#FixForwardFix: Saving Energy While Keeping Warm this Winter

CAPE TOWN – As the summer months roll out and winter creeps slowly in, our thoughts change from staying cool to keeping warm. With the rising cost of living and South Africa’s current over-reliance on fossil fuels, our latest #FixForwardFix includes a few handy tips and tricks to ensure that you stay warm this winter without racking up huge electricity costs or a high carbon footprint.

Let Light in / Be Curtain Clever

Use the natural warmth of the sun’s rays and allow as much sunlight into your home during the day as possible. As sun as the sun sets, close your curtains to keep the heat in. A lot of heat is lost through windows, so the thicker the curtains, the better the insulation.

Insulate, Insulate, Insulate

Probably the single most effective method of keeping your home weather proof and electricity costs down, insulating your roof can reduce heat loss by up to 25% while wall cavity insulation results in around a third less heat lost. As a bonus, that same insulation will work to keep your home cool in summer!

A lot of big homeware suppliers have basic home insulation kits which should work fine, depending on the job and area. Remember to wear appropriate PPE at all times when dealing with the insulation material.

Ps, if your insulation project is a little bigger than a Saturday morning, book a Fix Forward tradesman to get the job done.

 

Let our team of experts guide you in the right direction

Block Draughts & Closed Unused Rooms

One of the simplest home remedies to implement, blocking draughts and other passages for air to escape is extremely effective. From our grandparents trusty Sausage Dog blockers for the bottoms of doors, to DIY self-adhesive tape that lines window frames, blocking draughts is cheap, easy and efficient.

On that note, be sure to close all rooms not in use so that no heat can escape through them.

Glazing Windows

Another of the efficient but costly methods, double-glazing your windows is probably the best way to keep your home warm during winter. While you would require proper budgeting and professionals to fit the double-glazing, most good homeware stores now stock a DIY self-adhesive film (single glaze) you can fit yourself that is a lot more affordable, although only half as effective.

Keep the Heater Area Clear

Another deceptively simple one, make sure to keep the space around your heat source (electric/gas heater or fireplace) clear and open. Not only are nearby objects like couches or curtains fire hazards, they actually absorb a lot of the heat that would otherwise warm the space. Keeping a clear space around your heater allows the maximum amount of warmth to radiate through the room without being absorbed.

Adjust Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can be used strategically to achieve better airflow with a simple switch of their rotation. Counter-clockwise will push hot air up in the summer while a slow speed clockwise rotation will gently push hot air down in the winter months and help keep the heat inside your room.

Cover Floorboards

It’s a well known fact that as much as 10% of a home’s heat is lost through improperly sealed floorboards. Get some readily available floor filler from your local hardware store or get decorative and throw down some soft winter rugs. For a serious makeover, chat to use about laying carpets or a full floor refurbishment.

 

With Fix Forward, it’s Job Done!

Maximise Geyser Efficiency

Responsible for heating huge amounts of water, it’s no surprise that geysers are one of the biggest users of household power. You can reduce the amount of work your geyser needs to do by fitting a relatively affordable geyser cover. These specially insulated ‘blankets’ keep the water inside hotter for longer and thus reduce the need to keep reheating it. Bonus points for fitting a solar water heater!

As an extra measure, insulate your copper pipes with special pipe lagging to achieve the same effect. As always, our expert plumbers will be able to assist with all of your plumbing needs.

Get A Humidifier

With most modern heating methods, the air inside tends to get very dry. Besides from being uncomfortable, it’s actually less heat efficient. A humidifier is an easy and affordable way to add moisture back into the air, which will help retain (a more comfortable) heat for longer.

Dress Warm

When all else fails, there’s nothing like some long johns and thick socks to keep the cold at bay. We hope you and your loved ones stay warm and healthy this winter!

Book A Fix Forward Tradesmen

 

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#FixForwardFix: 5 Common DIY Household Problems Solved [Part 1]

CAPE TOWN – At any given time, there are a number of things that can go wrong in our homes as wear and tear, weather or time take their toll. Whilst some jobs require professional tradesmen, there are those that can be easily done by just about anyone! In first part of our #FixForwardFix series on common household DIY problems, this week we look at five pesky problems and how you can repair them quickly, easily and cost-effectively.

Leaking Toilets

A leaking loo is a major waste of water and is likely a result of corrosion as the toilet parts wear down through extended use. This might manifest as a leak at the water inlet pipe or via the overflow into the bowl. No need to call a plumber though – hardware stores sell inexpensive toilet kits complete with detailed installation instructions. Remember to turn the water off first!

