Paint reviews, guides, and color
Independent paint and tool round-ups. Project step-by-steps. Color references and brand reviews. Every product pick lists a real con — no review without a real weakness.
Graco Magnum X5 Airless Sprayer: Honest Review (2026)
Is the Graco Magnum X5 worth it? A 3000-psi homeowner airless rated for 125 gallons a year — where it earns its keep on fences and siding, and where it bites you.
Graco Magnum X7 Paint Sprayer (TrueAirless): Honest Review (2026)
Is the Graco Magnum X7 worth it? The TrueAirless X7 sprays unthinned paint at 3000 PSI — where it earns its $379, and where the 125-gallon duty rating bites.
Graco TrueCoat 360 Handheld Sprayer: Honest Review (2026)
Is the Graco TrueCoat 360 worth it? Our review of the handheld airless that sprays any direction and unthinned latex — where it earns its $225, and where it costs you.
Graco Ultra Cordless Handheld Sprayer: Honest Review (2026)
Is the Graco Ultra Cordless worth it? Our review of the 2000-psi battery handheld that sprays unthinned latex — where it wins, the FlexLiner cost, who should skip it.
INSL-X: The Brand Hub (2026)
INSL-X review for 2026. Benjamin Moore's specialty brand: all nine primers, Cabinet Coat, pool paint, anti-slip and traffic coatings. Why insl-x.com now redirects to benjaminmoore.com, and where to buy.
KILZ 2 All-Purpose Primer: Honest Review (2026)
Is KILZ 2 worth it? Our honest review of the water-based all-rounder that grips, seals, and blocks light stains for about $25 a gallon — and where it fails.
KILZ 3 Premium Primer: Honest Review (2026)
Is KILZ 3 Premium worth it? Our honest review of the low-VOC, mildew-resistant primer that blocks heavier stains than KILZ 2, and where it still falls short.
KILZ Adhesion Bonding Primer: Honest Review (2026)
Is KILZ Adhesion worth it? A chemist's take on where its modified-acrylic grip holds on tile, laminate, and glossy trim, and the one job it quietly fails.
KILZ Kitchen & Bath Primer: Honest Review (2026)
Is KILZ Kitchen and Bath primer worth it? A very low-VOC, mildew-resistant latex sealer for steamy rooms — where it earns its $30 gallon and where it does not.
KILZ Mold & Mildew Primer: Honest Review (2026)
Is KILZ Mold & Mildew Primer worth it? Our 2026 review of the water-based stain-blocker that resists mildew on the film, its coverage, and what it won't do.
KILZ Original Oil-Based Primer: Honest Review (2026)
Is KILZ Original worth it? Our 2026 review of the heritage oil-based stain-blocker that locks water rings, smoke, and tannin, plus the 443 g/L VOC catch.
KILZ Restoration Maximum Stain-Blocking Primer: Honest Review (2026)
Is KILZ Restoration worth it? Our review of the water-based primer that punches at oil and shellac: stain blocking, odor sealing, VOC, and where it falls short.