8 Best-Selling Home Painting Books Millions Love

Discover authoritative Home Painting Books by Annie Sloan, Brian Santos, Debbie Travis, and others with proven, best-selling techniques.

Updated on June 29, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in the hands-on world of home painting. With so many projects promising to transform your living space, it's valuable to turn to books that have consistently helped millions of readers achieve satisfying results. Whether you're refreshing a room's walls or reviving outdoor spaces, these best-selling Home Painting books have stood the test of time, providing trusted guidance that resonates with practical needs and creative ambitions.

These titles come from authors with deep roots in painting and decorating — from Annie Sloan's decades crafting paint and color expertise, to Brian Santos's national TV presence as The Wall Wizard, and Debbie Travis's approachable style for beginners. Their combined experience and clear instruction deliver a range of techniques, from decorative finishes to professional-level wallpapering and business insights.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Home Painting needs might consider creating a personalized Home Painting book that combines these validated approaches. This way, you can focus on the exact skills and projects that match your background and goals, blending expert methods with your unique style and schedule.

Best for creative DIY decorators
Annie Sloan is one of the world's most respected paint and color experts, bringing decades of expertise to her books, paints, and interior products. With over 20 titles on paint, color, and style, she has shaped how enthusiasts approach home transformation projects. This book distills her knowledge into accessible projects, allowing you to achieve diverse paint finishes and effects that can revitalize everyday rooms and furniture affordably and creatively.
2010·160 pages·Home Painting, Interior Design, Furniture Makeover, Surface Preparation, Paint Techniques

Annie Sloan, a renowned expert in paint and color, offers practical guidance for transforming your living spaces with just a brush and a pot of paint. You’ll learn how to prepare surfaces, select appropriate paints, and master a variety of decorative techniques like aging, distressing, handpainting, and gilding. The book breaks down 50 projects into clear sections, making it easy to follow along whether you’re updating furniture or refreshing walls and floors. This resource suits anyone eager to elevate their home’s style without complex tools or costly materials, especially those who appreciate hands-on creativity and visual inspiration.

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Brian Santos, known as The Wall Wizard, brings over twenty-five years of experience from home and garden shows to this book. As a fourth generation decorating contractor featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, HGTV, and more, he distills his expertise into accessible advice for homeowners. His proven track record and national recognition make this guide a trusted resource for anyone aiming to tackle painting and wallpapering projects with confidence.
2010·240 pages·Home Painting, Wallpapering, Faux Finishes, Wallcoverings, Green Alternatives

What started as Brian Santos's passion for decorating evolved into a practical guide that combines painting, faux finishes, and wallpapering in one approachable volume. Drawing from over twenty-five years of experience and his family's long legacy in decorating, Santos offers clear instructions on achieving professional-level results without the cost of hiring a pro. You'll find focused chapters on applying and removing wallcoverings and environmentally friendly paint options, alongside hands-on tips for accenting rooms effectively. This book suits homeowners eager to take control of their decorating projects with economically mindful techniques.

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Best for custom painting plans
This custom AI book on home painting techniques is created based on your background and specific goals. You share your current skills, areas you want to explore, and the types of projects you aim to complete. The book is then crafted to focus exactly on the painting methods and finishes that will help you achieve professional-quality results tailored to your interests. This approach makes learning more relevant and efficient, giving you focused guidance rather than generic advice.
2025·50-300 pages·Home Painting, Surface Preparation, Paint Selection, Application Techniques, Decorative Finishes

This personalized book explores advanced techniques for mastering home painting projects and achieving flawless finishes. It covers essential preparation, paint selection, surface treatment, and expert application methods tailored to your interests and skill level. The book reveals how to combine popular painting knowledge with your unique goals to create stunning results in every room. By focusing on your specific background and desired outcomes, this tailored guide examines diverse finishing styles and practical approaches that match your preferences. Whether refreshing walls, furniture, or exterior surfaces, it enhances your understanding with customized insights that make mastering home painting both accessible and rewarding.

Tailored Guide
Finish Mastery
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for detailed finishing skills
Michael Dresdner’s Painting and Finishing offers a practical roadmap through the often intimidating world of home painting. Its detailed coverage spans everything from kitchens and bathrooms to exterior siding and trim, helping you navigate preparation, material selection, and application with clarity. The book’s proven appeal comes from its hands-on approach, rich with photos and step-by-step guidance, making it a trusted companion for anyone wanting to elevate their finishing skills and tackle projects typically seen as overwhelming.
Painting and Finishing (Build Like A Pro) book cover

by Michael Dresdner·You?

2002·176 pages·Home Painting, Finishing Techniques, Interior Painting, Exterior Painting, Surface Preparation

When Michael Dresdner wrote Painting and Finishing, he drew on his extensive experience as a finishing professional to untangle the complexities of home painting projects. You’ll gain detailed guidance on preparing surfaces, selecting appropriate materials, and mastering techniques for both interior and exterior finishes, including challenging areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and trim work. The book’s step-by-step instructions, supported by clear photos and drawings, reveal practical shortcuts that help you manage large projects efficiently. Whether you’re tackling floors, siding, or furniture, this guide equips you with the know-how to handle diverse finishing tasks with confidence. If you’re looking for a thorough, hands-on manual rather than a casual overview, this book fits the bill.

