Australians across the country are gearing up for a busy month of DIY with the start of autumn signalling the beginning of the nation’s busiest DIY season.
New research from home and lifestyle retailer, Bunnings, has found the majority (85 per cent) of households have at least one project around the house that needs to be completed, with Easter proving the perfect time to conquer them as over half (53 per cent) look to complete a DIY this month.
One of the quickest and most budget-friendly ways to update a home is painting – a DIY anyone can try their hand at, with half of Aussies confident they could conquer a painting project in a day or less.
While the research shows plenty of Aussies are eager to pick up a paint brush this March, a significant number of budding painters are daunted by previous painting mistakes.
To help combat these potential painting mishaps, Bunnings national paint buyer Matt Wagner-Smith shares five expert approved hacks he is seeing savvy Aussies embrace to ensure they get the perfect paint finish.
Hack 1: Get the perfect pour with tape
To help avoid spills and a paint covered tin, simply tape a ‘V’ shape from edge to edge of the tin before you start pouring. This will mean less mess and waste and let you focus on honing your paint skills without drips and spills. Try using ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painter’s Masking Tape. If you’re out of painting tape, try placing a piece of folded paper towel inside the rim of your paint tin when you pour instead.
Hack 2: Pair your roller with paper
Achieving paint perfection with skirting boards can be a real challenge when it comes to preventing paint ending up on floors. Save yourself from pre-taping flooring and try using a plastic sheet protector or a thick piece of paper to paint your skirting boards precisely instead. Place the edge of the plastic sheet protector against the wall and run it along the floor with your paint roller sitting on it to avoid any spills and the hassle of cleaning paint off the floor.
Hack 3: Foil wrap your brushes
Keep paint brushes fresh and ready for your next coat of paint by covering. Whilst using plastic wrap is one popular way, using aluminium foil to wrap brushes and rollers for short-term storage is best as it helps lock out temperature variations which dry out your brush. The foil locks in moisture and will help keep your brushes in great condition, saving you time cleaning brushes repeatedly and the hassle of removing dried paint.
Hack 4: Rubber band your paint tin
Something most of us would have plenty of at home, putting a rubber band around your paint tin offers an easy way to wipe off excess paint from your brush and helps prevent paint drips on and around your tin.
Hack 5: Pick up a paint pad edger
Invest in a clever budget buy that will cost you under $10 by using a paint pad edger to make cutting in a breeze and save you time painting a wall. Try using the Monarch Pad Edger to give you a clean line along wall edges and the bonus of less mess than using a brush.
For more DIY tips and advice, head to your local Bunnings store and chat to an expert team member or check out the DIY advice on the Bunnings website.
