Do-It-Yourself Videos for Countertop Coating

Begin a thorough script. Decide first on how long you want your video to be, then allot an amount of time to each step you must include. Ideally, your video has three parts. The first is an introduction, wherein you introduce the project with a brief overview of the steps and what you need -- for example, you could compare different oil and chemical treatments for wooden countertops, or colored and textured coatings for laminate countertops. Be sure to tell the viewer how much time the project will take.

Script the second part, wherein you give the viewer instruction while demonstrating the process you describe in the intro. Demonstration and explanation are key -- these are the things that give your DIY video a leg up over less viscerally exciting forms of communication, like written articles or audio programs. This is also when you have to decide what type of countertop coating you will perform on camera yourself -- be sure that it is something you feel confident doing, because if you flounder on camera, you'll lose your audience.

Finish the script by writing a conclusion, in which you give the viewer a good look at the finished product -- in this case, your coated countertop. This entices the viewer to actually follow your video's instructions.

Prepare your shooting area. Remove any and all visual distractions, like decor, from the area surrounding the countertop you are going to coat. This emphasizes the countertop for the viewer and makes it easier for him to see what you are doing. Make sure that your shooting area is well lit, so that your coating technique is clear to the viewer. For this same reason, put your camera on a tripod or a flat, even surface. A steady camera looks professional and makes your actions easily visible.

Do a few practice runs without recording or actually re-coating your countertop. This helps you perfect your timing and script delivery.

Shoot your video. When shooting the parts in which you actually coat the countertop, shoot at a closeup, so that the viewer can clearly see what you are doing. At this point in the video, the project -- not you -- should be the star.

Finish the video by addressing the viewer directly, either by thanking her for watching or by inviting her to contact you with questions.

Upload the video onto your computer and edit it. This process varies according to your video editing software, so consult your user's manual if you have any questions.

Upload the completed video file onto a video sharing website so that it is accessible to people searching for DIY videos.