Home In Progress

Host Dan Hansen opens the episode by noting a technical mistake in the original on-air broadcast, which led to the spring painting segment being repeated—then leans into it with a quick apology and a story about how contractor Joe helped him upgrade from a box grater to a rotary cheese grater after a painful pizza-making mishap.From there, Dan dives into one of the most common spring questions: When can you actually start painting outside? He explains why air temperature alone isn’t enough, emphasizing the importance of surface temperature, dew point (keeping surfaces at least 5–10°F above it), and moisture content in wood (ideally below 15%). He also discusses surfactant leaching and how overnight conditions can impact fresh paint. To help extend the early-season window, he highlights Benjamin Moore Element Guard for its ability to handle lower temperatures and resist rain quickly, and shares a practical day-by-day approach to spring exterior painting—including why you should always store your paint indoors overnight.Shifting indoors, Dan shares a firsthand experience helping his son repaint a home, where RepcoLite Optima delivered impressive coverage over both deep, dark colors and even bright bubblegum pink. While nearly achieving one-coat results, he still recommends two coats for a consistent, professional finish.The episode wraps with a deeper look at biophilic design—how incorporating elements of nature into your home can reduce stress and improve well-being. Dan walks through simple, practical ways to apply it: using natural color palettes, incorporating wood and stone, embracing imperfection through ideas like wabi-sabi, protecting meaningful outdoor views, and adding plants (real or artificial) to create a calming environment.He closes by encouraging listeners to connect with the Home in Progress podcast and Facebook page—and offers a warm Easter greeting.Timestamps00:00 Welcome and On-Air Correction00:42 Rotary Grater Upgrade02:56 Michigan Spring Frustrations04:38 When to Paint Outside05:34 Surface Temperature Matters06:47 Dew Point Basics07:43 Moisture in Wood09:06 Surfactant Leaching11:08 Element Guard12:12 Outdoor Painting Schedule13:40 Keep Paint Warm14:22 Shift to Interior Painting15:08 Repainting Son’s House15:51 Optima Paint Overview16:36 Dark Colors Coverage18:18 Covering Bright Colors18:32 Final Recommendation19:00 Greenery Benefits Tease19:09 Sponsor Break19:31 Brain Needs at Home21:05 Biophilic Design Explained21:53 Nature Lowers Stress Fast24:21 Earth Tone Color Tips26:20 Natural Materials28:17 Sponsor Break29:43 Wabi-Sabi and Imperfection32:04 Protecting Your Views33:43 Plants: Real or Artificial36:14 Series Wrap and Next Week37:45 Podcast and Facebook39:35 Easter Sign-Off

When can you really start painting outside in the spring? It’s not just about air temperature—and getting this wrong can ruin a project.Dan Hansen breaks down the real factors that determine whether exterior paint will succeed or fail. He explains why surface temperature matters more than air temperature, how to use an infrared thermometer to check it, and why dew point and moisture content can quietly sabotage your work. You’ll learn when wood is actually ready to paint (hint: below ~15% moisture), why frozen or damp substrates cause problems, and how to plan a smart early-season painting schedule. He also highlights Benjamin Moore Element Guard, designed for cooler conditions and rain resistance as fast as 60 minutes.Then the conversation shifts indoors—to something most people completely overlook: lighting.Your brain is constantly responding to light in ways that affect your sleep, mood, focus, and overall wellbeing. Dan walks through the research behind this and explains why “irregular light” (the wrong kind of light at the wrong time) can throw off your system. He connects this to real-world environments—from hospitals to workplaces—and shows how lighting choices at home can either support or fight against how your brain wants to function.You’ll get practical, actionable advice:Why morning light exposure (within an hour of waking) matters more than you thinkHow to choose the right bulb color temperature (2700K vs 3500–4000K) depending on the roomWhy layered lighting beats a single overhead fixture every timeFinally, Dan tackles a viral carbon monoxide ad and clears up a common misunderstanding: CO detectors are not designed to detect every trace of carbon monoxide immediately. He explains how UL 2034 standards actually work, including threshold levels and built-in delays, and what that means for your safety.You’ll also learn:Where and how to install CO detectorsWhen to replace them (typically every 5–7 years)Why annual inspection of fuel-burning appliances mattersWhen a low-level CO monitor might be worth adding as a supplementEpisode Timeline00:00 Welcome and March Rant01:53 When to Paint Outside03:05 Why Surface Temperature Matters04:18 Understanding Dew Point05:14 Moisture Levels in Wood06:37 Element Guard in Cool Weather07:47 Planning a Daily Painting Schedule09:57 Why Lighting Matters More Than You Think10:31 How Light Affects Your Brain14:31 Real-World Research Examples17:13 What “Irregular Light” Means18:28 Practical Lighting Fixes19:54 Why Morning Light Is Critical22:45 Choosing the Right Bulb Temperature24:56 Warm vs Cool Lighting by Room26:51 Why You Should Layer Lighting30:58 Carbon Monoxide Ad Breakdown34:00 How CO Detectors Actually Work36:21 CO Safety Tips and Best Practices39:02 Wrap Up

