Painting and Decorating Association’s top tips for summer colour

Experts at the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) have set out the top five tips for householders in Manchester who are looking for a summer bursting with colour.
The PDA is the largest UK trade body dedicated to the painting and decorating sector, representing a swathe of businesses across the country from sole traders to large national contractors.
Neil Ogilvie is Chief Executive of the PDA, and took on the role in 2011, after 30 years working in the industry.
He said: “Summer is the ideal time for a spruce-up and while there are some tasks you can tackle yourself, others should be left to a PDA member.
“Our top tips will help local householders make sure they get the best out of their homes and gardens in the summer months and feel surrounded by enriching tones and mood-lifting hues.”
Consider kerb appeal
The exterior of your property isn’t just about what the neighbours might think, it’s what welcomes you home. The main feature of any home on approach is the front door, so make it look inviting.
A fresh coat of paint can work wonders on doors and windows. On wood, sanding and preparing the surface, including repairs, will need to be done before applying any coating. It can be messy, and the dust may present a hazard, particularly if the doors and windows are older.
If there is any doubt about what they are currently coated with, contact a PDA member for advice. Modern UPVC windows and doors can be updated with paint, but specialist products and application techniques will garner the best results. White or black are classic, but there are plenty of gorgeous colours to choose from.
Beautify boundaries
Check railings, fencing and gates for signs of wear and tear. Rusting railings, peeling panels and flaking gates immediately make a home feel less inviting.
Confident DIY enthusiasts can consider tackling rust spots or applying coatings to wooden fence panels and gates, however, beware the drips – particularly on stonework, paths, driveways or pavement.
It’s also important to remember that untrained application can cause staining and spills onto adjacent property, so for a pristine sheen, and to avoid an argument with the neighbours, contact a PDA member.
Examine the exterior
Check exterior walls, particularly if rendered and painted. Any patches of fading, peeling or flaking should be addressed. Small touch-ups in high traffic areas, such as on corners next to paths or around doorways, are fine to tackle yourself and can make a world of difference.
A full-scale repaint or any kind of repair to paintwork that requires the use of ladders or working at height, such as eaves, soffits and facias, should be done by a professional with the skills and equipment to complete the project safely.
Also look at outside features, including raised beds, planters, and log or bin stores. Preserving exterior wood requires a coating refresh, usually annually, and while this can be a DIY project, it is notoriously messy and easy to get wrong.
Think carefully about the cost of repairs, repainting or, in the worst-case scenario, replacing these items, and do your research on the appropriate coatings before you make a start.
Furniture facelift
Outdoor furniture can last for years, especially if protected by an appropriate coating. Wooden furniture such as benches and picnic tables will benefit from a yearly refresh, which it’s fine to attempt yourself, although preparation is key to ensure longevity.
Painters and decorators who specialise in spray techniques can revitalise any type of outdoor furniture from cast iron bistro sets to raffia and wicker, protecting them from the elements and prolonging their usable life.
Creative colour
There are plenty of opportunities to get creative with colour both indoors and out. Many gardens have the back wall of a garage, garden shed, or storage box that can look utilitarian rather than beautiful.
The correct application of an appropriate coating can turn something functional into a fabulous feature. From sheds transformed into pastel delights to murals covering exposed brick, exterior paintwork can provide year-round colour in any outdoor space.
Neil added: “Anyone planning to tackle a DIY painting project needs to first consider their skill level and any possible risks. Always use products in strict accordance with the instructions on the label and be sure to use any protective equipment advised on the pack.
“Jobs that require high levels of repair and preparation, working at height, or specific skills or techniques should be left to a professional painter and decorator.
“PDA members are trained and insured professionals who commit to our Code of Practice and provide a quality job at a reasonable price.”
To find a PDA member business near you, go to: www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk