Nice Home Live

Painting is the cheapest way to make home improvements and something you can easily do yourself. Here are some tips to get a great finish.

Photo: chaim zvi

1.    Prepare the walls. Strip any wallpaper that is already on the walls using a steamer. It’s best not to just paint over the paper as at some point down the line you will have to remove it and it just makes the job harder. You will have to smooth the walls so they are free of bumps, holes and imperfections. Getting a plasterer to do the job will ensure a great finish as plastering is a tricky job to get right. Make sure you have cleaned the walls so they are free of dirt and dust that will get caught up in paint. If there are stains or dark marks on the wall use a primer before you paint. Read the rest of this entry »

The cheapest way to redecorate your living room is by donning the overalls, grabbing a paintbrush and changing the colour of the room yourself. It’s much cheaper than hiring a decorator but of course by doing it yourself, mistakes are more likely. Before you start you’ll need to make sure the walls are even and in good condition. Walls that have holes or bumps will not give a good finish. Plastering is expensive and unless you’re experienced you’re advised not to do it yourself, but it will ultimately be worth it to pay a plasterer for the smooth even finish.

Photo: BrittneyBush

Paint is pretty cheap although do not be tricked into buying the cheapest available – this will merely require more layers and will cost more in the long run. Always apply a few layers however to ensure good coverage and finish. Consider using two alternate colours or just painting one wall in a different colour to make a statement – usually this tends to be the fireplace wall or the wall you push your TV up against.  Colours can dictate and affect the mood of the room. Light colours will make the room appear larger and airier whereas darker colours can make a room cosier and warmer. Read the rest of this entry »