Dan Hansen hosts Home in Progress by RepcoLite Paints (sponsored by Benjamin Moore), opening with a memorable—and painful—story involving a cheese grater that leads into a practical takeaway: 100% silicone caulk cannot be painted and often must be removed if used incorrectly.From there, the episode shifts into a deeper exploration of what makes a space feel like home.Hansen connects neuroscience to interior design, explaining how the brain acts as a prediction engine—rapidly evaluating environments and forming physical responses before conscious thought kicks in. Within seconds, a room can create a sense of ease or low-level friction that we often can’t explain, but definitely feel.Through relatable examples and a simple visualization exercise, he demonstrates how the body “reads” a space. He shares a personal realization that even a well-designed, comfortable room can create subtle stress—triggered in his case by a cluttered desk just out of sight.The episode introduces two key design principles:Coherence — creating a consistent visual and material “logic” that allows the brain to settleVariation — adding just enough visual interest to keep the space engaging without becoming overwhelmingTogether, these ideas form a practical framework for designing spaces that don’t just look good—but feel right at a deeper level.Episode Overview 00:00 Welcome and Episode Setup01:10 Cheese Grater Mishap (and Why It Matters)04:23 Paint Tip: Silicone Caulk Warning06:38 Neuroscience Meets Interior Design07:03 Why Some Rooms Feel Instantly Right10:09 The Brain as a Prediction Engine11:48 “Feeling” Texture Without Touching It14:17 Friction vs. Ease in a Space14:54 The Hidden Cost of “Fine” Rooms17:52 Try This: Room Visualization Exercise19:03 Sponsor Break19:19 Your Body Is Reading Your Space20:53 The Desk That Changed Everything24:19 Your Nervous System Keeps Score27:04 Coherence: The Thread That Ties a Room Together32:00 Why Coherence Doesn’t Mean Boring34:32 Variation: Giving Your Eye Something to Do36:38 Finding the Balance Between Calm and Overload38:14 What’s Coming Next: Light, Color, and More38:51 Paint With a Purpose39:26 Wrap-Up and Sign-Off

