Guides

Guides & How-To

Clear, practical, professional-standard guidance for every painting and decorating project.

How to Paint a Room from Start to Finish
Walls · Beginner

How to Paint a Room from Start to Finish

A methodical approach to transforming a room with a clean, professional paint finish.

A weekend·7 min→
How to Paint Woodwork and Trim for a Hard-Wearing Finish
Wood · Intermediate

How to Paint Woodwork and Trim for a Hard-Wearing Finish

Achieve a smooth, durable finish on skirting, architraves and doors without brush marks.

1–2 days·6 min→
How to Paint a Radiator Safely and Neatly
Metal · Beginner

How to Paint a Radiator Safely and Neatly

Refresh a tired radiator with a heat-resistant finish that will not peel or yellow.

2–3 hours plus drying·5 min→
How to Paint Exterior Masonry for Lasting Protection
Exterior · Advanced

How to Paint Exterior Masonry for Lasting Protection

Protect and refresh outside walls with a breathable finish that stands up to British weather.

A weekend in dry weather·8 min→
How to Apply a Decorative Lime and Spatula Finish
Decorative · Advanced

How to Apply a Decorative Lime and Spatula Finish

Create a soft, mottled plaster effect with depth and movement using a steel trowel.

A weekend·7 min→
How to Prepare Walls Before Painting
Preparation · Beginner

How to Prepare Walls Before Painting

The thorough preparation that underpins every smooth, long-lasting paint finish.

Half a day·6 min→
How to Upcycle Furniture with Paint
Wood · Beginner

How to Upcycle Furniture with Paint

Give a dated or second-hand piece a stylish new life with a durable painted finish.

A weekend·6 min→
How to Paint a Feature Wall with Impact
Walls · Beginner

How to Paint a Feature Wall with Impact

Introduce a bold colour to a single wall for a balanced, deliberate statement.

2–3 hours plus drying·5 min→
How to Choose and Test Paint Colours
Colour · Beginner

How to Choose and Test Paint Colours

Take the guesswork out of colour selection by testing properly before you commit.

A few days of observation·6 min→
How to Paint a Front Door for Kerb Appeal
Exterior · Intermediate

How to Paint a Front Door for Kerb Appeal

Give your home a confident welcome with a smart, weatherproof front door finish.

A dry day plus drying time·6 min→
How to Paint Over Wallpaper Successfully
Walls · Intermediate

How to Paint Over Wallpaper Successfully

When stripping is not an option, paint over paper for a sound, even finish.

A day plus drying·5 min→
How to Achieve a Flawless Matt Finish on Walls
Decorative · Intermediate

How to Achieve a Flawless Matt Finish on Walls

Master the technique behind a smooth, shadow-free matt emulsion finish.

A day per room·6 min→