Keen to tackle a DIY project but feeling time-poor? With the Easter long weekend coming up, it’s the perfect opportunity to complete small and mid-sized projects around the home. Looking for some renovation inspiration? We’ve got your projects sorted.
Increase your kerb appeal
In a world where first impressions matter, the exterior of your home can make a huge difference to its overall aesthetic. The good news is, giving your exterior a quick and cost-effective update is easy with a few spare hours. Here are some DIY projects to give your façade a facelift.
Front door freshen-up
Whether you want to go bright with a jewelled tone, dramatic with a darker shade or welcoming with a warm tone, a fresh coat of paint will elevate the mood and style of your home. Here Dulux shares how to update your front door.
- Gather your painting supplies: Dulux Aquanamel in your chosen colour(s), Dulux 1Step Prep, drop sheet, high quality synthetic brush for cutting in, 400 grit sandpaper, painters’ tape, old cloths.
- After sanding down the surface, wipe down thoroughly then apply one coat of Dulux 1Step Prep. Allow two hours to dry.
- Start painting by cutting in around the edges of the door using Dulux Aquanamel. Apply paint to the surface using short brush strokes. Once you’ve completed an area, while the paint is still wet, lightly smooth over the painted section with long brush strokes – but, don’t overdo or reload the brush – a few brush strokes will smooth the surface.
- Allow two hours to dry, then give the surface a light sand with 400 grit sandpaper.
- Repeat step 3 for the second and final coat.
To give your door a fresh twist, consider updating it with a new knocker or handle. Updating window frames and trims can also make a big impact on street appeal.
Drab driveways
Transforming your driveway is as easy as any paint project and much more affordable than resurfacing, giving an uplift in value for a minor investment. White Knight DIY and renovation expert Cherie Barber shares her top tips on how to give concrete a new lease of life with White Knight Ultra Pave.
Prep: If you’re painting smooth concrete such as garage floors or new concrete around a pool, use Ultra Pave Concrete Etcher to roughen the surface and help the paint bond to the concrete. Mixing half a kilo with five litres of water, evenly pour over the dissolved mixture over the concrete and scrub with a broom, leaving it to foam up for a couple of minutes being careful not to let it dry. Preparing the surface correctly will ensure long-lasting results. A crucial first step is to high pressure washer clean your surface, then allow to dry for 24 hours before painting.
Prime: Before you start painting, prime your driveway by giving your surface another good sweep and make sure you have all the equipment you need – a paint brush, paint pots, roller tray and an extension roller. Use a roller with a 10mm nap to achieve a professional finish, easily.
Paint: Paint all the edges first with a paint brush, and any joins in the concrete, then paint the remaining area using a roller with an extension pole. Wait two hours before applying your second coat.
For added grip, or if you’re on a slope, add Ultra Pave Topcoat Grip Additive to your second coat, pouring one litre of paint into a roller tray and as you stir, add 2-3 scoops of the grip additive per litre of paint. The second coat is now ready to apply, in a similar way you applied the first, painting the edges with a brush then using a roller for the remaining area.
Garage days
A fresh lick of paint can give your garage door a whole new lease of life and brighten the entire exterior of the home.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Wire brush or sandpaper
- Bucket
- Dishwashing detergent
- Hammerite garage door paint
- Newspaper or drop-sheet
- Paint brush
What to do:
- Remove rust and loose paint with a wire brush or coarse sandpaper.
- Using water and a diluted detergent, wash down thoroughly to remove all dust, grease and dirt which may prevent the paint from sticking to the surface. Rinse with clean water.
- Place a drop-sheet or newspaper around the surrounding area to catch any spills or drips.
- Ensure the garage door is completely dry before painting.
- For best results, apply two coats ofHammerite garage door paint. Apply second coat after 16 hours.
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