In this episode of Home in Progress, Dan Hansen explores how overlooked spaces—especially laundry rooms—can quietly affect our mood and stress levels. Drawing on research linking cluttered, chaotic environments to higher stress, Dan argues that even small design improvements—better lighting, thoughtful organization, and especially color—can transform repetitive chores into calmer, more enjoyable routines.He explains why paint is often the simplest and most affordable way to reset a neglected space, sharing the dramatic difference a fresh coat of paint made in a dark Michigan basement.The episode also tackles a practical spring concern: water in the basement. Dan walks through common causes after heavy rain or snowmelt and offers practical steps homeowners can take to prevent problems. He explains how roof runoff, clogged gutters, poor grading, frozen ground, and failing sump pumps can all send water toward your foundation.If water does get inside, Dan outlines safe cleanup strategies, including pumping out standing water, drying the space quickly to prevent mold, evaluating whether carpets can be saved, and protecting yourself from electrical hazards and contaminants. He also recommends installing water alarms for early warning and documenting damage for insurance claims.Finally, the episode returns to laundry room design with practical ideas for making the space more inviting—using paint, lighting, hardware, and personal touches to turn a purely functional room into one that actually feels good to use.Episode Timeline00:00 Show Intro and Preview01:29 Why Rooms Affect Mood04:06 Clutter Stress and Beauty07:07 Laundry Tasks and Creativity08:40 Paint as the Fast Fix09:04 Basement Paint Transformation13:39 Shift to Basement Water15:15 Keep Water Out Basics18:56 If Water Is Already In20:17 Don’t Panic First Steps20:22 Floodwater Safety Gear20:49 Electric Shock Precautions21:45 Pump Out Standing Water22:19 Extension Cord Safety23:26 ShopVac Cleanup Tips23:56 Dry Out Fast Prevent Mold24:41 Carpet Save Or Toss25:22 Drywall Hidden Damage26:48 Wrap Up Flood Advice28:34 Basement Waterproofing Paint29:15 Laundry Room Can Be Beautiful30:24 Confidence Zones Bold Design31:52 Warm Minimalist Color Picks33:53 Go Dark With Contrast35:30 Lighting Hardware And Art38:45 Laundry Room Mindset Shift39:33 Final Sign Off

In this episode of Home in Progress, Dan Hansen welcomes back former co-host Hailey Johnson for a conversation that blends art, creativity, and home design.Hailey shares what she’s been doing since stepping away from the show—focusing on product and color training at RepcoLite and continuing her work as an artist and curator. One of her newest projects is Hammer Space Gallery 2.0, an artist-run exhibition space she operates out of a detached garage, created to give installation artists and experimental creators more opportunities to show their work in Grand Rapids.The conversation explores installation art—a form of art that creates an immersive environment rather than a single object on a wall. Hailey explains how installation artists think about space, movement, materials, and the emotional experience of viewers.Dan and Hailey also preview the upcoming exhibition “Heaviest, Heaviest, Heaviest,” opening March 14 from 4:30–7:30 PM at Do Not Start in southwest Grand Rapids. The show features work by filmmaker Seejohn Czaplicki, installation artist Isabella Werschky, kinetic sculptor Abhishek Narula, and sound artist Nick Buwalda, including a live-composed sound performance.Along the way, the discussion connects artistic thinking to everyday design decisions in our homes. Topics include how objects relate to one another in a room, designing spaces around emotion rather than rules, choosing materials intentionally, and creating environments that invite curiosity.Whether you’re an art lover or simply trying to make your home feel more intentional, this conversation offers a fresh way to think about the spaces we live in.HEAVIEST, HEAVIEST, HEAVIESTMarch 14, 4:30 - 7:30at Do Not Start (1265 Godfrey Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)Learn MoreEpisode Breakdown00:00 Welcome back Hailey00:55 Why loving a color matters more than perfect technique02:34 Life update since leaving the show04:16 Hammer Space Gallery and artist-run spaces06:01 Why Grand Rapids needs more exhibition opportunities10:51 What installation art actually is13:19 Preview of Heaviest, Heaviest, Heaviest20:47 Event details and invitation24:21 Design lessons from installation art25:42 Thinking about rooms as a whole composition27:33 Flow, movement, and how people move through spaces28:40 Designing rooms around feeling30:16 Concept behind the exhibition31:28 Making intentional material choices32:31 A performance built around simple materials35:25 Collecting art with personal meaning37:14 Inviting curiosity into your home41:05 Finding joy in quirky design (the cat clock moment)44:13 When art challenges the viewer45:31 Seeing ordinary materials differently47:38 Event details and closing