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Best for accessible interior finishes
Debbie Travis' Painted House stands as a practical resource in home painting, known for its approachable style and wide appeal. With over 35 painting effects detailed alongside 250 photos, it guides you through techniques that transform walls, floors, and furniture into personalized design statements. This book meets the needs of those seeking creative yet straightforward methods to enhance their living spaces, emphasizing accessible instructions that empower you to paint with confidence. Its popularity comes from delivering clear, visual guidance that helps novices and enthusiasts alike bring fresh ideas to life in their homes.
2002·184 pages·Home Painting, Wall Finishes, Furniture Painting, Floor Coatings, DIY Techniques

Debbie Travis, a well-known television host and home design expert, offers an accessible guide to painting with her book, focusing on achievable and stylish finishes for interiors. Her approach demystifies painting techniques by breaking them down into easy steps supported by 250 photographs, making it especially useful for those new to home improvement projects. You’ll find detailed instructions for over 35 different painting effects applicable to walls, floors, and furniture, allowing you to personalize various surfaces in your home with confidence. This book suits anyone looking to refresh their living space with creative, hands-on methods without requiring professional skills or expensive tools. Whether you're a novice or want fresh ideas, Travis provides inspiration and clear guidance to make painting a satisfying endeavor.

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Best for decorative painting projects
Paint Transformations by Taunton Press offers an inviting, richly illustrated guide to transforming your living spaces through paint. Its clear instructions and vibrant design ideas have made it a favorite among home improvement enthusiasts looking to elevate their painting projects. Covering everything from foundational prep work to decorative finishes like strie and chambray, this book meets the needs of those eager to refresh rooms with both confidence and style. Whether you’re new to painting or looking to expand your creative toolkit, this guide provides thorough, accessible guidance to help you achieve impressive results.
Paint Transformations (Do It Now Do It Fast Do It Right) book cover

by Taunton Press·You?

2004·128 pages·Home Painting, Painting Techniques, Surface Preparation, Decorative Painting, Dry Brush

The methods Taunton Press developed while focusing on room transformations reveal a practical and enjoyable approach to home painting. You’ll find a colorful, step-by-step guide that breaks down every phase—from choosing the right paint and prepping surfaces to mastering decorative techniques like dry brushing, stenciling, and splattering. This book doesn’t just cover the basics; it offers inspiration with diverse design ideas and detailed photos that make complex finishes approachable. If you want to refresh your skills or add flair to your space, this guide is tailored for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts ready to tackle painting projects with confidence and creativity.

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Best for personal paint plans
This personalized AI book about home painting is created based on your painting background, skill level, and specific interests in quick room transformations. By sharing your goals and focus areas, the book is crafted to match exactly what you want to achieve in a fast, effective way. Using AI to blend popular knowledge with your unique needs, this book helps you skip irrelevant content and get straight to the paint refresh steps that matter most to you.
2025·50-300 pages·Home Painting, Surface Preparation, Paint Selection, Wall Painting, Furniture Painting

This tailored book explores a step-by-step system for achieving quick, effective home painting transformations. It examines essential preparation techniques, efficient painting methods, and finishing touches that suit your background and goals. By focusing on your specific interests, this personalized guide reveals how to refresh your space within 30 days, combining proven popular knowledge with insights adapted uniquely for you. The book covers both foundational skills and practical tips to empower your painting projects, ensuring you gain confidence and results without unnecessary complexity. It offers a clear path to transform walls, furniture, or rooms with accessible, targeted guidance that respects your individual style and timeline.

Tailored Guide
Efficient Painting
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for outdoor painting ideas
Suzanne McNeill’s Painting for Patios for Home & Garden Decor offers a focused approach to breathing new life into outdoor spaces through painting. This guide is packed with tips on brightening surfaces, using stencils, and sealing designs to withstand the elements, making it a practical companion for anyone looking to embellish patios, balconies, or garden areas. By blending interior decorating principles with outdoor projects, the book provides fresh ideas for transforming even small spaces like balconies or window sills, helping homeowners and gardeners achieve a stylish, personalized look.
1999·36 pages·Home Painting, Outdoor Decor, Surface Preparation, Stenciling, Surface Sealing

Suzanne McNeill's background as a home décor enthusiast informs her approachable guide to transforming outdoor spaces through painting. You learn practical techniques for brightening surfaces, applying stencils, and sealing designs to protect them from weather damage. The book offers a rich collection of ideas for upcycling garden items and decorating patios, balconies, and decks with fresh, artistic touches. Whether you’re refreshing terracotta pots or repainting patio floors, McNeill’s clear instructions help you achieve stylish results. This book suits homeowners and gardeners eager to revitalize their outdoor areas without professional help.

