Julian Cassell's DIY Blog

Using sandpaper may seem like a slightly tedious subject for a guide, but I just wanted to share a couple of points that will save you money, and make any sanding you do, much easier, and more effective. I’m basically talking about sanding by hand here, no power tools, no sandpaper wrapped around wooden blocks, no sanding pads, just, very simply, how to make the best use of rolls, or sheets of sandpaper. read more »

Choosing the best wood floor for your home can be a tricky process unless you know precisely what options are available to you. This process is further complicated by manufacturers using all sorts of differing terminology that can hinder, rather than help, the consumer know exactly what they are getting. In this guide I’ll try to simplify the process, explain some of the buzz words, and therefore allow you to make an informed decision on buying the best wood floor for your needs. read more »

Using lining paper on walls, and ceilings, is a decorating technique carried out for two primary reasons. Firstly, lining paper may be used to provide a base onto which you then hang a decorative wallpaper, or, secondly it can be used to help even out imperfections on a wall or ceiling surface, before paint is applied. In this guide, I’ll explain the main properties, and types, of lining paper, and the points you need to consider when deciding on whether using lining paper is right for your situation. read more »

Deciding which kitchen worktop oil to use is always a hot topic on DIY forums, with discussions normally providing plenty of conflicting advice covering everything from product preferences, to number of coats, to application methods. As a result of all these differing ideas and options, I would imagine that most readers leave the forum more confused than ever, and still concerned about what the best options actually are. Well for me, there is one product out there that far outperforms all the other options read more »

Carbon monoxide (CO) detector patches detect the presence of dangerous levels of CO in the atmosphere, resulting in the circular area in the centre of the detector changing colour. These patches are often seen as an alternative to using mains operated, or, battery operated CO alarms, but this really should NOT be the case, and in the following guide, I’ll explain why. read more »