On this episode of Home in Progress, Dan Hansen sits down with Ginger Herman of Suprins Group at Five Star Real Estate Leaders for a timely 2026 West Michigan real estate update — plus a behind-the-scenes look at Ginger’s own ski chalet renovation.Ginger explains that as winter fades, Michigan’s spring market is heating up. Inventory remains tight but is improving, particularly in the $350,000–$400,000 range. Bidding wars are still happening, though not as frenzied as previous years. Mortgage rates have eased compared to last year, hovering in the high-5% to low-6% range, while home prices continue their steady climb.For sellers preparing to list, Ginger emphasizes the fundamentals: deep cleaning, decluttering, and addressing small deferred repairs. Strategic prep depends on your pricing goals and neighborhood comparables — but presentation still matters.In the second half of the episode, Ginger shares the story of purchasing and refreshing a fully furnished 1970s ski chalet rental — complete with orange accents and dated finishes. Instead of gutting the character, she leaned into it. Keeping the black trim and wood floors, she updated the space with Benjamin Moore Ballet White and Sweet Rosie Brown, using Scuff-X for durability in a high-traffic rental. With guidance from a color specialist and expert advice on finishes for tall, light-filled walls, the chalet now feels fresh while honoring its roots.A practical market update and a real-world paint transformation — all in one conversation.EPISODE TIMELINE00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro00:24 Winter Walk Mirror Moment03:32 Spring Market Warming Up05:09 Inventory and Buyer Segments07:00 Mortgage Rates and Pricing08:44 Offers and Timing Strategy11:03 Seller Prep and Touchups13:23 Deep Clean and Declutter18:14 Contact Info and Break19:19 Ski Chalet Project Begins20:15 Buying the Chalet Fast20:57 Renovation Plans and Style21:57 Seventies Decor Tour23:15 Renovation Vision24:26 Color Plan With Hailey27:18 Neutrals Versus Cabin Dark28:51 Bathroom Color Pop29:34 Paint Finish And Scuff X32:06 Why Experts Matter33:49 Wrap Up And Furnishings34:33 Rentals And Repeat Guests35:56 Consultations And Store Help38:27 Company Experience And Thanks39:17 Contact Info And Sign Off

In this episode of Home in Progress, Dan Hansen tackles three practical home topics that can quietly make or break your projects.First: Caulking before painting.Fresh paint exposes every gap your house has developed over time. Dan explains exactly where to caulk (baseboards, trim-to-wall joints, crown molding lines, built-ins, chair rail edges) — and where not to caulk (nail holes, drywall cracks, miter joints, floating cabinet panels). Using the wrong product in the wrong place can cause failure later. He also shares a tip on faster paint-ready caulks for projects on a tight timeline.Next: Laundry room flow upgrades.Dan continues his laundry efficiency series by focusing on two key zones: the processing zone (wash/dry) and the folding zone. He explains why vertical storage prevents bottlenecks, why detergents should usually stay in their original containers, and how to create a folding station that doesn’t interfere with servicing your machines. Smart layout beats pretty décor every time.Finally: Choosing paint colors for someone who is colorblind.Dan clears up myths about colorblindness (it’s rarely black-and-white vision) and explains how value, contrast, texture, and lighting matter more than hue. He offers practical design strategies and real-world examples to help homeowners make confident color decisions that work for everyone in the house.Resources Mentioned:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNnCafjjgBwEpisode Timeline:00:00 Welcome + What’s Coming Up (Colorblind Paint Picks & Laundry Room Upgrades)01:13 Why Caulking Matters Before You Paint02:33 Where to Caulk: Baseboards, Casings, Crown & Built-Ins04:22 Where NOT to Caulk: Nail Holes, Miters & Drywall Cracks06:21 Cabinet Door Trap: Floating Panels vs MDF (When Caulk Fails)07:39 Quick Sponsor Tip: Fast-Paint Caulk Deal (Tower Sealants Accelerator)08:19 Laundry Rooms Part 2: Processing Zone & Workflow Setup10:17 Use Vertical Space: Shelves, Hooks, Pegboard Above Machines11:45 Detergent Storage Reality Check: Don’t Decant (Safety, Instructions, Effectiveness)16:21 If You Must Decant: Do It Safely + Extra Storage Hacks (Doors, Carts, Tension Rods)19:18 Laundry Room Flow: Clear Counters & Create a Folding Zone21:59 Why Folding Elsewhere Breaks the System (Dining Table, Living Room, Dogs)24:49 DIY Folding Stations: Countertops for Front-Loaders & Hinged Options for Top-Loaders26:50 Don’t Build It In: Modular Counters, Machine Access & Water Hookups27:48 Air-Dry Solutions: Racks, Retractable Lines & Space-Saving Ideas29:23 Sponsor Break + Listener Question: Choosing Paint Colors for Colorblindness30:29 Colorblindness 101: Myths, Types, and How Common It Really Is34:37 Designing for Color Vision Deficiency: Value, Contrast, Texture, Lighting38:13 Real-World Example + Wrap-Up: Smarter Color Choices and Final Sign-Off

