Kerb appeal - Dulux BackPack Roller
They say first impressions count, and that goes for property as well as people. A well presented home is not only more visually appealing, it's more welcoming too.
A thorough spring clean can work wonders but, before you reach for the duster, spare a thought for the outside of your home. In many ways, its exterior says more about you than the interior, because it's there for all to see. Fortunately you don't have to carry out a huge overhaul to get your home looking ship shape; instead follow our top three tips for a quick and easy spring spruce up.
Welcome home
Some believe the colour of your front door reflects aspects of your personality, with traditionalists choosing black or blue, extraverts opting for red and minimalists going for white. Whatever shade suits you, it's the condition of your paintwork that really matters. Flaking, peeling paint screams neglect and so reach for a can of Dulux Weathershield Exterior Gloss.
This attractive high gloss paint can be used on both exterior wood and metal surfaces, so is ideal for front doors and its weatherproof film contains a crack and mould resistant additive to keep your handiwork looking better for longer. To apply, simply sand down the door until you have a sound surface and then brush on.
Dulux Weathershield Exterior Gloss is available in 10 colours plus Pure Brilliant White and has a RRP of £12.99 for 750ml.
If you prefer a more contemporary subtle-sheen finish, Dulux Weathershield Exterior Satin is also available in 10 colours.
Top tip - newly painted doors should not be closed fully until paint is completely dry, so make sure you choose a mild day to do the job!
Finishing touches - give any metal door furniture a good polish so that it shines just as brightly as your paintwork, and if you have a door bell, make sure it's working!
Wonder walls
Painted masonry can look very smart, but once it starts to weather the thought of climbing up and down ladders laden with paint trays can be enough to deter even the most ardent DIY'er - unless you've heard about the revolutionary Dulux Weathershield Backpack Roller System that is.
Up to twice as fast as a brush, the Weathershield BackPack Roller System is a complete painting system that dispenses paint from specially designed packs, directly onto a roller at the push of a button for mess-free, fast and easy painting. The system fits neatly inside a handy, ergonomically-designed rucksack that's worn on the back, leaving hands free of paint tins and trays.
Use with specially formulated Weathershield BackPack Roller System Smooth Masonry Paint for splatter-free application and a long-lasting finish. Formulated with a unique high performance acrylic resin that provides TOTAL PROTECTION against all types of extreme weather conditions, the paint finish is guaranteed for up to 15 years.
The Weathershield BackPack Roller has a RRP of £49.99. Dulux Weathershield BackPack Roller System Smooth Masonry Paint is available in five colours with a RRP of £24.99 for 5ltrs.
Top tips
- A range of useful accessories - including an Edging Kit (RRP £16.99) and an Extension Pole (RRP £12.99) - is also available to make the job even easier.
- For those who prefer brush or traditional roller application, Dulux Weathershield Masonry Paint is available in both Smooth and Textured finishes in a selection of colours and pack sizes.
Finishing touches - while you've got the ladder out, check your guttering is securely attached and aligned, and clip back any straggling aerial cables.
Winning woodwork
Well-maintained window frames look better and last longer but if you thought that achieving a picture-perfect, brush mark-free finish was just for the professionals, think again.
Dulux Weathershield Exterior Satin is really easy to use because it’s self-undercoating and quick-drying. It also comes with a 6 year guarantee against weathering and dries to a beautiful subtle sheen finish.
Dulux Weathershield Exterior Satin has a RRP of £13.99 for 750ml and is available in 10 colours plus Pure Brilliant White.
If you prefer a high-gloss mirror finish, Dulux Weathershield Exterior Gloss is also available in 10 colours.
Top tip - don't forget that Dulux Weathershield Exterior Satin can be used on exterior doors too, so once you've finished with the windows, you can paint your front door for a completely coordinated look.
Finishing touches - once the woodwork is dry, give your windows a good clean, inside and out.
BOX OUT - Short-cuts to kerb appeal
1 - Pull up weeds on paths and driveways and use long-handled shears to neaten up edges and borders
2 - Plant some fragrant plants or herbs in pots or hanging baskets by the front door - they'll add both colour and a welcoming aroma
3 - Wash or dry clean blinds and curtains - they'll look better from inside and out
Good preparation will help enhance the look and durability of your top coat. For help and advice, visit dulux.co.uk.
