What is the best paint brand in the UK for outdoor painting?

What is the best paint brand in the UK for outdoor painting?

Each decorator will give you a different answer to this question as they all have our own preferences.

Dulux Weathershield exterior decorating paint system is a favourite.

Some Decorators love the new improved formulation of Johnstones Stormshield – as it is shower proof in 20 minutes.

Some Decorators love Tikkurila for renders preferring a silicate-based masonry.

Sikkens is a very good choice for staining timber.

Hammerite Smooth Black or different colour is the normal go to choice for exterior metalwork

Most brands of paint which are from "Trade" shops will be decent - but I'd suggest you avoid buying paint from large DIY stores such as B&Q, Wickes etc. These stores paint will generally be thinner, hence more likely to be splashed about and more coats will be needed to achieve the finish desired.

How much does it cost to paint a 4-5 bedroom house?

How much does it cost to paint a 4-5 bedroom house?

This is a question that will have many, many different answers to it.

What is the existing condition of the property?

Has it suffered from years of poor DIY?

Are there layers of wallpaper that needs stripping?

Are there areas of mould and damp need treating etc?

These are just a few of the variables that will incur additional costs involved to achieve a good finish. You will pay for the preparation that is required to obtain an agreeable finish.

If its a relatively new property then generally it will require less preparation.

Another consideration is the type of finish would you like? Different paint finishes cost different amounts, also the paint brand you select will have a bearing on the final costs.

If the whole house is to be wallpapered this will also change the price quoted.

Thirdly is there woodwork to be painted? This can tie in with the amount of preparation required but say if all the woodwork in the property is woodstained and this is to be changed to a white gloss finish, this will cost more than repainting existing white woodwork.

Ballpark figures including materials you can be looking anywhere from £2600.00 to £10000.00

Can you paint Matt emulsion over Vinyl Silk paint?

Can you paint Matt emulsion over Vinyl Silk paint?

Yes it is possible to paint Matt emulsion over Vinyl Silk, however you need to follow a simple few steps before applying the matt emulsion over silk emulsion. To begin sand down all areas that have been coated with the Vinyl Silk to provide a good key and also help to remove the shiny sheen from the area. This job can be hard work and very time consuming. An easier way (recommended by Dulux / Akzo Nobel) is applying a coat of soft sheen paint over the Vinyl Silk. Another solution although slightly more expensive is to apply a coat of Zinsser Gardz as a base coat.

Once all the preparation work has been completed and allowed to dry fully, decorations can be carried out as normal, however on some occasions you may need to apply 3 coats of paint over the previously applied sealer.

A few things to consider when you want to hire a professional Painter and Decorator

INTERIOR DECORATING

Are you wondering how much home interior painting costs while preparing the budget for your next home improvement project?

Well you're in the right place! This price guide takes a look at the factors which influence house painting costs to help you get set for your project.

The general rate that interior Decorators and decorators charge is around £20 per hour. An interior Decorator can help you paint a room, from ceilings to walls. The median total cost for a painting and decorating project is around £500.

However, depending on the factors below the average price for how much it costs to paint a room, or tackle other interior painting projects could run higher.

Considerations When Budgeting The Cost to Paint a Room

Interior decorating costs can be influenced by several factors. Here we will look at the top things to consider when planning your painting project. Plus, it also includes some top house painting tips so you can ensure your painting project will go smoothly.

Type of Paint

You should ask your Decorator about the type of paint and materials they will use. High-quality primers and paints will give you better results and last longer. When you choose a high-quality paint, you won’t need to repaint as frequently. While it might seem expensive at first, it’s durability will prove cost-effective in the long run.

When it comes to types of paint, there is also the painting method to consider. While some types of paint are best applied with a roller brush, others adhere better with spray painting.

The price of these paints will vary. When creating your budget be sure to create a price list that compares these material costs.

Repairs and Preparation

One of the biggest factors that can influence the cost of an interior painting project is the condition of your surfaces. If you are working with uneven, cracked, or damaged walls and ceilings, they will need to be prepared before they can be painted.

Often, Decorators will be able to make minor repairs to your plasterwork if necessary. However, these repairs can add extra charges as they will require more materials.

Even if your surfaces are in a good condition, you can still speed up the process and save money by removing furniture ahead of time. If you don’t remove the furniture from the room yourself, your Decorators will need to do so. This will then be added to the cost of the project.