In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, Dan Hansen kicks things off with a sincere thank-you to listeners and a reminder that the show is always available as a podcast—perfect for catching up anytime.Then comes the embarrassing voicemail fiasco.What starts as a cringe-worthy personal story quickly turns into a surprisingly helpful lesson about home improvement: slow down, think things through, and don’t let small mistakes snowball into bigger problems. Dan breaks down how missteps—whether in communication or remodeling—can derail projects, and how a little preparation can save time, money, and frustration.From there, the episode tackles a common household pain point: the laundry room. Why does it become chaotic so easily? Dan explores how workflow design, sorting systems, and simple layout adjustments can dramatically improve efficiency. Whether you’re managing laundry for one person or a busy household, he shares practical strategies to prevent bottlenecks and keep the process moving.You’ll also hear advice on restoring rusty outdoor metal furniture—what to scrape, what to prime, and how to protect it properly—plus a lighthearted round of Valentine’s Day trivia to wrap things up.Practical. Relatable. A little embarrassing. And packed with usable advice.Episode Breakdown00:00 Welcome & Show Introduction 00:46 Listener Questions & What’s Ahead 01:31 The Voicemail Disaster 04:34 Lessons Learned: Avoiding Project Pitfalls 06:11 Staying on Track with Home Improvements 13:49 How to Paint & Protect Rusty Metal Furniture 18:27 Why Laundry Rooms Become Chaotic 23:08 Designing an Efficient Laundry Workflow 27:50 Sorting Systems That Actually Work 33:45 Smart Laundry Room Organization Tips 37:06 Valentine’s Day Trivia

In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, Dan Hansen opens with a lighthearted (and slightly embarrassing) personal story that sets the tone for a thoughtful, practical conversation about our homes—and the stuff we fill them with.The episode then moves into a deeper look at memory management: how to deal with boxes of kids’ artwork, baby clothes, photos, and other sentimental items without letting them quietly take over your house. Dan shares realistic, guilt-free strategies for deciding what to keep, what to let go, and how to preserve memories without drowning in clutter.From there, the focus shifts to Paint 101, breaking down how different paint products are designed for different jobs—and why understanding the “superpower” of each paint can make projects easier, faster, and better looking. Dan also tackles common frustrations people have when learning paint techniques, reminding listeners that confidence comes with understanding, not perfection.The episode wraps up with a Winter Wood Shop segment featuring the card scraper—a simple but powerful tool for wood finishing that often gets overlooked. Dan explains what it does, why it works, and how to use it properly.Blending humor, practical advice, and expert insight, this episode encourages listeners to take control of their spaces—both emotionally and physically—one manageable project at a time.Episode Timeline00:00 – Introduction & an embarrassing moment in church05:32 – Memory Management: why “stuff” becomes overwhelming06:09 – Paint 101: understanding what paint is actually designed to do06:42 – Winter Wood Shop: the underrated power of the card scraper18:41 – Choosing the right paint for every room19:12 – Personal paint advice and real-world lessons19:57 – Why learning paint techniques feels harder than it should21:43 – Paint finishes explained—and why they matter23:29 – Why paint quality makes a real difference25:33 – Matching paint products to real-life rooms31:08 – Organizing kids’ artwork and memorabilia35:20 – Dealing with sentimental items without guilt38:46 – The challenge: start organizing today39:35 – Final thoughts and wrap-up

