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31/10/2026

Some professional decorators use one strip of tape across the top of sockets like this, but it isn’t to help them cut in.

It’s more to do with roller spatter. Without that little strip of masking tape, the socket can end up covered in tiny specks of paint.

31/10/2026

How to paint a ceiling and avoid flashing.

The products I used here are Dulux Trade Ultra Matt Ceilings, Hamilton Perfection Medium Pile Sleeve, and Purdy Pole and Frame.

You can buy everything you need from Dulux Decorator Centre.

30/10/2026

It baffles me what causes these dents. I must have filled hundreds over the years.

30/10/2026

Ever seen this “influencer trick” online? Using masking tape like this when pouring paint is supposed to keep your tin clean, but it clearly doesn’t work.

29/10/2026

This ceiling was primed with contract matt, causing the durable matt topcoat to fail over time.

Even a lot of decorators use ‘cheap matt’ as the ‘mist coat’ on bare plaster. However, it’s the wrong thing to do, especially in a bathroom. We always advise you to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and go with the primer they recommend.

The best way to deal with this now is to scrape off the loose paint, seal with something like Zinsser Peel Stop, and then paint again.

29/10/2026

I hate choosing colours. I want to try and go bolder throughout, but I’m scared I’ll hate it once the whole room’s done. Haven’t got a clue which way to go.

28/10/2026

What's the best stain block for water marks?

You’ll get different answers depending on who you ask. Even professional decorators are split.

A lot of professionals use oil-based undercoat or pliolite-based masonry paint. These work well, but they smell and take a long time to dry. There are a lot of modern paints that work and are less hassle.

Water-based stain blocks as effective, but they’re more pleasant to use. They’re great for minor staining and would cope with this, but you might want to go for something a bit more substantial for heavy staining. Fiddes Full Stop H2O is probably the best water-based version I’ve used.

Shellac-based stain blocks like HB42 PS1, Smith & Rodger Blockade, Zinsser BIN and Fiddes Full Stop are quick-drying and work very well.

Oil-based stain blocks like Zinsser Cover Stain and HB42 PS2 also work well.

Then there are products that act as a stain block and finish coat in one, like Johnstone's StainAway and Dulux Trade Stain Block Matt. I haven’t used these in a while, but I know other decorators do.

You can buy everything you need from online suppliers like Next Day Paint, Decorating Centre Online, and The Paint Shed.

Some of the brands mentioned sponsor the page, but recommendations, as always, are my own.

28/10/2026

How to leave your paint brush if you're going for a break 👌

27/10/2026

How are you meant to stop cracks from coming back?! I’ve decorated this room loads of times over the years. I always rake this crack out, PVA it, fill, then sand. It keeps coming back, and always in the same place.

27/10/2026

Do you go for matt or eggshell when you need a durable paint?

For me, it depends on which room you’re painting. Matt is much more desirable, so for normal high-traffic areas like hallways, or even rooms like bedrooms or a lounge, durable matt is ideal. It’s scuff resistant and will be hard enough to wipe dirty marks off with a damp cloth.

Eggshell is a better choice for rooms with a lot of condensation, like bathrooms or kitchens. It’s even more durable than durable matt and will better withstand being wet for long periods.

Choice of brand is important, too. Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is low-sheen and leaves no defects like flashing or framing (a common complaint with some of the other durable matt options). Dulux Trade Diamond Eggshell is bulletproof.

Available from Dulux Decorator Centre, PaintWell, The Paint Shed, Decorating Centre Online, Next Day Paint, and Rabart Decorators Merchants.

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