Transform your home with a splash of colour

WITH summer finally making an appearance, home owners everywhere are consumed with a burning desire to transform their home and out come the Homes & DIY books, magazines and supplements for inspiration.

And with so many people confined by a budge, one of the most effective ways to brighten things up is to add a splash of colour to dreary walls

However, if you’re clueless when it comes to what type of paint to choose, how much you’ll need or even what colour would suit best, don’t fear – you are not alone.

While many employ the services of a professional when it comes to decorating, there are some simple things you can bear in mind to help you do it yourself – and save some cash at the same time!

The number one step in beginning your painting adventure is choosing the right type of paint – be it gloss, non drip or emulsions etc. Without getting the basics right, you’re heading for disaster.

Always ask your supplier which one best suits the surface you plan to paint, as they deal with these queries on a daily basis

As a rough guide, however, emulsions are the best option for interior walls and ceilings – simply because they smell less, dry quicker and can be applied easier. Then, of course, you have three main types of emulsion – matt, satin and silk.

As the name suggests, matt gives a flat non shiny finish, satin gives a more subtle, soft sheen on your walls, while silk gives a high sheen finish and is regarded as the most durable.

When it comes to deciding how much paint you need, your supplier will again be able to help you out, but glosses and emulsions usually cover between 13 and 14 square metres per litre. Of course if you’re covering a dark colour with a lighter one or are painting over embossed, wallpapered or rough surfaces you could need twice as much.

It’s also important to remember that paint is manufactured either for interior and exterior use and this should be adhered to.