Eliminating Damp

Damp in the home is not only unsightly, it can have potentially adverse health effects too. There are some cases where all you need is a sealant and some paint, but others might require the use of a professional if the cause of the damp is a burst geyser or other more complex problem. You can find more information on DIY Damp issues in a previous #FixForwardFix.

Filling Wall Cracks

When hanging pictures or shelves, we’ve all had experience when a hole doesn’t quite end up where it’s meant to. This is no trains mash though and small holes can easily be filled by neatly applying some clear white toothpaste over the hole, allowing to dry, then gently sanding smooth so that it sits flush with the paint, letting it dry completely and then repainting it.

 

painting filler

Applying filler to imperfections.

Scratches in Wooden Floors and Furnitures

With almost every household containing at least some element of wood furniture or flooring, daily wear and tear means scratches on your wood surfaces are just about unavoidable. While bigger cracks might need professional carpenters there are smaller cracks that you could get away with doing yourself. Floor surfaces might require re-sanding and polishing over cracks while other furniture cracks are a little simpler. One method is to use wood filler to smear into the crack and then sand even, or alternatively, wet a cloth well under the tap. Wring out excess water and place the towel flat over the crack. Iron over the towel in circular motions for three to five minutes and the wooden should swell to recover the crack!

Cleaning Paintbrushes

If you’ve tackled a little painting at home, chances are the thought of cleaning the rollers or paint brushes at the end was the least enjoyable part of the job. With toxic turpentine and thinners being the regular choices, we’ve found a more eco-friendly solution that is just as effective! Simply place your paint brushes into an old, deep saucepan and fill it up with cheap, clear vinegar. Boil on a hot surface for 5 minutes and then rinse the paintbrushes under running water and watch the hard chips and stubborn paint rinse right off. You might need to repeat the process once more if the paint brushes are really old.

In our next #FixForwardFix, we’ll show you easy solutions to tackle five more common household DIY problems. Still need a professional?

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#FixForwardFix: Protecting Your Home Against Fires

CAPE TOWN – As we move into fire season many of us will be thinking about the precautions we can take to keep our homes safe. With water scarcity a very real concern, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to making your home as fireproof as possible. In the latest #FixForwardFix, we take a look at a few easy to implement DIY tips and tricks to safeguard your home this fire season. With a few simple precautions, you can protect against both starting fires in the home and minimising the threat of wildfires outside.

1. Draw Up a Fire Safety Plan

In the unfortunate event of a fire, make sure that you and your family members are aware of the best way to get safely out of the danger zone, quickly. Decide on an assembly point outside that is free from overhanging objects and away from any flammable objects if possible. Once you’re all there, call the fire department for help.

2. Get a Fire Extinguisher

A household fire extinguisher is one of the most important elements in fireproofing your home. Varying considerably in size and price, make sure that your extinguisher conforms to SABS standards and has not expired. Keep your extinguisher(s) somewhere that is easily accessible to where you might need it most, for example the kitchen. Regular servicing will keep your extinguisher ready for action when things get heated.

3. Install Smoke Detectors

Small and relatively inexpensive, smoke detectors can be vital in alerting you to fires or smoke when you are sleeping or otherwise distracted. Easy to install, most smoke detectors only need a few AA batteries to run and are pretty much maintenance free. Keep your batteries charged and your smoke detector will prove invaluable in an emergency.

4. Maintain Electrical Outlets

Fortunately, many household fires are avoidable with proper electrical maintenance. The electricity coursing through the mainlines makes for a deadly fire starter if not correctly insulated or controlled. Inspect all of the wiring and outlets in your house – are there any frayed or exposed wires? Is the cable of your appliance damaged? Repair or replace any wires or other electrical components that are not properly insulated or have your house checked by one of our certified electricians if you’re unsure.

5. Never Leave an Open Flame Unattended

Whether you’re burning a candle, boiling the kettle, or having a braai, never (ever) leave a flame unattended. A fire can go from being under control to raging in a very short space of time, so keep a keen eye on any and all flames in your home.

 

A recent fire on Signal Hill in Cape Town.

6. Clear Combustible Debris From Around Your Home

Keeping your yard or garden clear from combustible debris like dry grass, dead leaves or fallen branches is an excellent way to protect your home. The clearer your home is from anything that can catch alight, the better. If you have access to a nearby water source, make sure you know of the quickest way to get to it.

