01/04/2026
How's everyone doing?
Easters here and I'm sure some of you will be doing a bit of diy and decorating over the long weekend.. We know not everyone can afford our services or like go do it themselves... That's not a problem... But we always here for tips and advice, we've been in the trade 26 years this summer, have seen and done it all...
A bit of advice for decorating though.. Don't buy cheap... Not from bnm anyway...
Cheap paint = three times as much work. Trade paint always.. Get youself to a local decorators merchant, they'll mix any colour in a higher quality product. Locally we've Peterlee Decorating Centre, further down the a19 teeside decorating centre, Stockton decorating too Durham there's brewers and a few other independents dotted about Hartlepool have Charles Dickens... All offer great advice and service. As well as screwfix and toolstation who do sell decent trade paints and decent tools.
Cheap tools = get yourself the best gear you can afford... Doest cost a fortune for a decent brush or roller.. Look after them and they'll last year's. Wash them out when your done.. And they good to go next time!
Take time on preparation - don't skip this stage, filling, sanding, and covering floors , couches, furniture etc.. Take pictures down, and the telly! and move anything out the way you can.. Hoover up before you start painting if you've sanded, you don't want dust ruining the finish.. Sand all your skirtings, doors and frames, sand between coats!
Be safe, don't overstress, don't rush and make sure you cover up everything you don't want paint on! Including yourself.. Old clothes, or a paper suit. Especially when it comes to ceilings! Don't overload rollers, you want a nice even dip and make sure paint is worked into it before you start.. Leave time to dry between coats...
If your papering, check batch numbers, use the correct paste, prep the wall, fill sand, etc, start at closest to the window.. Get yourself a decent papering kit.. (Usually about £15... ) a pencil and straight edge always handy..
make sure paste board clean.. If there's any paste on off before on it will be reactivated once wet and stick to you nice new paper!
Check soaking times on the label, if it's not paste the wall.. ( that's the best invention ever)!!
**important you read the back of the label, it will tell you everything you need to know!
Get your levels right, make sure you leave enough on every length, and work out bubbles from middle out to sides, leave to dry naturally!
Try not to argue with your partner.. Enjoy the process of transforming the room..
Sadly we won't be available for advice! taking some well deserved time off over Easter!
Stay safe and good luck!
Chris + team
Durham home & maintenance
