THE KEY TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
Sugar soap
Decorators caulk (flexible filler)
Masking tape
2in paint brushes Paint-stirring sticks
Dust sheet
Roller pole extension
Sanding pads Small radiator roller Quick-drying paint
“If the plaster is gloss painted, rub the wall down with 40-grit abrasive paper wrapped around a cork block,” Hines advises.
“If you have new plasterwork you will need to remove any blistering and fill in any blemishes.”
Make a list of tools you need and shop for them the weekend before or during the week leading up to your DIY weekend.
Decorator’s caulk, a filler for gaps and cracks, and masking tape should be high on your list. A favourite is Frog Tape, but everyday use masking tape could also come in handy. You’ll need 2 and 3in paint brushes for painting small section of walls and woodwork, as well as cutting-in brushes for tricky corners.
Use good-quality acrylic brushes rather than natural hog bristle which can hold too much paint.
Other key tools include a roller pole extension, to help you paint the walls and the ceiling, and a plastic
paint kettle with a lid which provides airtight storage for small amounts of paint – easier to work with than a large tin, and the lid keeps the paint from drying out overnight.
Timing is crucial
Saving money on your paint may not necessarily save you time. In fact buying cheaper paint, which often needs an extra coat or two, can actually take longer to dry and end up eating into your weekend project.
One option to consider is using water-based paint over oil-based as it dries a lot quicker, doesn’t smell and is also better for the environment.
“Choose a quick-dry, water-based paint for a weekend project,” says Shillingford. “Oil-based paints take eight hours to dry, while water-based paints dry in an hour.”
Buy the right paint for the job
As well as investing in quick-drying paint, it’s important to choose the right type for the surface being painted.
– Gloss paints are best for woodwork – Eggshell, satin, silk or matte are all emulsion paints for walls and ceilings – Matte is non-reflective; eggshell has a subtle cracked effect; and silk or satin paints have a slight sheen