In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, the conversation continues around organizing memories—this time shifting from digital clutter to physical photographs, with practical advice on how to curate, preserve, and store them without feeling overwhelmed.The show also explores the very real impact of the winter blues and why colder months can actually be an ideal time to tackle small home projects. We dig into the psychology behind why getting things done—especially around the home—can help improve mood, motivation, and a sense of control during the winter season.You’ll also hear practical tips for building a simple but smart emergency kit for an older vehicle, along with guidance on interior painting during winter. From managing humidity and temperature to working around forced-air heat and ventilation, the episode breaks down how to get professional-level results indoors—even in the middle of winter.Episode Timeline00:00 Introduction & episode overview00:47 Building a simple emergency car kit08:20 Understanding and coping with the winter blues12:09 Why home projects help your mental health16:13 Small projects with surprisingly big impact18:16 Behavioral activation: doing first, feeling better later19:17 Interior painting in winter—what really matters20:17 Common winter painting concerns (and why they’re manageable)20:33 Why winter is actually a great time for indoor projects21:17 Easier access to pros and resources in winter22:12 Humidity, dry time, and paint performance23:38 Temperature considerations when painting indoors25:16 Forced-air heat and ceiling painting tips26:41 Ventilation concerns and simple solutions27:35 Winter painting tips recap28:37 Organizing physical photographs31:29 Step-by-step photo organization and digitizing35:03 Creating a “greatest hits” photo collection36:15 Long-term storage and backup strategies38:26 Next week: organizing kids’ artwork

In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, Dan kicks things off with a lighthearted winter story before diving into two practical, surprisingly connected topics: organizing digital memories and choosing the right wood finish.The first half of the show tackles the growing stress of digital photo overload. Dan breaks down why our phones feel so cluttered, explains the critical difference between syncing and backing up photos, and outlines simple, realistic steps for freeing up storage while keeping important memories safe. Along the way, he introduces the “paradox of plenty” — why having fewer, more meaningful photos can actually help us enjoy our memories more.In the second half, the focus shifts back to the Winter Wood Shop with a deep but accessible look at lacquer and polyurethane. Dan explains how modern wood finishes evolved, the practical differences between oil-based and water-based polyurethane, and how recent VOC regulations have changed what’s available today. He also shares application tips, common mistakes to avoid, and why polyurethane remains one of the most versatile finishes for real-world woodworking projects.The episode wraps up by connecting good materials, good habits, and good outcomes — whether you’re protecting wood or preserving memories.RECOMMENDED READING & RESOURCESIf you want to go deeper, these articles and guides are clear and practical:Practical Guides for Photo Organization & BackupHow to Organize and Protect Digital Photos (The Photo Managers) — A professional’s guide to consolidating, organizing, and backing up your entire library. How to Organize and Protect Digital PhotosHow To Organize And Back Up Digital Photos and Videos (DIY Playbook) — Practical steps for creating a “photo hub,” removing duplicates, and backing up to a cloud or hard drive. How to Organize and Back Up Digital Photos and VideosStep-by-Step Photo Storage Guide (Eyes The Limit) — A straightforward walk through sorting, backing up, and deleting unwanted photos, including folder and tagging tips. How to Organize Your Photo Storage: Step‑by‑Step GuideApple Support — iCloud Photos & Optimize Storage — Official Apple instructions so you can see exactly how iCloud sync, optimize storage, and deletions work (and why synced photos are everywhere). Set up and Use iCloud Photos (Apple Support)Cloud & Phone Backup BasicsGoogle Photos Help — Manage Storage & Cleanup — Official support from Google on how to manage storage, clean up large files, and understand what counting against storage means in Google Photos. Manage Your Storage (Google Photos Help)Guide to Backing Up iPhone Photos (Readdle) — A broader look at ways to back up your iPhone photos, including external drives and cloud options, and why backups matter. 4 Ways to Back Up Photos from iPhone & iPadUltimate Guide to Storing & Managing Photos (Forte Labs) — A thorough exploration of cloud backup basics and strategies for managing large collections (includes Google Photos context). The Ultimate Guide to Storing, Managing, and Enjoying Your PhotosEpisode Overview00:00 Welcome & Winter Fun01:08 Organizing Memories: Why It Feels Overwhelming04:41 The Digital Photo Dilemma09:41 Sync vs. Backup: Understanding Cloud Storage14:07 Creating a Safe Photo “Vault”16:17 Editing Photos & Building a Simple Habit17:59 Getting Ahead of Digital Photo Management18:20 Looking Ahead to Physical Photo Sorting18:42 Introduction to Polyurethane19:13 The History and Evolution of Lacquer23:35 The Invention and Benefits of Polyurethane25:13 Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Polyurethane33:49 Application Tips & Common Mistakes37:20 Custom Stain Matching & Final Thoughts