7. Secure Your Roof

With the Cape’s propensity for really heavy winds in summer, burning embers blowing through the air are a major fire and safety hazard. Inspect your roof to ensure that there are no gaps or openings that an ember could land in. If possible, replace your existing roof finish with a fire retardant material such as treated wood or terracotta. Sounds like a job for one of our expert tradesmen!

8. Store Combustible Materials Safely

If you have gas, paraffin or any other flammable material in your home, be sure to store it in a safe place that is dry, cool and out of direct sunlight. Hazardous materials should also be stored in a place that is not easily accessible by children.

 Book A Fix Forward Tradesmen

We hope that you and your family are safe during fire season. Remember that these guidelines are just that – we do not offer professional fire protection advice. Lastly, our thanks and appreciation go out to all of our firefighters – both professional and volunteer – over this grueling period. Keep up the good work!

 

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#FixForwardFix: How to Tackle Damp & Mould at Home

CAPE TOWN – Damp, mould and waterproofing issues can be a serious annoyance, a health hazard and a costly expense. Aside from the unsightly appearance and cold feel, damp could also be a sign of some more serious structural problems you might not be aware of.

Although it can occur at any time of the year, damp is far more likely to make an appearance during the rainy winter months. We’ve put together a few tips to help you identify, repair and prevent mould and damp in your home below.

1. Identify

Damp reveals itself by way of black speckles of mould and/or flaky, bubbling paint. Pay attention to your ceilings – if they appear discolored, or darker patches are present, you may have a serious waterproofing problem! Crumbling or damaged exterior bricks or roof tiles are also things to keep an eye out for, as most mould occurs when rainwater gets through the roof. Check around your geyser or water tank for any signs of leaks too. You can identify the early stages of damp by simply putting your hand to the wall and feeling for extreme cold or by observing water droplets condensing on the surface.

 

mould paint

A sure sign of damp is paint discoloration.

2. Repair 

After assessment, you can treat the affected surface area with a special mould remover, available from most hardware stores. You will also need to treat the cause of the damp by repairing damaged bricks and tiles on the exterior, or ceiling boards and leaks on the interior. Once the area is free of mould, it can be painted with either damp sealant or a stain blocking paint, followed by a final coat of the original paint colour.

If the damage to too large to take on yourself, our tradesmen are experts at damp and mould damage repair!

Book A Fix Forward Tradesmen

3. Prevention

Once the damage is repaired, the best weapon in the homeowner’s arsenal is prevention! Follow these simple steps to avoid mould from reappearing:

  • Check your roof regularly for storm or wind damage. Those South Easterly winds can really kick up a fuss!
  • Keep your gutters clear of leaves and debris and check for any damages regularly. Save yourself the time by installing gutter guards.
  • Check your geyser or water tank for leaks and seal any that you might find.
  • Prevent condensation in the home by keeping an even temperature around the house and install ventilators in restrooms and the kitchen. Also, just simply allow the rooms to “breathe” with a steady flow of fresh air.
  • Invest in a humidifier to remove excess moisture.

 

Herbert Makemba repairing damp damage.

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#FixForwardFix: Saving Energy This Winter

CAPE TOWN – Conserving energy does not only positively affect your pocket, it benefits the entire planet too. As we head into the winter months, a lot of energy will be used to heat homes and other buildings. Reduce your carbon footprint and save money in the long-run by gradually supplementing your household with these 10 #FixForwardFix energy saving solutions:

1) Manage the energy your geyser consumes – By installing a solar geyser you could save up to 40% on your electricity bill each month. If you don’t have the means for solar right now, you could install a geyser timer to control when your geyser is on and for how long. Quick fixes are installing an insulation blanket to retain the heat, and reducing the temperature on your thermostat to 55c’ or less.

2) Insulate your home properly – You could save up to 20% on your consumption by insulating your house from the roof down. Consider attic or basement insulation to reduce gust winds, duct insulation for any unconditioned spaces, and installing cathedral ceiling insulation allows ceilings to control room temperature and distribute heat evenly around the house.

 

Help ease the pressure on the national grid.

3) Install energy efficient windows or upgrade existing windows: Although windows provide light, great views and ventilation, sometimes they don’t aid in helping you save energy. Adding storm and window coverings can reduce heat loss but, if you have the budget or you’re about to start construction, we recommend investing in proper design and installation of energy saving double-paned windows. It pays for itself in the long-run!

4) Install water saving tap heads – They’re designed to use up to 40% less hot water. For more water saving tips, check out our #FixForwardFix on Saving Water.

