Episodes

  • How to Handle Wrong Paint Color Choices

    How to Handle Wrong Paint Color Choices
    May 17 2025
    In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, sponsored by Benjamin Moore, Dan explores the common dilemma of choosing the wrong paint color for a room. Key tips include sampling paint, trusting your gut feeling, and understanding the impact of lighting and surroundings on color perception. If you do end up with a color you dislike, he provides six essential questions to consider before making any hasty decisions. The episode concludes with advice on potentially tweaking the current color and repurposing the paint for other areas, emphasizing patience and a positive mindset through the repainting process.00:00 Introduction and Morning Greetings00:23 Bathroom Books: A Library Story04:35 The Dilemma of Choosing the Right Paint Color06:08 Tips for Avoiding the Wrong Paint Color10:34 Trusting Your Gut on Paint Colors12:07 Dealing with the Wrong Paint Color14:36 Questions to Ask Before Repainting17:37 The Impact of Lighting on Paint Colors19:17 Adjusting to Change in Paint Colors20:35 Understanding the Fear of Change21:53 Overcoming the Fear of Change23:22 Is It the Wrong Color or the Wrong Room?27:23 Reevaluating Your Vision33:27 What to Do When You've Chosen the Wrong Color37:12 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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    39 mins
  • First Impressions, Front Doors, and Faux Finishes

    First Impressions, Front Doors, and Faux Finishes
    May 3 2025
    In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, sponsored by Benjamin Moore, Dan shares personal anecdotes about challenging first impressions and provides expert advice on painting your front door to enhance curb appeal. He covers essential tips for choosing the right day, gathering supplies, and applying paint. Additionally, Dan features an interview with Barbara Klein, a decorative painter and former respiratory therapist, who discusses her transition into the world of faux finishes, furniture refinishing, and the influence of her father's carpentry skills on her work.00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes00:17 The Importance of First Impressions05:28 Making a Great First Impression with Your Home07:24 Choosing the Right Day for Painting09:10 Gathering Supplies for the Project12:41 Prepping and Painting the Door16:01 Pro Tips for a Perfect Finish18:44 Interview with Barbara Klein20:12 Transition from Respiratory Therapy to Decorative Painting21:13 Joining the International Decorative Artisans League22:08 Techniques and Tools in Faux Finishing24:14 Challenges in the Medical Field26:28 The Joy of Transforming Homes with Paint28:30 Ceiling and Large-Scale Projects33:02 Furniture Transformation and Foil Techniques35:23 Legacy of Carpentry and Personal Reflections38:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    39 mins
  • Navigating Home Improvement and Real Estate Market Challenges

    Navigating Home Improvement and Real Estate Market Challenges
    Apr 26 2025
    Join the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, sponsored by Benjamin Moore, as we embark on a journey from a simple task of cleaning crumbs to tackling home improvement projects. Host Dan Hansen talks about how kitchen crumbs led him to caulking the bathroom tub. This experience leads to a conversation about 'The Prep Trap,' where Dan discusses the importance of staging prep work for efficient home painting. In the latter part of the show, real estate experts Sue Prince and Ginger Herman from Super Prince Group, 5 Star Real Estate Leaders, share their insights on the current real estate market trends in West Michigan. They discuss strategies for buying and selling homes, the impact of low inventory, and legal ramifications when backing out of a purchase agreement. Filled with humor, practical advice, and expert insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in home improvement and the real estate market.00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message00:07 A Crumb Leads to a Caulking Adventure05:12 The Prep Trap: Avoiding Over-Preparation08:04 Real Estate Market Insights with Sue and Ginger09:13 Current Market Conditions and Trends12:21 Challenges for First-Time Home Buyers17:37 Spring Market and Inventory Expectations18:40 Introduction and Market Update19:49 Strategies for First-Time Home Buyers22:24 Navigating Real Estate Challenges30:18 Legal Complications in Real Estate Deals37:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    39 mins
  • Duct Cleaning--Yea or Nay?; Finding Meaning Through Paint with Keegan Somers

    Duct Cleaning--Yea or Nay?; Finding Meaning Through Paint with Keegan Somers
    Apr 19 2025
    In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, host Dan Hansen discusses home dust issues and the mixed effectiveness of duct cleaning based on listener feedback. The episode's highlight is an engaging interview with Keegan Somers from Vivid Creative Contracting, who shares insights about his family-run business, the rewarding nature of his work, the importance of proper prep work in painting, and valuable tips for DIYers. Somers also reflects on the merits of pursuing a trade over a traditional college education. The episode concludes with a note about Benjamin Moore paint discounts.CHAPTERS00:00 Sick of the Cold02:50 Show Overview and Guest Introduction03:15 Dealing with Dust: Tips and Insights04:31 Duct Cleaning: Is It Worth It?08:54 Interview with Keegan Summers: Background and Career14:20 Finding Meaning in Work19:21 Common Misconceptions About Painting21:09 The Importance of Consulting Experts22:39 Weirdest Job Site Experiences24:41 Favorite Tools and Products29:23 Cabinet Repainting Tips33:47 Life Outside of Painting35:36 The Value of Trades vs. College38:28 Conclusion and Contact Information
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    39 mins
  • Battling Dust and Repainting Kitchen Cabinets: Step-by-Step Guide

