Q & A's
Q: What are the best paint brands?
A: I have a few that I always recommend. I love Behr Paint & Primer for any roll on wall, or hard surface paint project. I also love Rustoleum paints for spray paint projects or any specialty paint like countertops, plastics, glow in the dark, and even magnetic paint. I have tried many many brands over the years. Some of them have been good and some have not been so good but I have never gone wrong with Behr or Rustoleum. (Behr and Rustoleum are not affiliates or sponsors of this blog, I wish they were! haha, but I really do just like them a lot).
Q: How do I print off and use your printables?
A: I have a page now set up with all of my printables available for download. Be sure to check it out here. Also, It can be confusing to some who haven't used printables or different formats on how to print them or get multiple on a page. I wrote a blog post about this to help you. Be sure to read "How to use and print my printables". I usually have my printables available in either jpgs or pdfs.
Q: How do you decorate and clean with kids in the house!?
A: Oh man! I know it is hard. You clean up and organize one mess and then you turn around and you have another one. My biggest tip for that is to really think about space saving and kid friendly design solutions. I write about this a lot because I can't really have any breakable in my house anymore and so I have be more creative when decorating with kids around. I also don't have as much stuff. I live with less so I don't have as many messes.
Q: How long have you been blogging?
A: I have been blogging since 2009 actually but House of Paint (formerly The Dragons Fairy Tail) has been around since 2010. I love running this blog. It is my creative outlet and despite the hours and hours of work I put it in, I am still very passionate about it.
Q: Is it hard to balance your blogging life with your family life?
A: Yes! That is always a struggle. I think balancing any sort of family, work, and hobby life is hard. I don't have it mastered yet but I do really set aside time for the blog, my kids, and keeping up on the house and I try to keep on that. My husband is also super supportive of me and my work. He is always willing to take the kiddos out when I need to finish up on a project or edit some posts which makes it much easier.
Q: Are you a professional painter?
A: NO!!!! lol, I want to say that clearly because I am definitely not a professional painter and I do not paint perfectly. I just love paint. I have painted everything you can imagine at this point and do have some good tips and pointers to get good results but one thing that I really try to let people know is that diy paint projects are not perfect but they are fantastic! Paint can transform an item into something that looks totally unique and different. It can give it a fresh look. I try to blog about creative paint ideas without acting like I know everything or paint perfectly all the time because I don't.
Q: When should I use spray paint vs. the regular roller paint?
A: Both spray paint and a latex or oil based roller paint can be suitable for a lot of similar surfaces. Spray paint takes less time in my opinion but roller paint can sometimes do a much better job and can be cheaper as well. I would think about whether you can move the piece into the garage where you could really spray paint it effectively. You should also consider how many coats you will likely need and how well it needs to be primed. I have used a spray can primer but it wasn't nearly as good as the roller primer so I would think about that. I enjoy spray paint overall more than roller paint but their is no doubt, that roller paint can be the best option and give a more even coat. Also, if you are not familiar with spray paint, you should definitely practice on something you don't care about first. You want to be far enough away to not leave your item blotchy.
Q: What kind of sheen do you typically get for your paints?
A: I love a satin or eggshell finish and that is usually what I get. Their are a few exceptions. For kitchen cupboards, I always get semigloss or gloss because it just lasts longer and adheres better. I also would get a semigloss for a porch and floor paint because it's likely to last a little longer. Other than that, it's satin for me!
Q: Are the products in the shop, items that you have personally used?
A: Yes! Everything that is in the shop, I have tested and tried out first. All of the products I personally recommend because they have worked for me. I can't promise or guarantee they will work the same for you and House of Paint is not to be held responsible for any dissatisfaction for the products but I can tell you that I have enjoyed using them in my home. These products are affiliates and so I do receive a portion of the
Q: Are you available for a design consultation? Can I hire you?
A: I do. I just started this actually. After helping many friends and family with their design projects, I decided that I would offer this service to people in my area as well as online. To read more about this and the details, click here.
Q: Why did you change your name from The Dragons Fairy Tail to House of Paint?
A: It was mainly because I did not feel that The Dragons Fairy Tail said enough about what I was writing about. House of Paint is much more clear and true to what I write about. (paint and house projects, lol…maybe a little too clear). I still love the name The Dragons Fairy Tail and it represents some good memories but I am glad we moved over to House of Paint. It's overall been worth it.
Q: I saw that your son was diagnosed with Autism. How is he doing?
A: Thank you for asking! He is doing great. I have received many emails regarding my son with your support and I appreciate it. He was diagnosed with autism in 2011 at the age of 2 and while he is high functioning, it is always a lot to take in and manage. He is worth it though, and is such a special little guy. You can read more a little about his story right here but we are very proud of him.
Q: I am interested in guest posting on House of Paint. do you pay for guest bloggers?
A: I love guest posts. You can fill out a form if you are interested right here and read more details about guest posting topics. At this time, I do not pay guest bloggers but I do send out those posts to my social networks and you are welcome to link up in the post to your blog or etsy shop.
Q: I am interested in becoming a contributor for House of Paint. What do I do?
A: I am looking for regular monthly or biweekly contributors right now and would be happy to talk with you. This is strictly voluntary, you will not be paid but you are welcome to link to your blog, or esty shop each time you post and it will be shared to all of my social networks so that you can gain exposure. If you are interested click here and read more about being a contributor.
