Give your outside space a DIY spring clean
With two May bank holidays just around the corner, budding DIY enthusiasts will be dusting off their drills, sharpening up their saws and honing their hammering skills, ready for their annual foray in to the world of home improvement. In the hope that the glorious April sunshine is here to stay, the Handy Squad, London’s favourite handyman company, (used by Lily Allen, Billie Piper, Samantha Cameron, Loyd Grossman amongst others) have put together their top tips for sprucing up your outside space:
1. PATIO:
The quickest way to ‘de-winter’ your patio is to use a pressure washer. You can also revive older decking with specially formulated deck cleaner which removes mildew and dirt and visibly refreshes greying timber. Sweep your patio regularly with a stiff brush to keep it clean.
Top tip: Buying a pressure washer can be cheaper than renting one.
2. WINDOWS:
Smart windows make a great impression so scrape off flaking paint round all the woodwork using a decorator's knife and then rub down with sandpaper and paint with gloss. Remember to start early in the day so you can close the window by night time; use masking tape around the glass before you start painting.
Top tip: if you don't have a decorator's knife, a flat-head screwdriver will work fine.
3. OUTSIDE WALLS:
i. Preparation: it pays to prepare thoroughly. Use a pressure washer to clean off any dirt and mould. Then treat the masonry with a fungicidal solution which you’ll need to leave on for 24 hours. You can fill small and medium cracks and holes with quick-setting mortar. This should be put on with a trowel and left to dry.
ii. Painting: Only paint when the weather is fine and try to avoid painting in direct sunlight. Always start painting at the top of your house and work down as this will avoid splashes on your newly painted surface. Stop work at least two hours before sunset so the last area of paint has time to dry.
Top tip: there are often sales on during the bank holiday so it’s a good time to buy paint.
4. FRONT DOOR:
Giving your front door a lick of paint will give you instant curb appeal. To do this, remove any hardware such as knobs and locks. Tape over latches with masking tape to prevent drips and fill any holes with filler and allow to dry. Sand down the door using a medium grit sandpaper (ie 100) then wipe off the dust. Prime the door and, once dry, paint the door your chosen colour.
Top tip: Try changing the ironmongery (handle, letterbox, knocker) to give your home a modern feel.
5. OUTSIDE FURNITURE:
i. Wooden: Sand down your wooden furniture, clean and re-paint it. Use a medium grit sandpaper (e.g. 100) and ensure you prime your furniture before applying the top coat. If you want the natural look teak oil will restore the colour to your tired hardwood furniture.
Top tip: wrap your brushes in cling film to prevent them drying out between coats.
ii. Metal and plastic: These often only needs a really good clean. A bucket of water and some washing up detergent is all that’s needed.
Top Tip: After cleaning, apply car wax to metal and plastic furniture to help repel stains.
6. GARDEN:
If your patio/garden is looking a little bland, the easiest way to inject some colour is to buy a plain inexpensive trellis and paint it a vibrant colour. You can then fix it to a bare wall using rawl plugs and screws. Hang flower baskets, lanterns or fairy lights to give an instant uplift.
Top tip: corks cut in half and drilled down the centre act as ‘washers’ to separate the trellis from the wall.
7. GUTTERS:
They may be dull but they need some attention too. Remove all the debris and clean them thoroughly. Prime metal gutters with an oil-based metal primer and follow with a top coat. Paint plastic gutters with oil-based gloss.
Top tip: Blocked gutters can result in rainwater leaking into your home so be sure to keep them clean.