DIY Painting & Design Ideas

We love DIY, and DIY madness sets in for us with spring. Longer days mean you can finish jobs faster, and warm sunshine means windows can be thrown open to make the paint dry quicker. As the saying goes, if you want a job done well, do it yourself. But DIY doesn’t necessarily come naturally for all of us! Here are some simple but effective tips to decorate better at home.

Preparation, preparation, preparation
 

You’ve probably heard this before, but preparation is key to a good paint job. You need to prepare the wall, room, or furniture you want to paint.
 

• Remove all existing paint, wallpaper, varnish

• Use filler or silicone to cover over cracks and nicks

• Sand everything down for a better painting surface

• Clean thoroughly, especially if there is any mould

• Make sure all surfaces are dry before beginning your redecorating

• Clear the room and cover the floor

• Tape all frames to protect them from splashes

• Make sure you have all the tools you need before you start

 

Paint by numbers:
 

1. Buy the best quality paint and brushes you can afford.
2. Only dip the brush halfway into the paint and dab the excess away to avoid drips.
3. Do niches, alcoves and edges before the main bulk of the wall.
4. Use kitchen foil to cover irregular bits such as doorknobs.
5. Place a bin bag around the toilet cistern when painting in the bathroom.
6. Tape cardboard behind pipes and radiators when repainting to protect the wall.