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Painting Tips From Our Experts

Follow the advice from these experts and you'll never need to employ a painter again!

Top 6 painting tips to learn how to paint yourself and save money:


1. PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT

Painting your home whether you are using a professional or doing it yourself can be a daunting prospect. There are so many choices. If you are trying to save money, “get on the paintbrush. Everyone can paint,” says Ronnie (The Block: 2021). “Practice makes perfect, so definitely give it a red hotshot."


Ronnie and Georgia painting All Star week The Block
Having more than 12 major renovations under their belts Ronnie and Georgia know a thing or two about painting.

2. Preparation is EVERYTHING  

“Dust and clean the walls, scrape any cracked or flaking paint and for small imperfections use sandpaper,” says Ronnie (The Block: 2021). “Use plastic drop sheets, tape up windows, lights fittings and anything that you don’t want to be painted. Always use a primer and cut-in corners, cornice and skirting boards first then you’re ready to rock and roll!” says Ronnie.

3. PRACTICAL ADVICE

To avoid the paint peeling off and to ensure smooth edges, “remove painter’s tape while the paint is still wet,” tips Shannon.

To load up your paintbrush for the “cutting-in” stage, “cover half the length of the bristles and wipe it to the side of the pot to remove excess,” says Shannon (The Block: Glasshouse winner). For a smooth finish, “make sure the brushed paint is still wet when you come to use the roller.”


Mitch and Mark painting
Mitch gives Mark the thumbs up for his skills on the paint roller.

4. Shaynna says TEST!

“The biggest painting mistake is heading to a paint store, choosing a colour, then painting a room that night,” says Block judge Shaynna Blaze. “Get a test pot and see how the colour looks in different lights at different times of the day.”

“Don’t paint a test patch on the wall as it will be affected by the colour already there, and it will leave marks,” says Shaynna. Instead, paint an A4 card and move it around the room.

Paint test
Don't test colours on your wall as it makes it tricky to paint over. Use test cards instead.


5. CONTINUITY IS KEY

“Choose one or two neutral colours — either natural, beige or grey — that you stick with throughout the home and add in touches of colour, so everything has a chance of working together,” advises Block judge Neale Whitaker.

6. GIVE COLOUR A CHANCE

“If in the rest of the house you have been light, bright and airy, in the master you might be able to experiment with colours on the walls,” agrees Jenna (The Block: 2011 and All-Stars, 2013). “Deep blues and deep greens, which are really popular at the moment, will absorb a bit of the light and make the room feel a little bit more cozy, relaxing and romantic.

“I think bedrooms are a really good opportunity to play with colour because it’s a closed space,” says Carlene (The Block: Glasshouse). Generally, the master is a more personalised space, so focus on feeling.

 

Michael and Carlene bold colour walls
Michael and Carlene used a sublime shade of blue in their daughter's room (Photo: Mindi Cooke)




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