Episodios

  • Choosing Exterior Paint Colors with Confidence: Tips, Tricks, and Practical Advice

    Choosing Exterior Paint Colors with Confidence: Tips, Tricks, and Practical Advice
    Jun 21 2025
    This episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, sponsored by Benjamin Moore, guides listeners through the process of selecting exterior paint colors with confidence. Topics covered include the importance of considering existing materials and landscaping, the impact of lighting on color appearance, and the influence of architectural style on color decisions. Dan also discusses how to use color samples effectively, the Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio app, and the benefits of using high-quality paints such as Benjamin Moore and RepcoLite. Listeners are encouraged to take their time, seek limited but trusted opinions, and use available resources to make informed decisions about their exterior home colors.00:00 Sweet corn!05:07 Choosing Exterior Paint Colors with Confidence09:38 Ground Rules for Picking Exterior Colors13:04 Considering Existing Materials and Constraints18:41 Introduction to Exterior Color Selection19:37 Architectural Styles and Color Schemes21:12 Colonial, Victorian, and Craftsman Homes23:30 Ranch Homes and Mid-Century Colors25:30 Working with Brick Exteriors29:35 How Many Colors to Use?32:49 Shutters, Doors, and Final Thoughts37:03 Choosing the Right Paint
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    39 m
  • Front Door Colors, Deck Stain Options, and More

    Front Door Colors, Deck Stain Options, and More
    Jun 14 2025
    In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, Dan Hansen shares his recent adventure at Six Flags Great America and insights on how his diminished senses make him a 'superhero.' The episode then delves into practical home improvement topics, including a detailed comparison of bagged vs. bagless vacuums, the benefits of RepcoLite's new waterborne Deck and Dock stain, and useful advice on choosing the perfect front door color. Listeners get recommendations on tools and products, insights on color psychology, and tips on keeping their homes aesthetically pleasing and up-to-date.00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote03:59 Show Overview and Upcoming Segments05:13 Bagged vs. Bagless Vacuums: A Detailed Comparison10:56 Favorite Things: Power Pump Plunger and Freshly Painted Ceiling19:12 Repco Light's New Deck and Dock Waterborne Stain20:31 Choosing the Right Deck Stain21:54 The Benefits of Waterborne Deck Stain22:47 Easy Cleanup and Quick Drying25:33 Application Tips for Deck Stain31:17 Selecting the Perfect Front Door Color32:26 Popular Front Door Colors and Trends37:38 Practical Tips for Painting Your Front Door38:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    40 m
  • Mastering Deck Projects: Tips, Steps, and Product Choices

    Mastering Deck Projects: Tips, Steps, and Product Choices
    May 31 2025
    In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, host Dan Hansen dedicates the entire episode to deck projects. Dan discusses how such projects can feel overwhelming due to the numerous steps involved and the plethora of products on the market. He shares personal anecdotes, such as refurbishing his own deck, and outlines essential preliminary steps including inspecting the deck's structural integrity and cleaning it before applying stain. Dan also compares different types of stains—translucent, semi-transparent, semi-solid, and solid—highlighting their unique benefits and best-use scenarios. Additionally, he distinguishes between the processes and advantages of using oil-based versus water-based stains. The episode includes insights on using tools like the Wooster Bravo stain brush and renting an on-floor machine. Lastly, listeners are informed about the ongoing sale on deck staining products available at Repco Light until June 16.00:00 Introduction and Overview01:18 Common Deck Problems and Solutions03:30 Personal Deck Project Experience04:02 Important Considerations Before Starting08:51 Cleaning Your Deck: Why and How11:01 Chemical Cleaning Methods16:21 Using the On-Floor Machine18:51 Applying the Stain19:01 Introduction to Deck Staining19:41 Applying the Stain: Methods and Tools23:18 Important Tips for Stain Application24:36 Drying and Final Steps26:05 Choosing the Right Deck Stain28:56 Understanding Deck Stain Types36:36 Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Stains38:36 Conclusion and Final Advice
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    39 m
  • The Importance of Skilled Trades: A Conversation with Drew Anderson

    The Importance of Skilled Trades: A Conversation with Drew Anderson
    May 24 2025
    In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, sponsored by Benjamin Moore, host Dan Hansen discusses the significance of skilled trades with Drew Anderson from Harmel Academy of the Trades. They delve into the reasons behind Drew's passion for the trades, the current shortage of skilled workers, and the misconceptions that trade jobs are less valuable than a college education. The conversation covers the personal and societal importance of working with one's hands, the value of failing and learning, and the deeper spiritual meaning associated with trades. Drew also highlights the unique approach of Hormel Academy in forming young men into skilled tradesmen and the exciting future prospects for the industry. If you're considering a career in trades or want to understand their broader impact, this episode offers valuable insights.LINKS: Harmel Academy00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:03 The Importance of Skilled Trades00:47 Personal Connection to Trades01:25 The Crisis in Trades and Character03:06 The Shortage in Skilled Trades04:22 Changing Perceptions of Trades09:56 The Dignity of Work20:11 Encouraging Young People to Explore Trades23:05 A Surprising Survey on Basic Skills24:38 Learning Through DIY Repairs25:58 The Importance of Teaching Kids Practical Skills27:16 Parenting Challenges and Letting Kids Help28:16 The Value of Work and Household Chores28:57 Introducing Harel Academy29:08 Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity35:22 Connecting with Others to Learn Trades39:28 The Future of Trades and Manufacturing42:22 Exciting Developments at Harel Academy
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    47 m
  • 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 m
  • 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 m
  • 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 m
  • 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 m