Never underestimate the tools you might need when redecorating – if you spend a little more initially you will save time and money in the long run.
Prep school
Primers, sanding paper, cleaning solutions – it all sounds complicated and can put us all off before we start. But it is not as hard as people make out and proper preparation will save you heartache. Just think about it logically and simply, what are you painting? If it is dirty or greasy clean it, if it is shiny or flakey sand it or prime it. It is not always that simple but never be scared to ask for advice. Take a note of the surface and its condition. In the worst case, if the preparation is skipped you may find yourself spending a lot more to rectify the situation.
Tapes and cover ups
This is essential for protecting all the things that you do not want to get covered in paint, but it is also a massive time saver in the long run. Spend a little time masking off any trim or wall areas you do not want to paint. Keep the tape straight and you are on to a winner. Once you have taken the time to prepare, you can then paint quickly and with more freedom, avoiding the need to fiddle about with edging. Splashes are dangerous things – especially on a carpet or expensive piece of furniture. Dust sheets are inexpensive and really are a worthwhile investment.
Rock n roller
Using a roller lets you paint larger areas in less time, making the job less of a chore. Cheap trays and disposable rollers are readily available; however, better quality trays and sleeves can all be reused time and again, so think of this as an investment that will ultimately save you money. Always ask your stockist for the right roller for the job whether it be interior walls, exterior walls, or trim and radiators. Explain your task in detail (take your notes with you ), you might need roller extensions for stair wells or extended roller arms for getting down the back of radiators.
Basil brush
Cummins’ recommend that you buy brushes of various sizes, to help you get in every corner, and give you a perfect finish. Use large brushes where the roller will not go, then smaller brushes (such as the edging brush ) for painting edges and corners neatly. It never hurts to keep a damp cloth handy as well - just in case.
Constantly consistent
Preparation does not just stop with the tools and the surface – there is also the paint itself. Before you apply it to anything, here are a couple of hints to make sure you get the result you want. Pop off the lid and take a look at the colour - do not panic if it looks different to the colour card you picked it from, you will not need to run back to the store. Paint in its wet state is often different in colour. Take a little bit, put in on the wall and let it dry, you might be amazed at how it changes. Check batch numbers on the can. Sometimes paint can vary slightly from batch to batch, if you need to use more than one can and the numbers printed on the can lids are different, mix the two together to ensure consistency.
