Long weekends are the ideal time to tackle some simple DIY projects to improve the way your home looks and how you enjoy it. Not sure where to start? The experts from Trojan have shared some easy DIY projects to spruce up your home – and still leave you time to relax.
Install a new letterbox (30 minutes)
Tools and supplies needed: Spanner, hand-held screwdriver, spade, concrete, spirit level and letterbox
A quick way to refresh your façade is to install a new letterbox. If your mailbox is secured to a cement base, you’ll need to attach legs or posts using your spanner and screwdriver. Using your spade, dig out a level area of at least 40mm for your letterbox to sit in. Pour concrete into the hole and push the mailbox into the concrete. Use your spirit level to check if it is installed correctly and then leave it to dry.
Floating shelves (1 hour)
Tools and supplies needed:Trojan 100mm scraper, stud finder, electronic wire and pipe detector, brackets, tape measure, spirit level, pencil, drill, shelves, hand-held screwdriver, screws and hammer
Floating shelves are stylish space-savers and easy to install. Remove any flaky or cracked paint from the wall with the scraper. Consider the weight of the shelf and weight of each item you intend to place on top.
For denser shelving, use a stud finder to see if there’s a stud in the area you want to hang the shelf. The lowest shelf should be at least 90cm from the floor and there needs to be at least 30cm in between shelves. Use an electronic detector to check the wall area is free of hidden pipes or cables.
Place the first bracket against the wall and ensure it’s even with a spirit level. Mark the fixed spots with a pencil, then drill these holes into the wall and screw the brackets into place with the screwdriver. Slide the shelf onto the bracket to make sure it’s level and fix into place with small screws.
Paint your walls (40 minutes to 1 hour per coat)
Tools and supplies needed:Trojan 6-in-1 multi-scraper, paint mixer, paint rollers, tray, paint and brush and roller cleaner
Freshly painted walls are one of the cheapest investments in improving a property. Embrace a pop of colour with an accent wall in your living room or make a statement with a painted ceiling. Before painting, remove any flaking paint, nails, silicone or loose material with Trojan’s 6-in-1 multi-scraper.
Mix paint thoroughly with the paint mixer to improve the colour and consistency of the finish. Push your roller forward on the tray and make sure the paint is spread evenly then proceed to roll across the wall. When you’ve painted a section of 3-4 metres, place a clean roller at the top left corner and roll straight down the wall and across the entire area with no pressure. This process is known as laying-off and will give the wall a smooth finish. Finally, remove paint residue from rollers with the brush and roller cleaner.
Transform a kitchen countertop (2-4 hours)
Tools and supplies needed:Trojan 220 Grit Sponge, primer, black paint, paint mixer, sponges, glitter and polycrylic sealer
You don’t need to tear down kitchen countertops to give them a new look, but can revive the appearance with faux granite counters. Sand down the countertops with the Trojan 220 Grit Sponge and wipe off extra debris.
Prepare the counters with primer – this may require two coats. Mix black paint and primer with the paint mixer to create a few different shades of grey. Using a sponge, dab the counter with the darkest shade first then slowly move onto the lighter shades. Do touch-ups for any areas where more colour is needed. To make the countertop resemble actual stone, sprinkle a bit of glitter on the surface while the paint is wet. Finally coat the counters with polycrylic sealer.
Trojan tools https://www.trojantools.com.au/ are available exclusively through Bunnings Warehouse https://www.bunnings.com.au/ nationwide.
5. Relax at home (3 – 5 hours)
Tools and supplies needed: Couch, home-cooked meal and a warm drink
After all your hard work completing DIY renovations, the only project left to do is to sit back and relax. While you’re at it, make yourself a delicious home-cooked meal and warm drink to enjoy while you admire your handiwork.
More stories like this:
