The results at the end of decorating projects can be really satisfying, if you take the time to plan and prepare. Here at SP Contracts we’ve got a vast knowledge built over many years in the trade. So here’s our top 5 tips to help you when embarking on your own decorating projects. We hope they’re useful!
1. Decide on your colour scheme. Do you want pastels or dark colours? Do you have furnishings that you want to match to? Wallpaper or paint or both? On-line sites like Houzz and Pinterest can help you with ideas for your scheme. You can collate images onto a mood board with either site and it’s a really great way to see how your overall scheme is coming together.
2. Order samples. Always order samples of your wallpaper and get tester pots of your paint. Most suppliers, even on-line retailers will send you samples. Colours can look very different at home in your lighting conditions compared to what you saw on-line or in a magazine. It’s always a good idea to pin up your wallpaper cuttings and either paint the wall or a piece of paper and pin that up too. Then live with it for a few days to make sure you still really love it!
3. List all the things you’ll need and make sure they’re all fit for purpose. Remember the last time you painted something? Oh yes, there’s the reminder – paint that’s dried all over the roller tray and the brush! A roller tray can be lined with tinfoil to be used again, however the brush might have to be thrown away. If you need to make a trip to the DIY store, now’s the time to do it. There’s nothing more annoying than starting a decorating project and having to “down tools” half way through because you’ve not got everything you need.
4. Prepare the room. Proper preparation before you start your decorating projects is vital. Carrying out tasks like sanding woodwork and ensuring walls are clean is really quite boring but it’s so worth it to get a good finish! Walls almost always need some surface preparation before you can start your decorating project – even brand-new plaster needs sealing. You should fill any cracks and holes and make sure all surfaces are clean, smooth and dry. You can paint over emulsion-painted surfaces that are in good condition, but make certain you strip back or sand off any peeling paint. Always wear a dust mask while you’re sanding. With old paint, there can be an extra risk of breathing in poisonous lead dust. If you’re in any doubt, use a simple lead testing kit. If there is lead, use a specially formulated liquid sander instead. It’s also a good idea to put on some safety goggles to protect your eyes. Cover all furniture and flooring in case of drips or splashes.
5. Quality matters. Buy the best quality paint you can afford for your decorating projects. Poor quality paint means you’ll have to put on more coats and the finish can look uneven. Also, cut in with care. This means painting the corners, ceiling edges, above skirting boards and around any windows and doors before moving onto the main walls. You should repeat this process for each wall before moving on to the next to ensure the paint blends together properly.
If all of this seems like too much hard work, call in the professionals at SP Contracts on 0161 486 1320! We’ll be more than happy to visit your home and give a free quotation for your decorating projects.
Blog post by Angela
