterior surfaces, and when to pull it.

PVA, shellac-based BIN and Peel Stop Triple Thick: three specialty primers that seal new drywall, block odors and smooth peeling paint.

Our take on the best paint brushes for interior work: the brands pros reach for, our favorite brush for cutting in, and when to use white bristle.

Transparent, semi-transparent or solid: how the three deck stain types differ in look, protection and upkeep, and which suits your deck.

Oil-based vs. water-based paint: how to tell which you have, why you can’t paint latex over oil directly, and how to switch the right way.

Paint or stain your fence? How the two compare on lifespan, cost, ease of application and color, and why stain usually wins for fences.

Why caulk quality matters to a lasting paint job, plus four caulks compared by price, best use, pros and cons, including one to avoid.