To reduce costs remove any furniture and cover anything you can’t move like a piano, with a drop cloth.

Always Focus on Quality

Painting and Decorating is an investment in your home. A skilled Decorator can transform a room with ease. So, when you are looking to hire a Decorator, you should always prioritise quality over price. An experienced Decorator with great reviews and references will be able to provide you with a top-quality service and finish.

Time Number of Rooms

The time it takes to complete a painting and decorating project typically depends on the size of the job. A single room will, of course, be much faster to paint than an entire house. As a result, hiring a Decorator for a more extensive project will also be more costly.

Price Comparison of The Cost to Paint a Room

Are you curious about how much it costs to paint a room? Then look no further! Below we have a handy chart that compares the cost to paint a room for varying project sizes.

Keep in mind that these are estimates only. The cost to paint multiple rooms can vary depending on the size of the rooms as well. If you plan to paint multiple rooms your Decorator may also be able to offer you a custom pricing plan. The best way to find the exact cost for your painting project is always to contact a professional Decorator directly.

Number of Medium Sized Rooms              Average Cost to Paint a Room    

One                                                                       £190.00 - £300.00

Two                                                                       £380.00 - £600.00

Three                                                                    £570.00 - £900.00

Number of Coats of Paint

Even for basic painting and decorating jobs, such as painting a small room, you will need to factor in the cost of preparation, including the number of paint coats you'll need to apply when budgeting for the overall cost to paint a room. For the best results, most Decorators recommend applying two coats of your desired colour.

The first coat needs time to dry before the Decorator can apply a second coat. The drying time will depend on what type of paint has been applied, and how well ventilated the room is. Under optimum conditions, latex paint should be ready for a second coat after four hours.

However, oil-based paints will take at least 24 hours to be ready. So, bare this in mind when you are calculating your budget for this project. Often you will need to schedule a minimum of two visits.

Location of the Property

The location will also influence rates which your Decorator and decorator charges. The rates that your interior Decorator charges will be understandably influenced by the cost of living, the price of transportation and the rates of their competitors. If you live in an area with a higher cost of living then you should reasonably expect that your Decorator’s rates will be higher as well.

For more information watch our YouTube video

Experience

As with any other profession, professional interior painting costs are influenced by the experience level of your Decorator. The cost that an interior Decorator who has been working in the home improvement industry for several years charges to paint a room will differ from a new interior Decorator who has just begun taking on clients.

A Decorator and decorator who has been in the industry for years will have extensively proven their skills and expertise. This will be reflected in the ratings and reviews on their profile.  On the other hand, a new Decorator who is seeking experience to make a name for themselves will likely charge less.

Whether you choose to hire a seasoned professional or a budding expert be sure to ask for references. No matter who you hire it is a good idea to look at their previous work to see if they are a good fit for your project.

The Details Job Specifications

Last but certainly not least a factor which will inevitably affect the cost to paint a room, and as well as the cost complete all the painting and decorating aspects of your project, is the details you need to tend to.

When you go to paint a room, there is more involved than just painting the walls. Depending on when you last painted the ceiling, this may also need to be done. Otherwise, the fresh paint on your walls will highlight the age of your ceiling paint in an unfavorable light.

Then, there is also the woodwork e.g. skirting boards to tend to. If they are in good shape then they can be painted straight away. However, if they are a tad on the rough side the cost of repairs will add to the total project cost.

Once they are in top shape then they will need to be painted as well. Oftentimes, you will need to purchase a separate accent paint to cover these effectively. Yet, in the end, paying attention to details like this will be worth it. A fresh coat of paint along your skirting boards can add a polished touch to any room.

How much do Decorators charge to hang wallpaper?

How much do Decorators charge to hang wallpaper?

This very much depends on the area and what room is being wallpapered. For example a Kitchen or Cloakroom can be a lot more awkward and tricky than standard box room.

To hang a Feature wallpaper would cost approximately £95.00 to £150.00 Labour Only

Another factors to consider is the type of wallpaper to be hung for example is it standard vinyl, wide vinyl etc. also does existing wallpaper need to be removed and the wall prepared before hanging the wallpaper.

Some Decorators may charge to hang wallpaper per roll which on average can be approximately £25.00 to £40.00 a roll, however this can increase to £35.00 to £70.00 If it's a mural or a paper that requires more time ie- extra wide paper, Wilkinson’s or Laura Ashley and so on.