Julian Cassell's DIY Blog

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 »

Paint requires stripping when there are multiple layers of old paint that are both uneven and loosely adhered to to the wood and/or previous paint layers below. Exterior window sills, for example, are areas that are common to strip before repainting. Most chemical strippers are now more user-friendly than they used to be, as they are water-based. However it is still necessary to only work in well-ventilated areas, and use sufficient dust sheets to protect other surfaces. 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 »

Space solves

Is oil strong enough to protect a wooden kitchen floor?

The Guardian, Saturday 4 July 2009

Is oil a suitable finish for a sanded kitchen floor? And will it stand up to spillages? read more »

Space solves

What’s the best oil to varnish hardwood?

The Guardian, Saturday 30 May 2009

I’m replacing some of my hardwood windows and don’t want to varnish or paint them – I was thinking of treating them with oil. However, I have received differing advice about which oil to use – Danish or linseed. Which would you advise? read more »