Guide to your first DIY
Ready to make a change but not quite sure where to start? The new year marks new beginnings and for many, this means making DIY changes around the home. Here you'll find all you need to know to kick off your first DIY paint project like a pro.
How to choose a paint colour?
Finding the perfect colour can be overwhelming when there’s so much choice. Whether you’re going for a playful pop of colour or toned back neutrals, understanding how different colours work together can help set the mood for your whole home.
To help narrow down your choices, Dulux gives you a number of ways to shop our huge range of colour swatches and samples online at our Colour Shop. Visualise colour inside and outside your home with our A4 colour cards and stickers, or try our 100ml sample pots to really get a sense of colour in your space.
You can also explore our helpful how to use colour guides for more handy tips and tricks, or go a step further and book a colour consultation with one of our Dulux Colour Designers who can take the guesswork out of colour selection with expert advice.
How much paint do you need?
Now that you’ve chosen your paint colour, the next step is figuring out how much of that colour you actually need, and that’s made easy with our Paint Calculator.
All you need to do is measure the areas you’ll be painting, making sure you consider the whole space including walls, doors, skirting boards, trims and ceilings. Put these measurements into our Paint Calculator tool and make note of whether the surface is new or a repaint. Doing this will help us determine whether you’ll need two or more coats.
What equipment do you need?
You’ve got your paint tins sorted, but what else is left on your DIY shopping list? A roller and brush will be your main tools to have on hand. A high-quality synthetic brush is needed to cut in and take on tricky corners, and a 9mm or 12mm nap synthetic roller is best for bigger surface areas and cleaner finishes. You’ll also want to get a roller extension pole if you’re planning on tackling high walls and ceilings. Depending on what exactly you’re painting, there are usually a few other essential supplies you’ll need.
Roller tray to load your paint on
Sanding paper to buff any rough surfaces
Paint pot for easy transporting when cutting in
Drop sheets to protect from spills
Painter’s tape for clean edges
You can find all of these at your local Bunnings or take a look here.
Do you need to prep before painting?
Prepping your surface first with a primer is a must for a flawless finish - especially if you’re painting over existing paint. While it does take a bit more time and effort, it will mean the difference between a long-lasting paint job and the need to repaint in the future. Always start by cleaning your surface of any dust, cobwebs or scuff marks, then sand down any bumps to give yourself a smooth base to work off. Then prepare any of your walls with confidence using our range of Dulux preparation products, such as Dulux 1Step® Prep Water Based Primer, Sealer & Undercoat. It’s fast-drying, mould-resistant and blocks stains. Make sure you apply two undercoats if you are repainting surfaces in a very different colour for the best results.
Explore more than 4,800 colours including an extensive range of exciting new colours.
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