5) Switch to gas stoves and heaters – While natural gas is a lot cheaper, it still impacts the environment. Consider investing in a home solar solution to reduce your carbon footprint by 70%. Or head for an island and just go off the grid completely!

Book a Fix Forward Electrician

6) Replace old bulbs with LED – Or set the mood and make use of candles.

7) Switch off all wall appliances – When not in use, unplug your cell and other chargers. And only do full loads of washing!

8) Fix all leaking taps – Chat to us about plumbing.

 

Modern lightbulbs have less impact and offer better performance.

9) Use motion sensor lights – Chat to one of our electricians about lighting solutions.

10) Be sure to look out for the International Energy Saving label when purchasing appliances.

Book a Fix Forward Plumber

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#FixForwardFix – Weatherproofing Your Home

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As the rainy season approaches, a little forward planning can go a long way to preventing any water damage in your home. In the latest of our #FixForwardFix series, we chatted to a Fix Forward carpenter of four years, Linda Madube-Dube, and asked him how he would recommend getting your home ‘water proof’.

Linda Madube-Dube was running a small carpentry business before joining Fix Forward, which he saw as an opportunity to uplift his business by learning key management skills. Linda began learning the ins and outs of dealing with clients; managing the financial aspects of the business and many other things which he knew could only make his business better. Since joining us at Fix Forward, Linda says “things have been better – I have more clients and more work. I feel like I am actually getting the full potential out of the work I am putting in by having Fix Forward’s guidance”.

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As the expert in carpentry, Linda knows all too well the importance of weather proofing your home. “When it comes to the rainy season, many people experience the issue of swollen doors and windows. My advice is to first and foremost pick the right wood from the very beginning when building a house – a semi-solid wood for interior doors and a solid wood for exterior doors.” Linda suggests meranti wood for exterior doors, as this is both extremely durable and cost effective. If you’re building a house, your Fix Forward carpenter will be able to advise you as to the best type of wood for your particular build. Ensuring you use the right wood in the building process will save you a lot of hassle in the wet and rainy seasons.

 

Linda Madube-Dube

Linda Madube-Dube

Whether you were able to select your exterior wood or not, chances are that some (or all) of your doors or windows need a coat of varnish. Speak to the expert at your local paint store to ensure you choose the appropriate one. Most will last for a few rainy seasons, so being thorough with the application will mean less maintenance down the line. If your job is a little bigger than your DIY time allows, a Fix Forward painter will make quick work of all your varnish or painting requirements.

Here are a few more ‘Quick Tips’ from Linda for weather proofing your home this rainy season:

  • Clear gutters, drains and driveways to ensure water has clear passage.
  • Install a rainwater capture system if you can. Chat to us about this.
  • Varnish exterior wood (doors, doorframes and windows).
  • Inspect the roof to ensure that there are no obvious leaks. Look for loose tiles or other signs of damage or disruption.

Book a Fix Forward Painter/Plumber

 

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Fix Forward Client Profile – Erika Espach

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In the latest installment of our Client Profile series, this month we spoke to Erika Espach – a Project Manager at an Engineering Firm in Cape Town who recently repainted her property with the help of Fix Forward tradesman Herbert Makamba.

Erika had originally tried another painting service but was unfortunately left unimpressed by their unprofessional attitude, so she decided to keep looking. Having found Fix Forward through a friend’s Facebook recommendation, Erika was intrigued as to how Fix Forward differs from other service providers. Her friend Johaan, who wrote the original Facebook post, has worked on numerous outreach programmes and therefore seemed like the perfect person to ask. After receiving assurances that our project is a worthwhile one, Erika decided to take the plunge and get in touch.

When we received Erika’s request for a painter, we sent one of our best, Herbert Makamba, to go and quote. Describing Herbert as efficient, punctual and polite, Erika was satisfied that he was the right man for the job, however she just wanted some clarity on our fee structure and how the system worked for tradesmen like Herbert.

 

Herbert Makamba hard at work.

We informed Erika that Fix Forward takes 15% of the total job value, added on as a mark-up on the tradesman’s price, so the tradesmen don’t lose out. This fee helps us cover our administration costs as well as some of the costs of providing our tradesmen with entrepreneur training. It also allows us to provide our unique tradesmen guarantee – something that gives clients like Erika real peace of mind.

Satisfied that the tradesmen entrepreneurs are not losing out in anyway – in fact, they stand only to benefit by joining our platform. Erika proceeded with Herbert for her painting requirements. Suffice to say, she was left a very satisfied customer indeed!

