Save a few bucks: painting your house
(photo: Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun)
Planning to use that tax rebate money on a little home improvement, like painting the exterior of your home?
You might be surprised by the price of paint. Add it to the growing list of products affected by the skyrocketing costs of petroleum.
But don't skimp on the paint you purchase for the exterior of your house, or you might spend more money in the long run, sez Consumer Reports.
Some newer formulations developed to meet government standards for volatile compounds didn't last as long under CR's tests for dirt, cracking, mildew and color change.
Here are the researchers' tips for making your paint job last as long as possible or, if you're not a DIYer, how to hire a good painter.
