Disaster DIY-Make it Better

This week on Disaster DIY: Boss of Bryan

Blame stubbornness, lack of know-how, or both ~ but Ms. Gabriel’s backyard has taken a backseat in upkeep over the last few years. Her idea of fixing the fence is using coat hangers to keep fence boards from falling down. Her daughter Carolynna needs an ally in Bryan to open her mom’s eyes to the rough state of the backyard and help her realize she needs to relinquish control. Bryan has his hands full with this huge backyard and Ms. Gabriel’s even bigger personality!

‘Make it Better’ with Prominent Paints Feature

The DIY paint show that show-cases paint related disasters and demonstrates quick, easy solutions to real paint problems, helping you become a DIY paint expert.


Some more tips and tricks:

DAMP CEILINGS

  • DO: Use the correct primer and topcoat.
  • DON’T: Don’t paint over the stain without eliminating the cause.

WINDOWS AND SILLS

  • DO: Waterproof sills with an acrylic sealant.
  • DON’T: Don’t use cheap products- they’ll end up costing you more!

SAFETY TIPS

  • DO: Paint in an “N” shape pattern starting from the top down.
  • DO: Use paint that is 100% lead-free and low in volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) especially in children’s rooms.
  • DON’T: Don’t remove electrical fittings without switching of the main electricity supply.
  • DON’T: Wear comfortable clothing when embarking on a painting project.

MAKE SMALL ROOMS LOOK BIGGER

  • DO: Use light colours to make a small room seem bigger. You can use a bright colour to accentuate one wall.
  • DO: Paint ceilings white.
  • DON’T: Don’t overcrowd the room with furniture and trinkets.
  • DON’T: Don’t tint cheap paints as the colour will wash out.

PAINTING OVER SMALL FLAWS

  • DO: Spend time, money and effort on the correct preparation.
  • DO: Use a matt finish to cover minor plaster imperfections.
  • DON’T: Correct the problem before painting.

GENERAL TIPS

  • DO: Wait the recommended time between coats to ensure a good life expectancy of the paint.
  • DO: For a superior finish use good quality brushes and rollers.
  • DO: Always prewash brushes and rollers, let them dry before starting to paint.
  • DO: Stir paint with a flat paddle and not a round stick as this will ensure that the paint is mixed properly.
  • DON’T: Avoid painting if you expect rain within the next 24hours.
  • DON’T: Always apply two coats as per manufacturer recommendations.
  • DON’T: Do not paint a varnish over a preservative or a penetrating sealer as it will bubble.