Refreshing your Home for the New Year

Are you yet to finish that painting job you started in lockdown? Have you been meaning to finally start that home extension you’ve been dreaming of for months?  

The run-up to Christmas is the perfect time to start planning projects like these if you have a bit of spare time at home during the festive season, so you can get onto these jobs in the New Year. 

We’ve put together our top product recommendations for various DIY and decorating jobs in this guide, so you can make restoring your home your New Year’s resolution! 

Home Extensions & Other Building Work 

You might be planning an extension to your property or could already be well ahead with this – either way, we’re here to cover an important step in the process that not everyone is aware of; applying the mist coat. 

Macpherson’s Eclipse is a great choice for new plaster jobs. When having a new extension or building refurbishment, using breathable emulsion paint like this should be the first step for a long-lasting finish. 

As well as the right product, the right quantities are key – we always say that you want thin paint, not coloured water. We recommend using no more than 1/3 water with 2/3 paint and applying one mist coat. This will sink into the plaster and provide a suitable barrier for your topcoat emulsion. Neglecting this step can lead to your emulsion failing to adhere properly. 

General Wear and Tear  

We all know what it’s like with the hustle and bustle of Christmas – having so many guests under one roof, including children and pets over the holidays, decorations and other obstacles are likely to cause the odd scratch and mark. This may require some DIY attention in the New Year if you have particular attention to detail. 

One Strike Filler is great at repairing any damage from Christmas decorations, or other general scuffs and marks. It’s lightweight and ready mixed making it easy to use and can be painted or papered over in just 30 minutes. 

Ready, Set, Paint! 

Ready to change things up with the décor in your home? Elle Decoration by Crown Paints has 60 stunning unique paint colours to choose from! 

The paints are scrubbable and matt so will keep your home looking fresh and on-trend and can be used on both walls and woodwork.  

The ‘Breatheasy’ formula also makes them the perfect choice for those with allergies or asthma.  

If you’re looking to update your furniture without the expense of buying new then we recommend Bedec Multi Surface Paint. It’s perfect for kitchen cupboards, furniture, windows and doors, just to name a few and its built-in primer means it will save you both time and money. Choose from a range of sizes, colours and finishes. 

If you’re interested in our FREE colour chart packs, these can be picked up in-store or we can post them to you if you’d prefer. For any recommendations on your up and coming projects, our experts would be happy to offer our advice. Call the shop on 01395 267972 with any questions or browse our online shop to get started!