Brushing up on Painting

For many Australians, the fear of ruining a project is enough to turn them off even getting started. British Paints senior brand manager Bonnie Jenkinson says the chance of ruining a facade or the interior design of a living room becomes the barrier between having a go or passing it onto professionals. Bonnie says some basic rules and the right tools can make all the difference between having a DIY triumph or disaster — but nothing beats the satisfaction of tackling a job on your own.

“With a little planning, the right tools and some easy prep, you can achieve great results all by yourself,” says Bonnie.

To help you get over your “FOMU” (Fear of Mucking Up), Bonnie says the first thing you should do is plan it out, even before you think about a colour scheme.

“Painting is about so much more than choosing a colour,” she says. “There are a few important things to keep in mind before you pick up the paintbrush.

“Start by asking yourself some questions about the surface you’ll be painting. Is it indoors or outdoors? Do you need to account for water, moisture or potential mould growth, like in a kitchen or bathroom?” If you are working on an outdoor project you need to pick a paint that won’t peel, flake or blister and one that is formulated to defend against all seasonal demands of the harsh Australian climate.

For indoor use, choose a combined paint and prime option that will save time, as it combines an undercoat and topcoat in one. Once you’ve found the right paint for the job, the next step is to pick a colour. Bonnie says this can quickly become an overwhelming stage in the DIY journey, with an endless array of colours available. British Paints’ new online Colour Wall Assistant can be useful. All you need is to respond to a few easy questions, select your favourite shades, then the assistant will provide you with some of the most popular colour options for your project. It will also help you calculate how much paint you’ll need.

“Whether it’s a beautifully painted wall, fence or outdoor table, you’re probably already dreaming about your finished project,” says Bonnie.

“The right tools are the champions of a job and make the painting process a lot easier. Quality is better than quantity with tools, so make sure you have a top-quality brush, roller, painter’s tape and drop cloth to make the most of your paint, achieve a professional finish and protect the space around you.”

If your DIY job is outdoors,

Bonnie recommends washing and sanding the surface smooth before painting.

If you’re completing an outdoor project, don’t forget to check what the weather is doing before you get started. Make sure you’re not painting when the weather is too hot, too cold, wet or humid as this will affect how your paint sticks to your surface.

For indoor jobs it is also best to make sure your surface is free of any marks or stains and any rough areas are given a light sand to reduce the appearance of imperfections.

Don’t forget to tackle your surface in sections, working from top to bottom.

“When you’re done, clean up as soon as possible, so that any paint can be removed before it dries,” says Bonnie. “Clean up your brushes and rollers by washing them with warm water, then put them in the sun to dry.”

“WITH A LITTLE PLANNING, THE RIGHT TOOLS AND SOME EASY PREP, YOU CAN ACHIEVE GREAT RESULTS ALL BY YOURSELF

Tap shoes

I’ve tap danced since I was four years old and these babies saved me during lockdown. I got an old wooden table top with the legs removed, put it on our balcony during lockdown and I’d tap dance for hours on it.

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