Image from our Drummoyne Home Renovation

Spring has arrived! Bring on the sunshine, extra daylight hours and the beginning of the BBQ and outdoor entertaining season. It's also the perfect time to make sure timber decks, balconies, handrails and even outdoor timber furniture is looking fresh and rejuvinated before being exposed to another harsh summer period.

The transformation paint delivers still surprises us sometimes! We loved working on the exterior repairs and painting of this gorgeous semi in Randwick, Sydney.

Nothing beats finishing up a project and hearing from happy clients. Recently we returned to this family home in Stanmore for the third time, after completing two other painting jobs over the years for the fantastic family residing here.
​This time around we were tasked with freshening up varnished timber work and painting the upstairs master bedroom.

To ensure the original heritage detailing of a home is the feature of the property, we often use a contrasting colour on the walls and white (typically Vivid White) ​on the heritage detailing, decorative plaster and timber trims.

Stucco is a great choice for a feature wall in any space. It creates depth and its marbled effect provides a
​reflective glossy surface creating an elegant finish and standout feature to any room. 

To ensure the exterior of your home or property is sufficiently protected to withstand harsh weather and conditions, it's best to use a water based paint for all exterior surfaces. ​Water based paints are more flexible than oil based paints which allows for movement when exposed to moisture and water. Water based paints will also ensure your exterior paint colour will retain its' brightness and avoid fading over time.

Paint thinners are used when a thinner mixture of paint is needed to work with, such as for spray painting or to counteract paint thickening as a result of hot weather or tins being left open. (Read our How to Store Everyday Household Paints)

Paint thinners can also assist in the removal of oil-based paints from brushes, rollers and equipment.

It's always good to have some left over paint on hand for touch-ups or repainting down the track. 

For everyday household paint, it's best to store any tins in a cool/dry area out of direct sunlight or freezing temperatures. If tins are opened, clean the lid and rim of the tin then place a piece of plastic (glad wrap is fine) over the top of the tin, then hammer on the lid firmly

The level, type and direction of lighting can all affect the tone of a paint colour once applied to a surface and can vary significantly compared to sample cards. Identifying each of these is the first step when considering which paint colour to choose and also which paint finish is best.

If you're planning on switching from an oil based or water based painted surface to the alternative, it is critical to always ensure the relevant primer or undercoat is applied to the surface before applying the new paint base.
Switching between the two without including this step will result in paint not adhering to the surface and / or beginning to peel off very quickly after application.