Julian Cassell's DIY Blog

For filling large holes, and damaged areas, in solid walls (masonry), you need to patch plaster. Plastering on any scale is a messy job so make sure that you use dust sheets to protect surrounding surfaces. If you choose to mix up your own plaster, rather than use ready-mixed, make sure that your buckets are spotlessly clean, and never use out of date plaster as it will harden too quickly making it impossible to smooth. read more »

Preparing ceilings, walls and woodwork for decoration is probably the most important aspect of any decorating task. It’s an old saying, but it’s always the case that ‘good surface preparation will give the best finish’, but make sure you only do what preparation is necessary. For example, primers or sealers are only required if you are painting bare wood surfaces or bare plasterboard surfaces. If you are painting over a previously painted surface, you do not normally need a primer or sealer. read more »

Making a push-fit plastic joint is one of the simplest techniques for joining plumbing supply pipes in your home. Plastic pipes are now commonly used for  both water supply, and heating pipes. Because they are joined using push-fit joints, makes them a popular option for the DIY market. One type of plastic pipe is shown below – there are others and so always check manufacturer’s guidelines on approved methods of connection and how joints may be disconnected for adjustment. read more »

Making a push-fit copper joint is a simpler alternative to using the traditional technique of soldering joints. Quite simply, copper push-fit fittings require no blowtorch, flux and solder, making them an attractive option for DIY. Below is shown how to make a copper push-fit joint with a straight coupler, but the same principles can be applied to other angles and types of joint requirement. read more »

Making a compression joint to join copper pipes is a very straightforward plumbing task. Although copper pipes are traditionally connected with soldered joints, it is also possible to make joints using compression fittings. There is no need for a blowtorch, flux and solder, therefore making them is a much simpler option for DIY. read more »