DIY Decorating

However tempting it may seem, trying to save money by buying cheap brands of paint can actually work out more expensive in time, money and effort than buying a quality brand and making sure the surfaces are sealed and primed. Poorer quality paints tend not to cover as well so you’ll need more – that’s why they are often in such large cans – and you may have to paint two or three coats to get an even finish. Make sure you have enough paint in the same colour and finish to complete the job. Paints are made in batches […] Read More →

On average, the outside of our homes will need redecorating every five years or so. This can be a big job and one that requires a great deal of care, planning and preparation. If the exterior surfaces are not properly prepared, paint can peel and crack, and water can penetrate down to the underlying structure causing more than just cosmetic damage. Damp, heat and frost all affect exterior paintwork: damp will cause paint to peel; heat will cause it to blister; and frost will leave gloss paintwork looking flat. Choose a warm, dry day with little wind following a spell […] Read More →

The most common wallpaper defects are caused because the walls have not been lined. Lining paper makes the wall surface smooth and even and provides the correct amount of porosity to ensure maximum adhesion when the wallpaper is hung over it. Lining paper comes in different qualities and weights, so select the one that is right for your wallpaper. Hanging lining paper horizontally ensures that no joins will align with the joins in the wallpaper, which is hung vertically. If your walls are very uneven or have fine, hairline cracks, then hanging a double lining – the first vertically and […] Read More →

A surprising amount of metal is used in and around our homes – for central heating radiators, gates and railings, drainpipes and guttering and window frames. It seems odd, however, that metal, which is strong and hard-wearing, should be used in areas where it comes into contact with the one thing that causes it to corrode: water. Paint on its own won’t protect metal from rust, although it will slow down the rusting process. Inhibitors and primers are required to completely protect it from being affected by rust. Where metal has been used in and around your home, check it […] Read More →

The best-painted walls are only as good as their preparation. Time spent cleaning and making good walk and ceilings prior to receiving their finish is time well spent. As a general rule, although some paint finishes will disguise an uneven wall, the aim of careful preparation is to ensure that walls and other surfaces are as flat and smooth as possible. Paint and wallpaper are not just decorations; they also protect the surfaces from wear and tear. But these finishes may crack, flake, tear or fall off the wall if the surface is not prepared carefully. For a perfect finish, […] Read More →

Odd bits of paint left over at the end of a job are often kept in the original can in the vain hope that one day it will come in useful for touching up. Most of the time, when you take the lid off these leftovers, the paint has set hard because the seal on the lid no longer fits tightly. Left-over solvent-based paints will leach out fumes from ill-fitting lids and can be a serious fire hazard. Any left-over paint is better stored in a glass screw-top jar of the right size. Label the jar with the make, type […] Read More →

Taking a Break During short breaks in work, professional decorators wrap their brushes in plastic bags, clingfilm or tin foil, so the paint doesn’t dry on the bristles. You can also use a rag moistened with the appropriate solvent to keep out the air and stop the paint from drying out. During longer breaks, to save the process of cleaning oil-based paints from brushes, decorators suspend their brushes in a jar filled with water so the level covers the bristles. The brush has a hole drilled through it, just above the metal ferrule, through which you can insert a nail […] Read More →

The type of paint you select depends on both the finish you want and the material you are decorating. Various additives adapt the qualities of paint for different uses. Emulsion paint is the most popular and practical finish for walls and ceilings. It has a binder made from synthetic resins, which are dispersed in a solution of water. Exterior-grade emulsions, specially formulated to be weatherproof, are also available. Solvent-based (oil) paints are a mix of oils and resins. Paints made from natural resins are very slow to dry so most modern paints contain synthetic versions to make them fast drying. […] Read More →

To produce a professional result in home decorating, it is essential to use the right tools for the job. A stripping knife – one with a blade around 75mm wide (3in) – is used to strip off paint from flat surfaces. For awkward corners and around decorative mouldings, triangular or shaped shavehooks are useful. Hot-air strippers can save time but don’t use them near glass or plastic. You’ll need abrasive paper to rub down the surface and a filling knife to repair cracks. Professional decorators use paint kettles but any container with a handle will do. Tie an old nylon […] Read More →