Julian Cassell's DIY Blog

It is always best to strip the existing wallpaper before repapering as it is often difficult to guarantee that the old wallpaper surface is sufficiently sound to accept a new layer. A steam stripper is the most efficient way of removing old wallcoverings. However, you can just use a bucket of warm water and a sponge to soak the paper before scraping it off. Take great care when using a steam stripper as you are effectively working with boiling water and steam. read more »

When painting exterior walls, safe access is of paramount importance, so consider hiring fixed scaffolding if you need to work at height. Always use paint that is specified for exterior use – for walls the most commonly used paint is exterior emulsion, which is generally called masonry paint. Most masonry paint is water-based, but for areas of the country that get particularly bad weather, such as exposed seaside areas, you can get an oil-based masonry paint which has greater durability. read more »

When painting a room, ventilation is vital, so have windows open to provide a good flow of fresh air. Before starting work, try to remove as much furniture from the room as possible. Anything that is left should be covered with dust sheets to protect from overspray, drips and dust. Surfaces should be well prepared before painting. Holes should be filled and all surfaces sanded and cleaned down. read more »

Removing mould from surfaces is vital before any decorating may be carried out. Commonly, you find mould growing in bathrooms where poor ventilation has allowed condensation to occur on wall surfaces – an ideal condition for mould growth. The easiest way of removing mould is to used a mould killer which is simply applied to the area in order to kill off any growth. read more »

Sealing damp stains is essential before applying any paint or wallpaper to your wall surfaces. Patches of damp can appear for a number of reasons – burst or dripping pipes, weeping radiator valves, leaking waste pipes or a broken roof tile are all possibilities. Investigate the cause and get it fixed before dealing with the decorative aspect of the repair. Damp stained areas can only be redecorated successfully if the cause of the damp has been eradicated. read more »