Brits are gearing up for the summer – and with a heatwave forecast within the next few weeks, there’s no time like the present to get your garden BBQ-ready.
From sprucing up the lawn to planting some new flowers, it could be in full bloom in no time. However, there is one task that could ruin the fresh new look if you get it wrong.
Painting expert Anjelica Delfino, from Valsar Paint, has claimed that many Brits make costly mistakes when they repaint their fence.
She claims the common DIY blunders could end up costing you hundreds of pounds a year. But a correctly painted fence can remain in top-notch condition for three to four years without needing an expensive redo.
Now, the expert has shared her top tips to make sure you avoid disaster.
No streaks with a 10p trick
If you aren’t the most experienced at DIY and would like to avoid streaky paint marks, Anjelica shared a cheap trick that could help. She explained: “Using the humble sponge to paint a fence is a great trick, especially if you’re not the best painter.
“It’s incredibly affordable, and you probably already have one lying around. This is of course a great money-saving hack, but it’s also good to avoid streaky painting which is very common with fences, especially wooden fences.”
You can buy cheap multi-packs of 10 sponges from your local supermarket for £1, making this hack just 10p!
Avoid if it’s too hot!
Despite garden work being associated with summer, there is a such thing as “too hot”. Since the UK will soon face temperatures of 30C or above – it might be best to get the job done before the hot weather strikes.
“If it’s too hot the paint will dry out fast and uneven. Between five and ten degrees is the optimal temperature for this DIY job,” she added.
If you’re not careful, you might end up having to start all over again by removing all of the uneven paint. Paint stripper costs can reach up to £40 for just 2.5L, so it’s best to avoid this scenario if possible.
Clean your fence
It’s widely known that surfaces need to be cleaned before painting. But fences are an exception.
You don’t want to clean a fence with soap and water as the fence must be completely dry before painting, otherwise the paint won’t adhere properly, according to the expert.
Instead, use a stiff brush to remove as much dirt as possible and then sand your fence to achieve a smooth and clean surface. If the paint isn’t absorbed correctly, you’ll need to start again and could potentially waste a good coat of paint.