In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, the conversation starts with a teaser from the Winter Wood Shop series—then takes a sharp turn into one of the most unexpected topics we’ve covered yet.The show opens with real-world painting questions from new homeowners, including whether dark paint really covers bright pink walls better, how to temporarily paint a tile kitchen backsplash, and what to consider when tackling large trim projects in older homes where lead paint may be present. Along the way, we break down how paint bases and primers actually work, why the order you choose colors matters, and when extra caution is required for health and safety.From there, the episode pivots into a surprisingly fascinating deep dive on shellac—what it is, how it’s used, and why it’s still relevant today. We explore both clear shellac and white pigmented shellac, its role in woodworking and finishing, and its long, strange history. That includes the origin story most people never hear: shellac’s connection to the lac bug, how it shows up in everyday products, and why it sometimes sparks debate in the vegan world.It’s a practical, informative episode with a twist—grounded in real home improvement advice, but ending with a topic you probably didn’t expect to hear on a painting show.ResourcesMake Your Own Shellac (Video)Episode Timeline00:00 — Introduction & Winter Wood Shop Teaser00:41 — Painting Questions from New Homeowners02:08 — Paint Coverage, Bases, and Primers Explained05:56 — Can You Paint a Tile Backsplash?08:31 — Lead Paint Concerns in Older Homes13:26 — Choosing Paint Colors in the Right Order17:49 — How RepcoLite Helps Homeowners Get It Right18:29 — Meet the Lac Bug19:18 — The Secret Life of Lac Bugs21:28 — Lac Bugs in Everyday Products24:49 — The Vegan Debate25:56 — From Bug Secretions to Shellac27:04 — Shellac in Woodworking32:15 — Shellac’s Historical Role35:58 — Modern Uses (and Limits) of Shellac39:04 — Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