Book a Fix Forward Painter

 

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#FixForwardFix: Saving Water at Home [Updated]

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As we all know, Cape Town is experiencing one of the worst water shortages in decades. Although we’ve had a little rain around of late, it is nowhere near enough and dam levels remain alarmingly low.

In light of the water shortages and the rapidly approaching end of year holidays, we thought we’d compile another #FixForwardFix with some handy tips and tricks to help you reduce your household water consumption.

1. Conduct a ‘water audit’ at home. How much is your average consumption, based on your utility bill? Make a note of your water use for a week and look at how you could cut back on certain things. Generally, between 40 and 60% of water use at home is considered non-essential (filling pools, washing cars etc).

2. Water your garden with grey water from your bath or sink. And make sure to only do it in the early morning or evening when there is less chance of evaporation due to heat. Drought resistant plants are a good idea too! Contact us to chat about installing your home grey water system.

 

Cape Town dam levels are at record lows.

3. Capture your rain water! While it might seem ironic to say this in a time of drought, but if everyone captures their rain when it does fall, the impact of it not falling will be considerably less.

4. Wage wars on leaks! An estimated 37% of water is lost from leaks in urban supply systems. Those leaks cost South Africa about R7.2 billion in 2016 alone. Report municipal leaks and make sure all your plumbing at home is tight. Call a Fix Forward plumber if yours requires expert attention.

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5. Don’t pour toxic substances down drains! This means paints, oils, solvents and the like. The filtration needed to get rid of these harmful chemicals places further strain on the fresh water supply.

6. Use ‘economy mode‘ on all appliances that require water.

7. Install water saving devices on your shower toilets and taps. A common example is fitting aerators on your taps, dual flush toilet systems and low-flow shower heads.

8. If you rent your house out on AirBnb or a similar service, make sure to let your guests know about the city’s water shortages. Many international tourists visiting over the next few months have no idea of the situation, so make sure you communicate that in your correspondence and in your welcome pack. Also be sure to hide your bath plugs!

 

tap earator

Tap with aerator fitted.

8. Cover your swimming pool to prevent evaporation.

9. Try a few ‘classic’ bathroom fixes – take short showers instead of baths, don’t leave the tap running while brushing your teeth and exercise restraint when deciding when to flush your toilet. Last but not least, put a brick in the toilet cistern so that it requires less water to fill.

10. Rinse fruit, vegetables and crockery in a bowl or sink with a plug – not under running water.

Have any to add? Need a plumber? Please Contact Us.

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#FixForwardFix: Blocked Drains

In the latest of our #FixForwardFix series, where we tackle common household DIY issues, we chatted to Fix Forward plumber John Hopley about something that everyone has encountered at some point or another – blocked drains.

Having joined us at Fix Forward in December 2016, John is still fairly new to our program but said that he has already benefitted tremendously. Aside from the extra work he now enjoys, John has also found our business workshops to be really helpful and already feels more confident handling quotations and customer relations. We met up with John at our offices in Cape Town to get his expert advice how to unblock a drain.

Household Drain Maintenance 

First things first – and this is often easier said than done – always be mindful of what is going down your drains to begin with. Household drains have a ‘U-Shape’ trap that keeps outside waste and smells from getting inside, and oftentimes the blockage is a result of overloading the trap with solid waste that it isn’t meant to process. For the toilet, try and limit the amount of toilet paper you flush down and steer clear of throwing any foreign objects into the loo too. In the kitchen, fit a food trap over your kitchen sink to catch all the solid bits and avoid putting excess fat down the drain as it tends to congeal and block the drain when too much builds up.

 

plumber cape town

Fix Forward plumber, John Hopley

Unblocking A Drain

When it comes to unblocking a drain or toilet, there are a number of options to try depending on the severity of the blockage. Here are a few suggestions in the order that you should try them:

Get Heated: Pouring boiling water down the drain will dislodge any bits of fat or grease that may be obstructing the flow of water.

Clear the Trap: Place a bucket under the sink and unscrew the cap at the bottom of the ‘U-Bend’ – oftentimes this will be clogged with hair or some other solid that can be easily removed.

Take the plunge: Sometimes you just can’t beat the efficacy of a simple plunger. The strong force generated by the downward flow of air or water can unblock even the most stubborn of drains or toilets. Pro tip: when unblocking a kitchen sink, cover the overflow with a wet cloth to create good pressure, and do the same to the second drain if you have a double sink.

The Green Option: Make a homemade drain unblocker with vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.  Mix 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup bi-carb and 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup hot water and pour the solution down the drain, wait for half and hour and then flush with cold water. This will also help to neutralise any odours.