    Battling Dust and Repainting Kitchen Cabinets: Step-by-Step Guide
    Apr 12 2025
    In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, sponsored by Benjamin Moore, the focus is on providing a comprehensive guide to repainting kitchen cabinets and dealing with dust in your home. Dan begins by sharing a personal struggle with dust accumulation, offering insights into what dust is made of and sources of dust in homes, highlighting various practical tips for controlling it. The latter part dives into a detailed, step-by-step discussion of repainting kitchen cabinets, covering everything from proper labeling, cleaning, sanding, and priming to finishing touches. This episode provides valuable information for both DIY enthusiasts considering this project and those who might opt to hire professionals.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Show Overview00:34 The Dust Dilemma: Personal Confessions04:37 Understanding Dust: What It Is and Where It Comes From13:14 Practical Tips to Reduce Dust in Your Home18:44 Upcoming Segment: Painting Your Cabinets19:18 Introduction to Kitchen Cabinet Painting20:15 Why Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets?22:26 Preparation: Removing and Labeling24:31 The Importance of Prep Work26:01 Cleaning and Scuff Sanding28:37 Priming Your Cabinets31:25 Applying the Finish34:32 Final Touches and Reassembly36:08 Final Tips and Conclusion
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    40 mins
  • Tackling Greenish Walls, Sanding Techniques, and Wooster Jumbo Koters

    Tackling Greenish Walls, Sanding Techniques, and Wooster Jumbo Koters
    Apr 5 2025
    In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, sponsored by Benjamin Moore, Dan discusses various topics including how to achieve flawless results with orbital sanders, the benefits of Wooster Jumbo Koter roller systems, and he answers a listener question about weirdly green walls. Listeners also get insights into choosing the right paint colors and improving their painting techniques. CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Show Overview00:34 Orbital Sanders: Avoiding Common Mistakes04:00 Exciting Sales on Painting Tools05:06 The Convenience of Wooster Jumbo Coder System10:59 Wooster Sherlock Extension Poles14:49 Pelican Paint Pail: A Handy Tool for Painters18:32 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Segment19:44 Removing the Finish: A Personal Anecdote19:56 Dealing with Swirl Marks: Lessons Learned21:54 Orbital Sander Tips: Start Right23:46 Orbital Sander Tips: Correct Speed and Pressure27:09 Orbital Sander Tips: Working Through Grits and Dust Extraction29:41 Final Tips for Using an Orbital Sander31:31 Listener Question: Solving a Color Reflection Issue38:12 Conclusion and Contractor Appreciation
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    39 mins
  • Air Travel Dilemmas; Painting the Ceiling Masterclass; and Designing with Neutral Tones

    Air Travel Dilemmas; Painting the Ceiling Masterclass; and Designing with Neutral Tones
    Mar 29 2025
    This episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, sponsored by Benjamin Moore, kicks off with a humorous recount of Dan's recent air travel experience, highlighting the challenges and lessons learned at the security checkpoint. The episode transitions into practical home improvement tips, focusing on how to paint a ceiling like a pro and the importance of prep work. Dan also explores the expansive palette of neutral colors in interior design, offering tips on balancing warm and cool tones, integrating bold accents, and using textures to create inviting, sophisticated spaces. Tune in for expert advice and entertaining anecdotes!CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Weekly Recap01:13 Airport Security Fiasco04:44 Lessons from the Security Line07:48 Transition to Painting Tips10:21 Prepping for Ceiling Painting13:49 Choosing the Right Paint and Tools15:49 Rolling Techniques and Final Tips18:00 Permission to Be Imperfect18:12 How to Paint a Ceiling Like a Pro18:26 Hiring a Contractor for Your Painting Needs18:50 Decorating with Neutrals: An Introduction19:09 The Power and Versatility of Neutrals22:18 Defining Pure and Near Neutrals23:46 Exploring New Neutral Tones27:56 Tips and Tricks for Working with Neutrals30:10 Balancing Warm and Cool Tones32:28 Using Neutrals as a Blank Canvas34:27 Balancing Light and Dark Tones36:27 Adding Texture for Depth37:16 The Flexibility of Neutrals38:09 Conclusion and Final Tips
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    39 mins
  • Preparing for Spring and Expert Painting Tips with Mike Cherry

    Preparing for Spring and Expert Painting Tips with Mike Cherry
    Mar 22 2025
    In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, Dan talks about preparing snowblowers for storage and the unpredictability of Michigan weather. The episode features an engaging interview with Mike Cherry, the owner of Cherry Painting. Mike discusses his background, transitioning from disliking painting to owning his business, and valuable painting tips. They cover essential painting tools, from frog tape to quality brushes, and the importance of using high-quality paint. Mike also shares personal stories, including his love for classic rock and memorable concerts, especially with his family. The episode aims to blend practical painting advice with engaging personal narratives.CHAPTERS00:00 Morning Greetings and Show Introduction00:07 Snowblower Storage and Weather Musings02:33 Interview Preview with Mike Cherry02:56 Demystifying Roller Covers03:21 Roller Cover Nap Thickness Explained05:05 RepcoLite Roller Cover Sale06:01 Introduction to Mike Cherry Interview07:43 Mike Cherry's Painting Journey09:32 Family and Career Reflections17:30 Health and Life Realizations19:26 Music and Concert Experiences19:58 Classic Rock Influence20:50 Concert Memories24:28 DIY Painting Tips31:03 Choosing the Right Paint34:25 Hiring a Painting Contractor37:33 Conclusion and Contact Information
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    39 mins