Use oil-based paints and varnishes for a tough, durable finish that should last for years.

• Oil-based paints and varnishes tend to separate, so you need to stir them really well before you use them, ensuring that you reach right down to the bottom of the tin. They sometimes get a skin on them, which you’ll need to remove.
• Most dry slowly, so be patient and don’t do another coat until the previous one’s completely dry. Warmth will speed up the drying time, while cold or damp conditions will slow it down and may even ruin the finish.
• Use natural bristle brushes for the best results, and clean them thoroughly after use. You’ll need to use white spirit or turpentine substitute for cleaning and you should soak your brushes in between coats. It’s very easy to ruin brushes by not cleaning them properly and then leaving them to dry.
• Wear rubber gloves and old clothes when using oil-based paints and varnishes, as they’re hard to remove from your skin – and anything else you get them on. Remember to protect the surrounding area as well.
• Over time, oil-based paints and varnishes tend to yellow, especially if they’re white or clear. If you’re worried about this, choose water-based alternatives instead, which dry quicker and are nicer to use.

DIY News Bulletin

DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles is the celebrity people would most like to help them decorate their home, according to a survey by masking tape manufacturer FrogTape.

Knowles polled almost 21% of the vote. Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles came in last, with 2%, with Lady Gaga and Take That’s Gary Barlow just above him.

The survey revealed that 83% of people felt painting the walls was one of the most effective ways of sprucing up their home without spending a fortune. Women rule the roost when it comes to deciding on the colour, with 68% of wives making the choice.

The poll also revealed that women were less likely to botch a job than men. Nearly two-thirds of men admitted that they have a bash at DIY, even though they don’t think they’ll be very good at it.

Two-thirds of those polled said that the current economic climate had made them more likely to attempt home improvements themselves, rather than employing a professional.

The latest additions to the Dulux Feature Wallpaper range are Graphika, a metallic geometric design in Taupe, Blackberry or Mustard, perfect if you like retro patterns, and Antoinette, a glam damask, available in Peacock, Saffon or Fuchsia, which would work well in period homes.

The clever thing about the Dulux Feature Wallpaper range is that there are co-ordinating paints to go with the papers, so it couldn’t be easier to decide on your colour scheme.

The wallpapers cost £25.49 per roll. Go to www.dulux.co.uk to see the designs and try out different colour schemes.

Ask the Expert…

Q: I need to replace my dated kitchen-unit doors, but they’re unusually large – standard-sized ones won’t fit. Any suggestions?

A: You can get doors made to fit – lots of online companies offer this service, but you will pay more. If you’re on a budget, why not make the doors yourself? Cut sheets of 15mm or 18mm MDF to size, or take advantage of B&Q’s cutting service, available in its largest stores. Visit www.diy.com to see which stores near you offer timber cutting, but if you’ll be making a special or long trip, check first in case the service isn’t available when you plan to go. You can buy hinge-hole cutters for your drill or drill-driver, then all you have to do is prime and paint the doors and add knobs or handles.

Seasonal Task…

Laying a patio or doing some gardening before it gets too autumnal? Save strain on your knees with knee pads – they’re handy for all sorts of DIY tasks. Try Clas Ohlson’s, £7.49 for two, which are really comfy and made of polythene plastic. They come with elastic straps, so you can walk around with them on!