Ask the experts
Keen to freshen up your walls or the look of your kitchen? You ask – we’ll find the answers.
On the face of it
Karen Matheus of Barberton writes Can I paint my facebrick walls white, even though I have a brown carpet? Also, my walls have lots of cracks; we live against a mountain and perhaps the structure is still settling but I can’t plaster. The rooms are dark and the Lowveld summers are hot. All the pictures I’ve seen online show white facebrick walls with wooden floors, which we can’t afford. Any advice?
Jani Augustyn-Goussard of Paint & Décor replies Colour as a finishing touch doesn’t cost a fortune and can be adapted to suit any space. And while wooden floors would be wonderful, few of us can afford them these days! I think it’s a good idea to paint the walls white to bring light into your home, but pure white is probably not the best choice in combination with furniture in earthy tones and your current carpets.
I suggest an earthy off-white or stone shade – Desert Salt from Paint & Décor (see sketch) has a touch of brown and black, which creates a warmer and lighter backdrop. Or try Old Stone from our Earth Whites range for an earthier tone. You could also play around with an extra colour and add definition to the room by creating a focal wall. A beautiful grey-green will enhance a cool and tranquil atmosphere – consider White Disa from our Fynbos range.
CONTACT paintdecordiy.co.za
The best paint job
Elrika Bezuidenhout writes On page 34 of your March 2018 issue you feature a wooden dresser painted by the homeowner for a fresh new look. I’d like to do the same; how do I go about it?
Bernard Watson of Jack’s Paint & Hardware replies First sand then prime the dresser with two layers of universal undercoat. Leave it to dry overnight before painting the dresser with a water-based satin enamel (Dulux Pearlglo). You could also opt to paint it in Dulux Acrylic PVA with a matte finish and then, for durability, seal it with two coats of a water-based matte varnish such as Gripseal Resilience which is tough but will not yellow.
Alternatively, you could apply Plascon Universal Undercoat on the dresser and leave it to dry overnight. After a light sanding, paint a layer of Plascon Water-Based Velvaglo or Plascon Solvent-Based Velvaglo on the dresser, allow it to dry thoroughly, then apply a second coat and let that dry too.
If you use a water-based or solvent-based enamel, you don’t need to follow up with a sealant. However, if you use water-based acrylic paints or chalk paints, seal with a water-based varnish to ensure washability and durability.
You could use a water-based paint with a sheen finish but this is more prone to scratches and chips than a solvent-based product. Bear in mind that if you use a solvent-based paint in winter, your dresser could take a little longer to dry, even if kept inside. >>
CONTACT bernardwpaint47@gmail.com
Kitchen blues Mariëtte Roos of Durbanville writes
I have ugly kitchen cabinets and would love to update them with a lick of paint. But what do I do with the wooden trim on the sides as well as the back of the cupboard under the breakfast nook? I’m trying to create a cohesive look. Any suggestions?
Nadine Vosloo of Tjhoko Paint replies
Painting is the easy part – it’s the pre-planning that’s confusing simply because of all the colour choices and techniques available! Here are a few ideas: • Paint everything, including the wooden trim and doors, one colour. When it comes to the drawer fronts, have a little fun and experiment with colour – you could even paint each drawer in a different neutral shade, creating an interesting effect without breaking the bank. • New handles will also make a big difference without blowing your budget. Copper-coloured ones will look great with the neutral shades in your kitchen. • Paint the cupboard of the breakfast nook the same colour as the rest of the kitchen; this will pull the look together. I suggest these colours: Coral Stone, Pebble Shadow, Don’s Wash, Vinia Stone and Lorains Cream. Firstly, get a sample pot and paint an inconspicuous spot such as the inside of a door so you can see what the colour looks like in combination with the tiles on your walls and floor. Don’s Wash and Vinia Stone will add warmth to your kitchen and Lorains Cream is a good option for the drawers.
It’s always a good idea to experiment with a sample pot when you need to choose a paint colour as there are many factors that will influence your decision; for example, the difference between the light in the store and that of your kitchen. A colour that works in one space might look awful in another.
CONTACT tjhokopaint.co.za