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What about oil fired central heating with conventional radiators?

Simple stuff like thick curtains, draft excluders and substantial underlay can make a big difference. If you can manage it, move the radiators from the usual, maximum inefficiency position beneath the windows to internal walls where a substantial portion of the heat generated won’t be immediately leeched outside.

I was chatting to the plumber about this (not sure why) but he was telling how his parents in law got very slap happy and got it everywhere and he felt he couldn’t say anything as they were ‘helping’. Turned out the reason his FIL enjoyed it so much was that he isn’t allowed to do it at home. Less is more was his take home message!

I’m not a keen painter but I can do it.

A roller is the best tool for walls. Personally I wouldn’t use gloss on skirting boards as It’s hard to get neat. I use Satinwood instead.

You can use masking tape for the edges but remember you can always go back and correct paint so it’s not the end of the world if your edge isn’t tidy. I made the mista…[Read more]

Never think about how much you’ve got left to do or you’ll never finish, just give up and drink tea instead!

I take skirting off, because cutting in along skirting makes me sob, and that way I can properly cover the floor. So, skirting off, tape glass, sockets, light fittings etc, then paint ceiling first if it’s being done (because it’s easier…[Read more]

I purchased one of those extendable poles and a scuttle bucket and it makes like so much easier and it is brill for ceilings but then I am the sort of painter that would have @housemouse rocking in the corner.

I really like B&Q paint plus they can match paint to any colour you like. I took a pretty blue trug in and they matched it perfectly.

I…[Read more]

Definitely buy cheap rollers a tray and a roller with spare sleeve for £4.99 max

Johnstone paints are great as they’re for professional decorators so have high pigment. I’d say go for a light colour – you can’t go wrong with white walls and ceilings – for white we buy big tubs of Leylands Super Leytex from Johnstones paint Centres. We’ve just decorated our house in Homebase Fresh Linen which is a great neutral colour, with Fa…[Read more]

You sound like you know what you’re doing!

Im hypermobile so am just imagining me popping a shoulder out mid wall and ended up in a right mess! Ok so dont cut corners on paint and roller quality, edge first and start praying!

I have used a sprayer, but would say, don’t use inside. It was perfect for my exterior as the walls are scat coated, but inside use a roller. I recommend you buy a roller and tray from somewhere like B&Q they normally have a spare roller sleeve in with them, buy a pack of synthetic brushes not hair/bristle,, that saves on the hairs coming out. I…[Read more]

Don’t use a sprayer unless you’re very experienced…. you will regret it.
Don’t go for unbranded paint as if you do, it’ll show.
Are the walls plastered? Is the plaster in good nick? If not, some filling and sanding will make the end product look better.
If you can’t ‘ cut in’ well, it’s probably better to use the same colour on ceilings, walls…[Read more]

Ceilings aren’t easy, but if it is just painting then it isn’t that difficult, just time consuming. A landlord should let you paint if it is a neutral sort of colour. Start with a good clean with sugar soap, rinse and let dry. Use good quality paint, do the gloss first. For emulsion on walls a roller is usually best with just a brush for the…[Read more]

Look for the best quality paint you can get at the best price because if you use the cheap stuff you will have to do a million coats. Cheap paint is like water and a waste of money. Never used the spray machines before so have no idea whether they are any good or not.

I’m following for hints and tips 😉 I’ve opted to start with the pink spare room on the basis that it is the worst colour but if I mess it up I don’t have to look at it all the time!