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Best for furniture painting enthusiasts
Fabulous Painted Furniture offers a unique entry point into home painting by focusing on imaginative yet accessible projects that breathe new life into old or unfinished furniture. The book’s step-by-step guidance on using acrylic craft paint combined with decorative techniques has made it a favorite among DIY enthusiasts looking to add personality to their living spaces. Its practical approach to both indoor and outdoor furniture refinishing addresses a common creative need—transforming ordinary pieces into colorful, stylish accents. This book benefits anyone eager to explore furniture painting with fresh ideas and achievable projects that elevate home décor.
2002·128 pages·Home Painting, Furniture Restoration, Acrylic Paint, Decorating Techniques, Outdoor Furniture

What draws you repeatedly to Mickey Baskett’s approach in Fabulous Painted Furniture is the blend of imaginative design with surprisingly approachable techniques. Baskett, a seasoned crafter, shares methods for transforming everyday furniture into colorful statements using acrylic craft paint and simple decorating tricks. The book doesn’t just focus on painting but shows you how to revitalize old or unfinished pieces, like the faux parquet chest project that uses wood stains creatively to mimic intricate flooring. If you enjoy hands-on projects that combine artistry with practicality, this book offers clear inspiration and doable steps to refresh your living spaces.

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Best for aspiring painting entrepreneurs
Deborah Bouziden’s How to Start a Home-based House Painting Business stands as a trusted guide for anyone wanting to transform painting skills into a viable business from home. Its clear focus on practical steps to build and sustain a painting enterprise has made it a popular choice among home-based entrepreneurs. The book walks through essential topics like client acquisition, pricing strategies, and operational management, making it a go-to resource for those who want a straightforward approach to entering the home painting industry without unnecessary jargon. It’s tailored for individuals seeking to balance entrepreneurial ambitions with the realities of running a business from home.
2011·240 pages·Home Painting, Home-Based Business, Business Management, Client Acquisition, Pricing Strategy

What happens when entrepreneurial spirit meets the home painting trade? Deborah Bouziden offers a clear roadmap for starting and managing a profitable house painting business from your own home. You'll find detailed guidance on everything from client acquisition and pricing strategies to managing supplies and legal considerations, as well as insights into balancing business demands with home life. This book suits aspiring entrepreneurs ready to turn painting skills into a sustainable income stream, providing practical frameworks rather than vague inspiration. If you’re serious about launching a home-based painting venture, this book delivers a solid foundation without fluff.

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Popular Methods, Personalized for You

Get proven Home Painting strategies tailored to your specific projects and style.

Expert Techniques Explained
Practical Project Tips
Customized Learning Path

Trusted by thousands of Home Painting enthusiasts worldwide

Home Painting Mastery Blueprint
30-Day Paint Refresh System
Decorative Finish Secrets
The Home Painting Success Code

Conclusion

This collection of 8 best-selling Home Painting books showcases proven methods and widely validated approaches that have helped countless homeowners and enthusiasts succeed. If you prefer step-by-step decorative projects, Annie Sloan's and Taunton Press's guides offer inspiring creativity. For practical, professional-level techniques and finishing, Brian Santos and Michael Dresdner provide rich detail. And if you're entrepreneurial, Deborah Bouziden's business-focused manual is a solid foundation.

For a well-rounded painting journey, combining books like Debbie Travis' Painted House with Fabulous Painted Furniture offers a balance of interior and furniture projects. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Home Painting book to merge these proven methods with your unique needs and aspirations.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed, whether refreshing a patio, transforming furniture, or launching a painting business. By choosing the right resource, you set yourself up for confident, satisfying home painting projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with a book that matches your immediate project. For creative interior updates, try Annie Sloan's Quick and Easy Paint Transformations. If you want professional tips, Brian Santos' guide offers solid techniques. Tailoring your choice to your goal makes learning manageable and rewarding.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Home Painting?

No, many books like Debbie Travis' Painted House are designed for beginners, breaking down techniques into clear, easy steps. Others offer more detail as you grow your skills, so you can progress at your own pace confidently.

What’s the best order to read these books?

Consider starting with broad, accessible guides like Debbie Travis' Painted House, then move to specialized topics such as furniture painting or outdoor projects. If business interests you, read Deborah Bouziden’s book last to build on your painting expertise.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can absolutely pick one based on your project focus. Each book covers different areas—from decorative finishes to business advice—so choosing one aligned with your goals is efficient and effective.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

Painting and Wallpapering Secrets from Brian Santos offers practical tips and shortcuts for immediate project improvements. Its hands-on advice helps you achieve professional results without delay.

Can I get a Home Painting book tailored to my specific needs?

Yes! While these expert books provide valuable methods, personalized Home Painting books combine proven strategies with your unique goals and background. Check out creating a personalized Home Painting book to get started.

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