In the first full episode of 2026, Home in Progress host Dan Hansen takes a fresh look at New Year’s resolutions—why they so often fail, and how a small shift in thinking can make them far more sustainable. Drawing on personal experience, Dan shares a practical, realistic approach to setting goals that actually stick.From there, the episode pivots to a common winter home concern: mold and mildew. Dan breaks down what mold really is, when it’s a health concern, and when it’s more of a maintenance issue. You’ll hear clear, step-by-step guidance on safely cleaning mold, choosing the right products, and preventing it from returning—plus what to do after mold is removed so your repairs last.The episode wraps up with the launch of a new Winter Wood Shop series, starting with one of the most misunderstood finishing products out there: tung oil. Dan explains the differences between pure tung oil, tung oil/varnish blends, and products labeled “tung oil finish,” and compares their real-world performance to polyurethane so you can choose the right finish for the job.Episode Timeline00:00 — Welcome to Home in Progress00:24 — Why New Year’s Resolutions So Often Fail02:06 — A More Sustainable Approach to Goal-Setting07:31 — Introducing the Winter Wood Shop Series08:32 — Mold and Mildew: What Homeowners Should Know12:56 — Understanding Mold in the Home19:34 — Essential Safety Gear for Mold Cleanup20:21 — Effective Mold Cleaning Methods21:39 — How to Know When Mold Is Truly Gone23:01 — Priming and Painting After Mold Removal24:18 — Preventing Mold from Coming Back27:29 — What Tung Oil Really Is (and Isn’t)32:05 — The Three Types of “Tung Oil” Products35:22 — Where Tung Oil Works—and Where It Doesn’t38:25 — Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

In this special Best Of episode of Home in Progress, Dan Hansen blends craftsmanship, practical paint advice, and motivation to kick off your next project with momentum. First, he dives into the story of the legendary H.O. Studley Tool Chest, exploring its remarkable construction and what it can teach us about quality work, organization, and efficiency. From there, Dan shifts into paint know-how—breaking down why dedicated primers still matter, when “paint-and-primer-in-one” products fall short, and how the right prep steps can save time and frustration. The episode wraps with a practical, encouraging segment on setting goals and actually sticking with them long after the initial New Year’s motivation fades.Episode Timeline00:00 — Introduction and 400th Episode Announcement00:32 — Reflecting on 400 Episodes02:56 — Today’s Historical Focus03:37 — The Story of the Studley Tool Chest13:07 — Lessons from the Studley Tool Chest18:59 — Why Primer Still Matters20:24 — Paint + Primer Combo Products: What They Really Do23:23 — The Truth About “Paint and Primer in One”24:20 — When You Need a Dedicated Primer27:02 — Special Offer on Quicksand Primer29:44 — Setting Goals That Actually Stick38:08 — Maintaining Long-Term Success with Goals

In this special Best Of episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, Dan Hansen shares a handful of favorite segments from the past year—perfect for the holiday stretch when you’re tackling projects, relaxing at home, or doing a little of both.The show opens with some weekend chatter (including a nostalgic roller-skating detour sparked by Back to the Future), then into a paint-heavy segment aimed at a classic homeowner problem: how to make a small room feel bigger without remodeling. He breaks down five practical paint strategies, including smart color choices, monochromatic palettes, and “color drenching,” plus a couple of visual tricks that add height and depth.The second half of the show takes a surprisingly fascinating turn into the history of glass—from natural obsidian to early glassmaking legends, Roman breakthroughs like glass blowing and early window panes, and the evolution to modern insulated windows. Dan wraps the episode with a rapid-fire guide to common window issues—drafts, condensation, fog between panes, and windows that won’t operate smoothly—along with realistic fixes and when it’s time to call in a pro.Episode Summary00:00 — Best Of kickoff + holiday-week programming00:16 — Weekend plans and roller-skating nostalgia02:09 — New Year’s resolutions, “Quitter’s Day,” and the mindset reset03:32 — A funny “height hack” detour (and why it secretly sets up the paint point)12:45 — Paint Point: 5 ways to make a small room feel larger17:39 — Two-toned walls and eye-trick design strategies18:30 — Listener emails + how to send topic ideas18:56 — The history of glass: discovery, invention, and innovation20:25 — From early glassmaking to Roman windows26:09 — Industrial-era improvements and modern window evolution30:38 — Window problems homeowners actually deal with (and what to do)39:36 — Wrap-up, where to find the episode, and next week’s preview