ÐßÐßÊÓƵ

In time for fall, Bob Vila, America's home-improvement expert, introduces four new resources to help homeowners confidently start, manage and complete their painting projects:

   -- a line of premium paint that Vila himself trusts for the homes he
      lives in and renovates;
   -- a truly innovative online tool, "Paint Designer," to visualize color
      combinations;
   -- Paint Estimator -- an online calculator to estimate how much paint is
      needed; and
   -- free 12-page brochures (for exterior and interior paints) and dozens
      of tips.
  (Photo:   )

According to Vila, "Mild fall weather, between 50 and 80 degrees, is perfect for painting."

New Vila paint line

"In decades of restoring houses across the country, I've found that, without exception, paint is the finishing touch that makes each home come alive," said Vila. "In fact, so many people have asked me how to choose the right paint, that I recently introduced the answer: the Bob Vila Signature Collectionâ„¢ paint, which includes premium exterior and interior paints and primers. Each paint is specially formulated to beautify and protect old -- or new -- homes with confidence. It is designed for easy application, and superior consistency, coverage and quality."

Vila's paint is exclusive to Sears and Sears Hardware Stores, and is in stores now.

Features of the new premium-quality Bob Vila Signature Collection Wall and Trim (interior) paints and House and Trim (exterior) paints include:

  -- one-coat coverage, easy application and a finish that lasts for years,
  -- a 20-year warranty. (See paint can labels for details.)

All exterior paint is 100 percent acrylic latex for improved durability. In addition, the collection includes an oil-based primer, as well as a tintable interior/exterior latex primer and tintable ceiling paint.

Paint assistance on the Web -- and in Sears stores

Bob Vila, whose name is synonymous with "do-it-yourself projects," makes it easy for even a novice to choose the right type and color of paint, and get the advice he or she needs to get the job done correctly.

BobVila.com, named a "Forbes Favorite" Web site for home improvement, now features "Paint Designer," an innovative online tool to help guests to the site visualize homes and rooms with color combinations of their own, or those suggested by Bob Vila. Paint Designer is pre-loaded with all the Bob Vila Signature Collection paint colors, as well as six popular house styles. The handy, easy-to-use tool even allows users to print out their selections to take with them to the Sears store.

Paint Estimator on BobVila.com calculates how much paint is needed for specific projects. Once dimensions are input, the calculator estimates how many gallons of paint are needed.

Additional paint tips and how-to articles are easily found on BobVila.com.

Vila also includes a host of tips and pointers on the paint-can labels -- as well as in a free 12-page Bob Vila Signature Collection paint brochure for both interior and exterior, each including a palette of colors Vila personally selected. The brochures easily may be printed out from BobVila.com, or picked up at the Sears paint department.

Vila also worked with paint and painting experts to establish the toll- free number, 1-877-Bob-Vila, to answer specific questions. Sears associates in the paint department also can provide insights and assistance.

Color is the real beauty of Vila's paint

"Quality, one-coat coverage with a 20-year warranty is essential to a premium paint -- and the Bob Vila Signature Collection offers that key feature," says Vila. "But the truly unique aspect of my paint collection is its emphasis on colors that complement the exterior architectural details of a home, and that customize the interior living spaces to reflect a homeowner's personal style. I worked closely with Peggy Van Allen, a professional color and design stylist, to develop the color palette for the collection."

  In exterior paints:
  -- Neocolonial and Bungalow colors, including "Blue Descent," "Lily White"
     and "Oakwood Brown," were inspired by homes with gabled dormers, square
     columns and side porches;
  -- Second Empire, Queen Anne and Victorian colors, such as "Himalayan
     Silver," Cedarwood Rose" and "Saracen Blue," complement homes with
     wrap-around porches, turrets, towers and gingerbread touches;
  -- Federal colors, which include "White Harmony," "Pewter" and "Regal
     Green," highlight the elegant structure and details of these stately
     homes; and
  -- Contemporary colors, like "Fresh Blue," "Paper Lantern" and "Blue
     Moon," reflect the style and creativity of modern American homes.

  In interior paints:
  -- Warm colors, such as "Evening Primrose" and "Sage Garden," create a
     comforting, inviting environment;
  -- Cool colors, which include "Whisper Blue" and "Violet Eclipse," provide
     a fresh and soothing backdrop;
  -- Neutral colors, such as "White Pacific" and "Somerset Gray," provide a
     soft touch for walls and windows;
  -- Bold colors, including "Spicy Cinnamon" and "Royal Navy," are intense,
     yet elegant for a room setting; and
  -- Whimsical colors, like "Fresh Hay" and "Rose Scarlet," give a room a
     lively, playful appearance.

  Paint-preparation tips

The right colors are key to a successful painting project, but Vila also emphasizes that "good surface preparation can add years to the life of your paint job." He encourages do-it-yourselfers to have on hand equipment such as paint scrapers, drop cloths, caulk and quality paintbrushes; to prepare appropriately the surface by scraping off old, loose paint, pre-washing the surface, and patching cracks, holes and seams; and to prime any bare wood, for better paint adhesion.

About Bob Vila

Bob Vila has appeared on television for 23 years - first on "This Old House," and for the past 13 years, on "Bob Vila's Home Again." Every year, since 1989, the series has reigned as the highest-rated syndicated home- improvement series among men. This season, kicking off in September, features a "Modern Colonial" home -- being painted with Bob Vila Signature Collection paint. Vila also has been the spokesperson for Sears Craftsman tools for the last 13 years. A frequent contributor to "The Early Show" on CBS-TV, Bob Vila has authored 10 books, and offers information and advice on the Web at BobVila.com, "The Ultimate Home Site."

MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here

SOURCE: Sears, Roebuck & Co.

CONTACT: Ann Woolman for Bob Vila Paint at Sears, +1-847-286-7079;
Melissa Marchand for BobVila.com, +1-617-848-8452; or Eileen Campion for 'Bob
Vila's Home Again,' +1-212-966-4600

Web site: