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Original poster

Sudden urge to decorate. Should I do it? Clueless

14 replies

vanessalightfoot · 10/04/2019 09:56

Not done any DIY really since painting a student flat at I’m sure that wasn’t the highest quality Hmm. My DD’s bedroom needs doing and we were waiting on a decorator but I find myself unexpectedly child free later for a few hours. Will it be shit if I do it myself? How do I do the ceiling? Wallpaper also needs stripping off one wall and I don’t have a steamer. I won’t attempt to put the new paper up but I could have a go at the emulsion for the other walls and the woodwork. The carpet is trashed anyway so will be ripped up after.
Any tips?

OP posts:
Jackshouse · 10/04/2019 10:06

Don’t just try and fit in DIY in a few hours. It takes planning and preparation.

What needs doing are you wallpapering, painting walls and ceiling and woodwork?

Original poster
vanessalightfoot · 10/04/2019 10:10

Wise words. I’m just thinking that myself watching a few YouTube vids. It’s a tiny room but yeah it needs the ceiling doing, paper removing from one wall and redoing on 2, and the other walls emulsion, and the woodwork.

OP posts:
GreenTulips · 10/04/2019 10:13

Get a small brush and do the edges or use a sponge thing - then roller the ceiling - you can buy pink paint that turns white to help bits you’ve missed

Same on the wallpaper, do the edges carefully first then roller the paper in different directions several times

Stripping is easy use a damp cloth

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longearedbat · 10/04/2019 11:43

Well, we all have to start somewhere - my first decorating wasn't brilliant but I have got better over many years.
You don't need a steamer to remove wallpaper. A bucket of hot water with sugar soap (wear gloves) or even washing up liquid will work. Sponge an area, allow to soak in and then use a scraper. (Should have said you will need a few things from th diy store if you haven't got them.)
I always find with decorating that shifting furniture is the worst bit. However I have done a room by moving stuff into one half and doing the other half and so on.
Get some decent brushes or a roller - very much personal preference. Cover your head when you paint the ceiling, paint has a habit of flicking everywhere.
It will take you longer than a few hours though I'm afraid.
Wallpapering is not difficult either, I promise. I much prefer it to the painting bit. Have a look on you tube.
If you leave furniture in the room, cover it with dust sheets.
Have a go. It's really not difficult, but it is time consuming.

buzzbobbly · 10/04/2019 11:49

Grin Conversely, I don't bother with wallpaper. Paint is quick, easy and effective.

If you are really lazy, just paint over the current paper (depending on finish, pattern, colour etc)

Blackandpurple · 10/04/2019 12:12

Im not brilliant but i painted my whole house by myself. 5 beds, large living room, lng hsllway, kitchen, utility and 2 bathrooms. I got a friend over to wallpaper for 5 feature wslls for £100. It was all he wanted.

Im about to do the ceiling and walls of the hallway again next week. Day 1 masking tape and ceiling then dsy 2 walls.

Do it and dont rush. You will be proud of yourself.

Original poster
vanessalightfoot · 10/04/2019 13:46

Gosh wow that’s impressive! I went to b&q and that took up most of the time I had available Grin so will heed the warnings about taking my time and the prep required. I think I will try and do it myself but need a bit more time to prepare!

OP posts:
GreenTulips · 10/04/2019 14:06

Three cups of tea, two KitKats and you’re ready to go

formerbabe · 10/04/2019 14:14

I had the urge to decorate...never done it before. I did both my dcs bedrooms first. It was fine but you can't rush it. I got tips from the internet and youtube. Bought everything I needed...did it whilst they were at school. Preparation is key.

MollysLips · 10/04/2019 16:10

I was absolutely shocking at decorating until I noticed the teeny tiny rollers they use on DIY makeover shows. With one of those, I'm unstoppable! Far less messy, no random globs of paint arcing across the room... Amazing.

Gertie75 · 10/04/2019 16:21

Definitely have a go, you'll save yourself a fortune, I love decorating and have done our whole house including painting, wallpapering, tiling, I even laid a carpet and lino but didn't particularly enjoy those jobs.

Stripping paper is simple, peel the top layer off then soak the backing with warm water and a spot of washing up liquid for 5 minutes then it'll peel off, you might need a scraper in parts. It's a very satisfying job.

formerbabe · 10/04/2019 17:39

@Gertie75

Wow! How did you learn how to lay a carpet?! How difficult was it please?

Knittedfairies · 10/04/2019 17:45

Preparation is definitely key; if you skimp on that you won't get a good finish. Empty the room if you can, and cover up what has to stay in. Good luck!

Original poster
vanessalightfoot · 10/04/2019 18:25

Thank you, wise people.

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