A: I have a few that I always recommend. I love Behr Paint & Primer for any roll on wall, or hard surface paint project. I also love Rustoleum paints for spray paint projects or any specialty paint like countertops, plastics, glow in the dark, and even magnetic paint. I have tried many many brands over the years. Some of them have been good and some have not been so good but I have never gone wrong with Behr or Rustoleum. (Behr and Rustoleum are not affiliates or sponsors of this blog, I wish they were! haha, but I really do just like them a lot).
Q: How do I print off and use your printables?
A: I have a page now set up with all of my printables available for download. Be sure to check it out here. Also, It can be confusing to some who haven't used printables or different formats on how to print them or get multiple on a page. I wrote a blog post about this to help you. Be sure to read "How to use and print my printables". I usually have my printables available in either jpgs or pdfs.
Q: How do you decorate and clean with kids in the house!?
A: Oh man! I know it is hard. You clean up and organize one mess and then you turn around and you have another one. My biggest tip for that is to really think about space saving and kid friendly design solutions. I write about this a lot because I can't really have any breakable in my house anymore and so I have be more creative when decorating with kids around. I also don't have as much stuff. I live with less so I don't have as many messes.
Q: How long have you been blogging?
A: I have been blogging since 2009 actually but House of Paint (formerly The Dragons Fairy Tail) has been around since 2010. I love running this blog. It is my creative outlet and despite the hours and hours of work I put it in, I am still very passionate about it.
Q: Is it hard to balance your blogging life with your family life?
A: Yes! That is always a struggle. I think balancing any sort of family, work, and hobby life is hard. I don't have it mastered yet but I do really set aside time for the blog, my kids, and keeping up on the house and I try to keep on that. My husband is also super supportive of me and my work. He is always willing to take the kiddos out when I need to finish up on a project or edit some posts which makes it much easier.
Q: Are you a professional painter?
A: NO!!!! lol, I want to say that clearly because I am definitely not a professional painter and I do not paint perfectly. I just love paint. I have painted everything you can imagine at this point and do have some good tips and pointers to get good results but one thing that I really try to let people know is that diy paint projects are not perfect but they are fantastic! Paint can transform an item into something that looks totally unique and different. It can give it a fresh look. I try to blog about creative paint ideas without acting like I know everything or paint perfectly all the time because I don't.
Q: When should I use spray paint vs. the regular roller paint?
A: Both spray paint and a latex or oil based roller paint can be suitable for a lot of similar surfaces. Spray paint takes less time in my opinion but roller paint can sometimes do a much better job and can be cheaper as well. I would think about whether you can move the piece into the garage where you could really spray paint it effectively. You should also consider how many coats you will likely need and how well it needs to be primed. I have used a spray can primer but it wasn't nearly as good as the roller primer so I would think about that. I enjoy spray paint overall more than roller paint but their is no doubt, that roller paint can be the best option and give a more even coat. Also, if you are not familiar with spray paint, you should definitely practice on something you don't care about first. You want to be far enough away to not leave your item blotchy.
Q: What kind of sheen do you typically get for your paints?
A: I love a satin or eggshell finish and that is usually what I get. Their are a few exceptions. For kitchen cupboards, I always get semigloss or gloss because it just lasts longer and adheres better. I also would get a semigloss for a porch and floor paint because it's likely to last a little longer. Other than that, it's satin for me!
Q: Are the products in the shop, items that you have personally used?
A: Yes! Everything that is in the shop, I have tested and tried out first. All of the products I personally recommend because they have worked for me. I can't promise or guarantee they will work the same for you and House of Paint is not to be held responsible for any dissatisfaction for the products but I can tell you that I have enjoyed using them in my home. These products are affiliates and so I do receive a portion of the
Q: Are you available for a design consultation? Can I hire you?
A: I do. I just started this actually. After helping many friends and family with their design projects, I decided that I would offer this service to people in my area as well as online. To read more about this and the details, click here.
Q: Why did you change your name from The Dragons Fairy Tail to House of Paint?
A: It was mainly because I did not feel that The Dragons Fairy Tail said enough about what I was writing about. House of Paint is much more clear and true to what I write about. (paint and house projects, lol…maybe a little too clear). I still love the name The Dragons Fairy Tail and it represents some good memories but I am glad we moved over to House of Paint. It's overall been worth it.
Q: I saw that your son was diagnosed with Autism. How is he doing?
A: Thank you for asking! He is doing great. I have received many emails regarding my son with your support and I appreciate it. He was diagnosed with autism in 2011 at the age of 2 and while he is high functioning, it is always a lot to take in and manage. He is worth it though, and is such a special little guy. You can read more a little about his story right here but we are very proud of him.
Q: I am interested in guest posting on House of Paint. do you pay for guest bloggers?
A: I love guest posts. You can fill out a form if you are interested right here and read more details about guest posting topics. At this time, I do not pay guest bloggers but I do send out those posts to my social networks and you are welcome to link up in the post to your blog or etsy shop.
Q: I am interested in becoming a contributor for House of Paint. What do I do?
A: I am looking for regular monthly or biweekly contributors right now and would be happy to talk with you. This is strictly voluntary, you will not be paid but you are welcome to link to your blog, or esty shop each time you post and it will be shared to all of my social networks so that you can gain exposure. If you are interested click here and read more about being a contributor.