DIY Decorating

DIY Decorating Get inspiration, discuss paint, have a laugh.

I’ve started washing paint rollers out in a bucket. It’s a right faff, but it saves me from pouring the painty water dow...
22/10/2026

I’ve started washing paint rollers out in a bucket. It’s a right faff, but it saves me from pouring the painty water down the drain.

What are your thoughts on painting pebble dash?It’s a pig to paint! A sprayer makes it easier, but unless you know what ...
22/10/2026

What are your thoughts on painting pebble dash?

It’s a pig to paint! A sprayer makes it easier, but unless you know what you’re doing, I’d stick to a brush and roller. Either way, expect a bit of hard graft.

Start by going over it with a yard brush to knock off any loose stones. Cover the windows, doors and ground, and move any cars out of the way. You’ll be surprised how far the splashes travel.

You can thin the paint slightly if the manufacturer allows it, which helps you work it into all the little gaps. Use a stiff brush to cut in, and avoid leaving a thick build-up around the edges. An Axus Captain Chunk, or Purdy Colossus roller is a good shout for the rest, but you’ll still need to work it into all the nooks and crannies.

As for paint, if you’re going to put yourself through all that, you might as well use something decent so you’re not doing it again in a couple of years.

Emperor Masonry Paint would be my first choice for durability and breathability. Moisture in the wall can still escape as water vapour, but the paint itself is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water and helps keep rain out. Emperor is pricey, but it tends to last longer than standard masonry paint.

Dulux Trade Weathershield is a good alternative if price is a factor. Great opacity, easy to use, can be diluted in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, and leaves a nice finish.

Brands mentioned sponsor the page, but the recommendations are genuine.

I’m really not happy with this finish. I’m using oil-based paint (first time in years), and I’m applying it with a rolle...
22/10/2026

I’m really not happy with this finish. I’m using oil-based paint (first time in years), and I’m applying it with a roller. I might just bin it off and go back to water-based.

Thoughts on painting radiators the same colour as the walls?I quite like it, just because it takes your eye off the radi...
21/10/2026

Thoughts on painting radiators the same colour as the walls?

I quite like it, just because it takes your eye off the radiator. It’s easy enough to do as well, just prep and prime the radiator before painting it with durable emulsion. The only downside is the durability of emulsion vs satinwood or gloss, but it still works.

Would you use masking tape to paint these doors white, or cut in freehand?A lot of decorators scoff at people using tape...
21/10/2026

Would you use masking tape to paint these doors white, or cut in freehand?

A lot of decorators scoff at people using tape, but it isn’t as easy as you think; it’s fiddly and difficult to keep neat.

However, cutting in takes a little bit of skill and the right brush.

It’ll be interesting to see which way you’d go.

Thought I'd try protecting hinges with masking tape yesterday. Turns out it doesn't work.
20/10/2026

Thought I'd try protecting hinges with masking tape yesterday. Turns out it doesn't work.

Started painting my fence. Should I carry on, or does it look a bit naff? I think I should have gone with a darker colou...
20/10/2026

Started painting my fence. Should I carry on, or does it look a bit naff? I think I should have gone with a darker colour.

This is an old decorator’s trick. Standing a nearly empty paint tin upside down over a part-full one lets the last littl...
20/10/2026

This is an old decorator’s trick. Standing a nearly empty paint tin upside down over a part-full one lets the last little dregs drain into the tin underneath.

19/10/2026

How to paint a feature wall.

Follow these steps and you can't go wrong 👌

Decorators hate it when they see someone pouring from the front of the tin. I’ve never understood why until now.
19/10/2026

Decorators hate it when they see someone pouring from the front of the tin. I’ve never understood why until now.

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