Hi liketolearn! (I hope this isn't too late!) !!! Are you having the "orange-peel" texture sprayed on walls? If so...let it dry a DAY or more, then prime on top of this texture!!! 1) ONE coat of primer is all that's needed if rolling on!! >>> Sprayed primer could use two coats-depends on operator and equipment. >>> UNLESS you were covering black or navy! Then 2 ROLLED coats of primer would be warranted. >>> It's normal for new primer on drywall to look hazy. Then, do TWO topcoats of color...even if it's white paint. >>> Main reason?? NOBODY puts on an even 1st coat...doesn't happen. Also; one film of dried color isn't very thick OR durable. Two coats evens out color-depth and toughness. 2) Same primer for walls & ceilings is fine under your LIGHT colors. Don't let your sprayed primer get TOO thin! Drywall seams are very thirsty, and may need 2 sprayed coats. 3) Use med.-gray primer under your darker colors. "Pencil-lead" gray is appropriate...then TWO paint topcoats. Leave a 5-hr. drytime between dark coats too! The additional colorant slows drytime a lot. If you're using a color that's heavy on red or magenta colorant, a THIRD topcoat can't be ruled out!! >>> This gray primer is too strong under light colors...sorry! In your case, 2 primer colors are needed:-) Any ?'s...lemme know! Faron

Sooooo, I am back. What a learning process this has been. But progress is being made and we are thrilled. Some updates to the plan........and of course up up updates to the budget. We have spent/committed $148,000 so far. I can give a breakdown of expenses if anyone is interested...we have had to delay the outdoor renovation for the time being. Here is the work we have accomplished (or are going to accomplish). All of this is included in the $148K except where noted. BATHS Rip out 3 and a half baths down to studs, remodel using Home Depot marble tiles in full baths (12 x 12 on floor, combination of 2x2, 6x6, and subway tile on walls. (to ceiling), Glass tile accents and borders. Slate floor in half bath. Kohler Archer tubs & toilets, etc. Restoration Gramercy Marble top vanity in two bathrooms, Restoration mirrors, Restoration Hardware lighting. Custom glass shower enclosure/door in master bath. Salvaged vintage sink and toilet in Full bath-YAY!, savings!. Kohler sink and toilet in half bath. KITCHEN Rip out entire kitchen (14 x 17) to studs. Install BR-11 Wenge floor 5 inch width.. Move plumbing and electric to accommodate new kitchen design. All Viking appliances: 36 inch stand alone freezer (floor model), 36 inch stand alone Fridge (floor model), 30 inch wall oven, 24 inch wall microwave with trim kit, Dishwasher, 36 inch cooktop. Shiloh inset shaker cabinets and center island painted polar white. Cabinets will consist of base cabinets, wall cabinets and additional set of glass cabinets above wall cabinets, to extend to ceiling. Minimal pull outs and special features (we couldn't afford any special features!!) Honed marble tops on counters and island, in either Imperial Danby or Carrara (budget reflects Carrara, but I love the milkyness of Danby). Elkay extra deep sink and moen faucet. Drawer pulls TBD (not budgeted yet). Rip out laundry room to create mud room (create cubbies. shelves, etc). install slate floors in mudroom. Take out all "stucco" walls and ceiling in den (down to studs). Replace with drywall and shaker molding. Remove carpet in 4 rooms over garage (1000 sq ft) and replace with Koka Oak ($5 sq foot). There is only a subfloor under carpet. Install base molding. Replace 8 windows with Anderson wood and vinyl windows. Removal of 11 hollow core doors (30 x 80) and replace with Jeldwen 5 panel shaker doors. Hardware TBD (not budgeted). Reconfigure of master Bedroom to Build walk in closet. Build walk in closet. Installation of Central Air to entire House. (time consuming and frustrating!!) Demolition of Basement walls/panelling to expose source of water coming in. Dig one side of foundation to reveal source of water getting in basement.....repair and replace dirt. Removal of wall paper from first and second floor. Sanding, Skim coat (2 coats) plaster, sanding again. I think that's all for right now. I am not doing any of the actual work, but I am exhausted nonetheless!!

Flat or matte. I would not use satin or semi. But I dislike sand texture immensely. Impossible, nearly, to wash. I textured over the one room in this house that had sand texture o/ plaster coat. On the ceiling, I could tolerate it but not on the walls.

If anyone can help me, I am working with black sinks, black vein santa Cecilia granite with gold and gray, its a two story townhome big architectural windows, little rooms upstairs with joining den, and master without much light. Need an allover color with maybe 2 more for laundry/bath and bedrooms. Want 'Art Loft' Luxurious, minimalist feel. Will eventually put up some bat and board and ship lap. I like Alabaster but it seems yellow. Does anyone know a good combo of off whites to use in various rooms in the same tonality? I want bright but some contrast to white boards and doors. At some point Ill bring in black and maybe green/blue.