Cover story

PAINT: FEATURES

There are many ways to introduce a feature colour into your home. For homeowners who like to think outside the box, we have two great project ideas that take no time at all. 1. Arch wall feature This on-trend look will create an interesting focal point in any room, and is also a great way to highlight a unique piece of furniture or homewares product. Time: 1.5 hours work time WHAT YOU NEED: Sugar soap, masking tape, dropsheet (for the floor), string, pencil, measuring tape, roller and roller pole, roller tray, paint brush and paint. We like the Accent Interior Low Sheen product in pink. METHOD Clean the wall and then measure your arch. The width and height will be dependent on the size of your space. Make a pencil mark on both sides at the same height and then measure the gap between the two sides and mark the mid-point. Attach a pencil to the end of a length of string. The string needs to be half the width of your arch. Pin the string at the mid-point mark and keeping the string taught, draw a semi-circle from one side to the other to form the top of your arch. Tape off the straight edges at the bottom of your arch shape with masking tape. To make sure it’s straight, you can make a plumb by attaching keys to a long length of string and holding against the wall. Tape along this line. Using a paint brush, paint the outline of the arch following the semi-circle pencil line. Start by painting just inside the line, then press the paint brush down with a little pressure and move slowly along the line for maximum control. Once you’ve painted the arch use the same paint brush to cut in along the masking taped edges then fill in the inside using the roller. Allow two hours to dry and then apply a second coat. Once you have finished the second coat, gently remove the masking tape while the paint is still slightly wet. Begin at one end and pull the tape back on itself in a steady, slow motion at a 45-degree angle to the painted surface. Stand back and admire your handiwork! Project by Mitre 10. For more, visit mitre10.com.au 2. Upcycle furniture Bring new life to an old favourite. Time: 2 hours work time. WHAT YOU NEED: Your piece of furniture (chair, desk, table, sideboards all work great), sandpaper, dropsheet (for the floor), brush, paint, clear coat and primer undercoat. We like the Haymes Paint Elite Quick Dry Primer Undercoat as it’s a sealer and undercoat in one. It’s easy to apply and fast drying. METHOD Clean and sand the furniture. Apply the undercoat and allow to dry. Apply paint in your chosen colour. Once dry, apply the clear coat.

Egg-cellent

DIY PROJECTS

With the long weekend ahead of us, now is a great time to plan and prioritise those DIY tasks that have been building up around home. We have some project suggestions to get you started, and they are sure to brighten up your indoor and outdoor areas. brighten up your indoor and outdoor areas.

tip!

When it comes to DIY weekend work, don’t get over-ambitious. Keep the number of jobs to a reasonable number and be sure to balance work with family and downtime.

MAKE AN ENTRANCE

Australia’s own renovation queen, Cherie Barber from Renovating For Profit, says it’s important to never underestimate the power of a fabulous facade – and that includes brightening up an old front door with a new coat of paint! Decluttering, tidying, cleaning, repairing and giving the front of your place some TLC will achieve miracles, she says. “A good going over with a high-pressure hose strips decades off most old surfaces. “And if you’ve got ugly, bare concrete paths or a driveway, then think about paving paint. You can tint it to any colour so it blends with your facade. New garden beds, an updated letterbox, some smart stainless steel house numerals, a few solar lights – it’s all those little touches that add up to a big impact. “And don’t forget you can just paint the facade of a house instead of the whole exterior.” What are you waiting for? Get to work!

STYLE & PRIVACYfor outdoors

• Awnings • Louvres • Shutters • Fencing & Gates • Insect & Security Screens All screens and gates are custom designed to suit your needs

We use Australian Powdercoated Aluminium in over 300 colours

PULL DOWN/WIND DOWN BLINDS GATES, FENCING & AWNINGS ▲

DECORATIVE ALUMINIUM PANELS BIFOLDING, SHUTTERS & LOUVRES ▲ DIY FRIENDLY OR INSTALLED. CALL FOR A FREE MEASURE & QUOTE

P. 5438 2866 or Mark 0424 984 785

9 Newing Way, Caloundra (off Mark Rd at Daniel St roundabout) www.superiorscreenssc.com E. superiorscreenssc@gmail.com Agents for

Resurfacing

THE PERFECT FINISH

PICK A PLANT

With its cooler days, autumn is a great time to plant colourful flowers. We like roses, orchids, daisies, pansies and tibouchina varieties. When planting seedlings, add a little compost into the hole first to give them a healthy start to life. Bulbs are also a great way to introduce florals into your garden, and they can be planted directly into the ground, or in a pot. For more planting ideas, turn to page 16.

• STYLISH • DURABLE • SEAMLESS • CLASSIC LIVING

Resurfacing in Slate Grey with Large Tile Stencil We will help you combine colours, textures and patterns to create that wow factor. Specialising in products for:

• Spray on concreting; • Epoxy fl ooring; • Flake fl ooring for your garage; • Clear and colour concrete sealers; • Polished concrete; • Matt, semi gloss and gloss fi nishes; • Crack and grout repair • All the tools you need for the job • Open to the public