The Chemical Option: A staple in the trade, caustic soda (or sodium hydroxide) is a metallic alkali of sodium that comes as pellets or prepared solutions. Strong and effective, there aren’t many drains that remain blocked after a dose of caustic soda. Be sure to take appropriate safety precautions when handling this toxic substance.

Call the Professionals: Still battling with a blocked drain and unpleasant odours even after trying the above a few times? It could be a job for John and his team. Click the button below and we’ll get a plumber over quicker than you can spell Bicarbonate of Soda!

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#FixForwardFix: Interior Painting

In the second installment of our #FixForwardFix series of DIY and Home Improvement tips, we give you some expert advice on Painting an Interior Room. In order to get the best inside info, we chatted to Fix Forward painter Kingstone Katuruza about selecting what paint to use and where; how to prepare the room for painting; and how to give your wall(s) a quality finish with the minimum of mess and fuss.

Pre-Painting Considerations

When it comes down to the type of paint that your interior wall requires, there are some important factors to consider. How much light does your room get and what colours would best suit the light conditions? What is the room used for? Different environments and surfaces will all require different paint finishes; for example the wet and warm conditions of a bathroom or kitchen will be best suited to a glossy finish, whereas an eggshell finish might work best in an ornate, decorative paint. Lastly, think about the size and architectural layout of the room – are there tricky cornices or alcoves and how big is the wall’s surface area? All of these considerations will better inform your decision when it comes to choosing the paint finish and colour at your local paint store.

Before getting started, be sure to properly prepare the walls by removing any unwanted nails or screws, filling any holes left by old shelves or art, and give the wall a good clean with a soft cloth and sugar soap. Prime your wall with a water based primer beforehand – this might only require one coat, depending on the original colour and how different it is to the new colour. If you have any issues with damp or mould, check out our #FixForwardFix on Rising Damp.

 

painting filler

Applying filler to imperfections.

Selecting A Finish

As mentioned above, the rooms form and function will determine which paint finish to use. Whether acrylic, latex, or otherwise, here are a few of the more common paint finishes:

Flat Finish – use this opaque finish to add a touch of muted elegance to your ceilings and low-traffic walls. As it doesn’t have any shine or gloss, a flat paint finish does not clean easily so it is not suitable for use in kitchens, children’s rooms or bathrooms. It’s great for use on walls with slight blemishes, as the finish won’t catch the light and draw attention to imperfections as much as other paints would.

Eggshell or Satin Finish –  although both of these finishes are low luster, they do have more sheen than a flat finish and so are easier to clean too. Perfect for higher traffic areas such as hallways or lounges, eggshell and satin finishes tend to be the most popular thanks to their all round practicality.

Glossy Finish – available in either semi or high gloss, these finishes are both extremely durable and easy to clean. A semi-gloss finish is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, doors and moldings and will give the wall a subtle shine. Go for a high-gloss finish on surfaces that get used the most, such as railings, shelves, banisters, and in the kitchen or bathroom. A high-gloss finish is resistant to most stains and is scrubbable, making it perfect for future Picasso children’s rooms where crayons might be in high use! Remember though that the higher the gloss, the more the paint shows surface imperfections.

As a general rule of thumb, 1 litre of paint should cover 10 square metres of wall, but take your wall measurements to your paint provider for a more accurate assessment. Try to use water based paints whenever possible, as these are less odorous and toxic than oil based paints.

Is your painting project a little too daunting? Contact Us to chat solutions and get your #FixForwardFix!

Painting Your Wall

Move any objects that are near the surface to be painted and clear the floor space. Use masking tape to clearly define the wall’s borders or edges, as well as to tape down refuse bags on the floor to protect against drips or splatter. Use a brush to cut in on corners and edges, but apply the majority of a paint with a clean roller for the smoothest finish. When it comes to rolling, sometimes you need to roll in multiple directions to ensure even coverage, but always make sure than once you have evenly covered the section you are painting that you finish off by rolling in one direction throughout.

 

painting cutting in

Use a brush for ‘cutting in’ before finishing with a roller.

After Painting

Be sure to give your walls enough time to dry between coats – this will vary depending on the finish and whether the paint is oil or water based. Give the room time to ventilate with open windows and doors wherever possible, and try to avoid sleeping in the room the same day it was painted.

Clean your brushes, rollers and trays well (with water or turpentine, finish dependent) and they will give you many years of good service. Then sit back and enjoy your new room!

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