NEWS

Embracing the DIY Lifestyle

Builders Warehouse works towards helping customers even more by collaborating with Thabang Lehobye. #DoItYourWay

14/04/2023

Ready to start your next painting project? See the tips below to inspire DIY enthusiasts to combine methods and techniques, explore the latest trends, and discover ways to make painting a fun winter project.

South Africans have embraced do-it-yourself (DIY) upgrades for their homes and this coming year will see even more homeowners undertaking home improvements and renovations by embracing the trend to create a home interior that is personal and reflective of their lifestyle. After the Covid pandemic during which time we were forced to spend more time at home, homeowners realised that changes needed to be made to their current lifestyle and their living conditions. It has become more about living a life that means more, taking the time to destress and meditate, and improving or renovating a home to be a comfortable place to spend time.

After conducting a recent survey involving customers in an attempt to improve customer service and in-store experience, Builders realised that the common thread from these clients was that they wanted to feel the ultimate shopping experience where they would be allowed to experiment with options and ultimately be able to choose the best solution for their wants and needs.

Builders believe that customers should be empowered with the tools to purchase goods, materials, supplies, and tools that reflect a wise purchasing choice for all their renovation and home improvement needs.

Revamping has never been easier than when using spray paint!

“An easy, effective way for any homeowner or home decorator to revive or transform the interior of a home is to use paint. One of the biggest structures in a home is the walls and painting them the right colour can do wonders in transforming the design and feel of your room. Leveraging our customer feedback, we collaborated with Johannesburg-born contemporary artist and illustrator Thabang Lehobye to host our Paint DIY event to show how personal spaces can be transformed using colour and texture,” says Janet Booysen, Marketing Executive at Builders. Thabang will bring an abstract meaning to the process which will help DIY fanatics find creative ways of stretching their buck and transforming their spaces and environment #DoItYourWay.

Knowing that paint colour has the power to affect moods and increase or lower energy levels, Builders took pride in unveiling the back-to-basics initiative at its DIY events and this, in turn, will provide customers with a level of confidence to ensure that they have everything they need to complete a painting project.

#DoItYourWay and add a splash of warmth to your home with these painting tips

Winter is fast approaching, which means you’re probably trying to find ways to cosy up in your home. An easy and simple way to do this is by using the power of paint on walls. A fresh coat of paint works wonders inside the home but it isn't always easy to find the ideal balance between a colour that reflects warmth and durable paint to weather the chilly season can be challenging.

"Paint has the ability to alter mood on more than walls. Paint and colour can be used in many ways inside the home but it takes a level of knowledge and skill to know what colours to choose and how to match them. If you have difficulty making a choice, try the Builders back-to-basics tool at the Paint Event at Builders Midrand and gain the confidence you need for your next painting project.”

Janet Booysen, MarketingExecutive at Builders.

Despite what many people think, winter is the best time to tackle any painting projects in and around the home. Builders agree that repainting in winter comes with countless benefits like the job going much quicker on cold days because the paint dries faster due to less humidity. And, with some guidance, those projects can be a fun way to spend time with loved ones.

Ready to start your next painting project? Here are tips from Builders to help inspire DIY enthusiasts to mix techniques, try the latest interior design trends, and explore ways to make their paint project a fun winter project:

1. Get off on the right stroke

Making the right choice of tools such as paintbrushes for your winter painting can be confusing since there are many different types of paintbrushes to choose from. The selection of brush types offers varying bristles that cater to specific paints, surfaces, and applications. While soft-bristle brushes are perfect for smooth finishes on wood, medium-bristle brushes are more suited to painting rough surfaces and paint mediums such as varnish.

Specialised brushes with firmer bristles provide better durability for course surfaces. “In addition to the various bristle types, DIYers must also look out for job-specific brushes for specific tasks such as brushes used for waterproofing, and roofing as these are specifically designed for heavy-duty tasks that do not require a smooth finish. To assist clientele, you can test your strokes before purchasing paintbrushes by making use of the Builders Wall of Fame at the Builders Midrand store and leave the store feeling proud that they’ve made the right purchase decision,” says Booysen.

2. Calculate how much pain you’ll need

When starting a painting project, you must calculate how much paint you will require to cover the surface area. Practical and handy, calculating how much paint you need will save you money and reduce wastage. You will need to know the following information:

The surface area that needs painting – remember to exclude any sections that don't require painting, like windows or doors.
Spread rate of the paint – each product has a specific spread rate which tells you how much paint to use per square metre.
How many coats are required – bearing in mind that porous and textured surfaces will require more paint.

With this information in hand, you are able to calculate the amount of paint required as in the square. To calculate your paint requirements easily, visit the Builders Paint Calculator and use the online tool to calculate the perfect quantity.

3. A quick and easy mixing tip

Your paint will need proper mixing before use if it's been sitting for a while, as it tends to separate over time but it is not a good idea to shake paint tins as this creates air bubbles, resulting in an imperfect finish. Instead, a purpose-built paint mixer attached to a drill is the quickest and easiest solution to combine the heavier solids at the bottom with the lighter liquid paint at the top. You can cut an old plastic coat hanger, leaving the hook intact if you don't have a mixer. Attach the plastic hook you have made to a drill and use it to stir the paint to ensure a consistent colour across the surface and a smoother and more even finish.

4. Refresh walls or surfaces with acrylic paint

When the time comes that you will spend time at home over the holidays, you will realise that the house requires a revamp. Fortunately, acrylic paint is an excellent product that can revive walls and ceilings. Fired Earth Walls and Ceilings is a high-quality washable acrylic paint suitable for interior and exterior surfaces, providing a smooth matte finish. Available in radiant white and subtle off-white shades, it adds elegance to any space. To have everything ready for repainting, prepare the walls by removing old nails, picture hangers, and screws, and use a crack filler to fill holes before sanding the surface. If changing to a lighter shade, apply a base coat and two coats of the desired colour. Quality Fired Earth paint allows you to achieve a better finish with fewer coats.

Applying the paint is easy when using a roller for most walls and a hand brush for the sides and edges. Use a painter's extension pole for high points and seamless strokes, and always paint from top to bottom. Allow four hours for drying between coats. Fired Earth Walls and Ceilings paint offers quick drying times, allowing you to complete a room repaint in just one day.

Find everything you need for a home painting job, including the Fired Earth range, at Builders stores or online at builders.co.za.

“Transforming your space with paint during the winter season can be both efficient and advantageous, and by following these tips, DIY enthusiasts can seamlessly create the perfect warm and inviting space for family and friends to enjoy.”

Janet Booysen, MarketingExecutive at Builders

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