Many specialist products are available these days – there are products which almost eliminate sanding of woodwork and others that ensure new paint will successfully adhere to previously painted or varnished under surfaces without peeling or dripping.

It is popular now to hand paint kitchen cupboards and these can be painted solid colours or finished with an antique finish. With special sealants, previously painted or varnished surfaces can be painted successfully. Your retailer or paint specialist can advise. Paint can be applied in layers with one layer being rubbed to reveal part of the layer beneath. The top colour can be ragged or rubbed. Paint treatments imitating wood grain are alternatives as are stenciling and stippling.

Specialist paints are available these days which will create architectural effects on outside surfaces – render like finish, cement based paints, milk paints and lime washes.

These days paint colours can be matched exactly with ultraviolet machines available at certain outlets. Even small pieces of coloured material can be fed into the machines and a paint formula for paint to exactly match this colour is obtained. This means you can match the colour of a tile, a piece of fabric etc.

Wallpapers can provide not only colour but texture and pattern and this combination can add a luxury feel. Borders of paper can define a room and give it style. Borders can be used on their own or with co-ordinating papers.

If walls are not in good condition it can be wise to use a good quality lining paper or paintable wallpaper. For the traditional use of lining paper the joints should be offset from those of the paper and some prefer to hang lining paper on the horizontal.

Ragging & Sponging is achieved by using two different coloured paints. The base coat is painted on, the top coat is watered down to suit and either sponged off or sponged on to the base coat. The closer the two colours are the more subtle the effect. The effect is altered by the material with which you apply or remove the top coat. Alternatives are sea sponge, rags, feathers etc.

Spattering & Dappling are achieved by spattering a light top coat of paint over the base or dappling with broad brushes and a colour lighter than the base with broad brushes.

Stencilling creates an interesting effect and can be used to border areas you wish to emphasise. You can make your own stencil or purchase them from the range available. Cut out the pattern you want from a piece of card, place it on the wall over the base coat and paint over the cutout section.

Marbling is used in areas where you wish to simulate marble. It is fairly difficult to do but can create a wonderful effect over a base coat the veins and colour variations are imitated by the use of brushes, feathers and sponges.

Sheen level

Paints are available in gloss, semi gloss, low sheen and flat finish. All except flat can be easily wiped clean. Flat paint should be used on walls that have imperfections and is used on most ceilings. Semi gloss is the preferred finish of bathrooms as it is more durable in areas with a lot of steam.

Acrylic and oil based paints

Acrylic paint is water based and is easy for the homeowner to use and to clean up. Oil based is best used on timberwork, particularly on the exterior as it expands and contracts with varying weather conditions and thus doesn't crack as easily.

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