Transform your bedroom with DIY panelling

With the right tools, you can makeover the spare room in a weekend

Want to update the guest bedroom ready to welcome friends and family this winter? The latest trend for wall panelling can create hotel-style chic, and you can get the look using Harris tools and brushes. Here’s how: You’ll need: Smooth square edge MDF stripwood (L) 2.4m (W)46mm (T)12mm (buy enough for your project) Unibond No More Nails – Original Indoor Use or similar Polycell Quick Drying Polyfilla or similar Primer and paint Mini saw Spirit level Pencil & rubber Tape measure Harris Ultimate 2” Filling Knife Harris Seriously Good Sanding Block – medium

Harris Seriously Good 4”

Walls & Ceilings roller set Harris Ultimate Walls & Ceilings 1” Blade Brush Harris Microfibre Cloths Harris Ultimate

Masking Tape

Method

1 Prime the MDF strips: Paint the MDF strips using a good interior wood primer. Choose a wellventilated area and use a Harris Interior woodwork brush or roller. Apply a little extra primer to the thin sides of the strips as they absorb more paint. While they dry, wipe down the wall you’re panelling and the skirting board with a damp cloth to remove dust.

2 Measure out the wall: Carefully measure the width of the wall and see how close you want the panelling to work out how many panels you want. In this scheme, it took vertical seven strips at a height of 150cm. Mark the centre of the wall so that the central strip is your focal point. Measure outwards and mark each point in the centre of where you’ll place a strip. Once

done, mark the actual width of the strip – this helps when gluing them into the correct position.

3 Cut & glue the strips: Use a measuring tape and saw to cut the strips to the right length.

When applying the strips to the wall, place the sawn edge at the bottom. Starting with the piece that runs along the top of the skirting board, apply the glue directly to the MDF strip, and then press to the wall. You have five minutes to adjust it before the glue dries. Use a spirit level to get it straight. Once in position, press firmly into place to reduce the gap between it and the wall. Use your finger to smooth any glue oozing along the joint between the wall and strip. Repeat this for the centre strip, outside strips and the inside strips, leaving the top strip until last. Let the glue set for 24-48 hours.

4 Smooth the MDF and paint:

Once the glue has dried, use filler to fill any gaps between the wall and the strips. Smooth with a sanding block when dry then dust with a cloth. Cut in around the edges of the wall and the MDF strips using a Harris Ultimate Walls & Ceilings 1” brush. Paint the larger areas and central strips using a 4” mini roller. Apply as many coats of paint as necessary for your desired colour.

For more information about Harris decorating tools, preparation and cleaning products, plus hints and tips on key decorating projects, go to harrisbrushes.com or follow on instagram @harrisbrushes_uk