Here I have updated and revised a blog I put down in 2020- remarkably, three years ago now. Just so you know; we are still working away painting houses in London, because what else can one do but what one does. But we do a lots of things besides painting. Things like cleaning out gutters … Read more

When planning to paint the exterior of your house, you have to work out the correct time of year that’s best. You not only have to think about the best weather conditions for the paint but also for the decorators themselves. There is a good reason you don’t see decorators outside in the middle of … Read more

There are many ways in which you can enhance the look of your home by painting and decorating your walls. Whether it is just due an update or you are getting ready to put it on the market, these handy tips will help you make the most of your DIY wall decorating. Woodwork first – … Read more

A newly decorated interior can give home owners as much of a new lease of life as the building. If you are getting ready to sell your property, a full interior decoration is really a must, as it can actually increase its value. First impressions really do last, so whether you are entertaining visitors or … Read more

While painting in north London we inspected the roof and walls for holes and defects. Repair of these keeps out rain and raccoons. We cleaned the mossed and lichened slates too. Moss will drop into gutters and block them. Lichens eat slates. Former windows Dormer windows at high level suffer most from weather and lack … Read more

In many instances the replacement of old sash windows can be a tragedy. Here’s why: The original sash windows are usually constructed of softwood but softwood not like the softwood produced today. The old softwood was slow-grown and properly seasoned. It was then treated by those early twentieth century decorators with care and skill using … Read more

February is not a month to wish away, longing for Spring, it’s a month for preparation,  so when time speeds up, as it’s wont to do with the year’s progression, you are ready. The word ‘prepare’ by the way comes from the Latin ‘praeparare’ meaning -make ready. Another similar use of the word is getting … Read more

Exterior painting is probably the most important part of home maintenance and November (as I write)  is not too early to be thinking about having this work done in the spring. But when painting and particularly if a scaffold is involved it’s a good idea to look at any other maintenance that can be done … Read more

The question is: If Exterior paint is cracking, blistering or peeling should I paint now? And what harm will it do if left over the winter months? And what causes these defects to happen? Ok that’s three questions. The answer to the first question is yes, especially if it’s doing all three -cracking, blistering and … Read more

If the windows on your property look anything like the double hung sash windows in the picture the cost per window to include preparation and painting in 3 coats would be £130 each. A little less if in good condition and more if really poor condition. The £130 doesn’t include the surrounding stonework which can … Read more

Before I get onto the subject of cleaning paintwork as part of painting preparation I’d just like to make an appeal to cleaners. When mopping floors with soiled water keep away from the white painted  skirtings. You might not have noticed but the build up of mucky water residue on the skirtings over several years … Read more

If a painting contractor charges less than £25 per hour he will cover his labour cost but not vehicle costs, parking, travel, insurance, unforeseen additional materials, after sales, occasional freebies and delays. An average room or a 4m x5m living room would cost about £450 Add materials £80 and Vat. That’s an average price. If … Read more

Should you be painting in such hot weather as we are having in London this July 2018? The short answer is yes. Just try to paint in the shade. This is better for both paint and painter. The temperature has to get above 32c as in Australia or Spain before you need to think about … Read more