Do you want to add value to your home, or transform the way it looks both inside and out, but don’t quite have the budget to do so?
Fear not, as we’ve got a range of useful tips for you that you can put into work on your home. They could save you thousands!
Patch Plaster Cracks
Many people believe that cracks represent structural problems, but this simply isn’t the case. The majority of plaster cracks are cosmetic.
Materials needed:
– Jointing compound
– Plaster washers
– Masking tape
– A plastering trowel
Tape around the area you wish to conceal, then deftly apply jointing compound. Once dry, this will be followed by sanding and painting. The process is simple, but the results are amazing!
A Little Paint Goes a Long Way…
Not literally – well, sometimes – but paint can work wonders on a room. If you don’t fancy redecorating, just paint over it in the same colour! A fresh coat of paint can revitalise the way a room looks.
Materials needed:
– White base coat (if you’re planning on changing the colour)
– Paint
– Paint brush
Top tip: you don’t need to waste time (or money) stripping paint on the inside of your home, unless it’s clear-finished.
Flowers are Your Friend
Planting flowers in your front garden, either in planting beds or around the foundation of your house, add a welcoming appeal to your home from the outside.
There are many great benefits for your home when planting flowers:
– You don’t have to wait for them to grow or blossom
– They’re affordable
– They cover a lot of visual space
– They’re long-lasting
Always be sure to check which flowers work best for the country or conditions you live in.
Your Kitchen and Bathroom Take Priority
Whilst they might not be your favourite rooms of the house, they’re certainly the most important. Not only will you spend a vast amount of time in them, they also need to be able to cope with differing temperatures, humidities and a lot more too.
There’s no need to replace kitchen cupboards when you can completely restore them with a bit of effort.
Restoring…your possessions
Refinishing Wooden Furniture
Tools needed:
– Scraper tool
– Palm sander
Materials needed:
– Spray-on paint stripper
– Sandpaper
– Disposable cloths
– White/mineral spirits
– Oil-based stain
– Staining pads
– Spray-on clear coat
Step 1) Apply paint stripper, allowing to sit on the surface for 5-10 minutes
Step 2) Remove the old finish using a scraper tool, wiping the blade using a cloth between scrapes
Step 3) Clean with white or mineral spirits, using a cloth, to remove any residue from the stripper (pinguer)
Step 4) Sand smooth
Step 5) Wipe down
Step 6) Apply stain using a staining pad
Step 7) Remove excess stain with a cloth, wiping with the grain
Step 8) After applying a couple of coats of stain, apply clear coat for sheen and protection
De-rusting Metal Furniture
You may have many pieces of old furniture in your garage or other storage units. But metal furniture in particular is very easy to restore:
Tools needed:
– Wire brush
– Palm sander
– Chip brush
Materials needed:
– Sandpaper
– Acetone
– Anti-rust spray primer
– Clear coat
– Oil-based spray paint
Step 1) Scrape furniture with a wire brush
Step 2) Palm sand off bulk of remaining dust
Step 3) Hand sand crevices and hard-to-reach areas
Step 4) Use acetone and a cloth to wipe the chair down
Step 5) Apply rust-preventative primer, spraying slowly for uniform coverage
Step 6) Spray paint the chair, again rust-preventative properties will be beneficial. Spray slowly and not too close to the chair; avoid drips and overspray
Step 7) Protect with clear coat sealer, lightly sanding between coats for a smooth finish
Step 8) Leave to dry
