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  • Do I need a white coat over magnolia walls before repainting?

    Hello All, I have a number of walls which are currently painted magnolia and am currently considering repainting them in a light grey colour. Should I use white paint to prime the walls before the grey paint, or would I be able to go straight for covering the magnolia with light grey paint? Thanks, Gill

    Asked by June on 9th Mar 2019
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    Before tiling, should I apply 6mm Cement Board to the Floorboards?

    Hello, I have a total area of about 60m² to be tiled. There are old floorboards currently. I’m considering adding 6mm (1200 x 800) hardie backer cement board before tiling. What is best adhesive I can use for sticking the cement board to the old floorboards? Would tile adhesive be enough? Is there any recommended specialist glue type? Would the cement board need to be screwed in after laying it with the adhesive?

    Asked by Karen on 5th Mar 2019
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    Can I paint on new plaster?

    When painting on freshly layered plaster, how would be the best way for me to paint over the plaster without causing a mess or any problems to the paint/plaster later? The plaster is dry, but it has only been a few days since it has been completed. I’ve been advised that I could apply mist coats first to help seal the plaster – is this necessary, or should I just wait a little longer for the plaster to settle before painting?

    Asked by Simon on 27th Oct 2019
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    Why won’t my outdoor light switch off?

    I have a light in my garden which features a motion sensor to activate it. However, recently, it will turn on and stay on the rest of the night inexplicably. Does this sound like a problem with the settings that can be tweaked or that something in the light has broken? Ideally I would like to be able to change the setup to make it turn off after a time like previously did.

    Asked by duncan on 1st Mar 2019
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    Screw and plug or adhesive for skirting boards?

    I need to fit new skirting board in my living room as it's just been plastered. I'm just wondering which is the best way to fix the skirting board? Do I need to use screws and plugs or can I just use an adhesive? If so which should I use? The walls seem to be flat but i don't want there to be big gaps at the top that I have to fill with caulk. Thanks in advance.

    Asked by Cheryl on 28th Mar 2020
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    What paint should be used on a Front Door?

    Hi all, I have a wooden door which is due to be installed in my porch soon. Does anyone have any advice for what type of paint I should be using on the outside to protect it from the weather over the long term. Is it something that would need treating or repainting annually, etc?

    Asked by Luke on 4th Mar 2019
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    Replace floor joists - costs & estimates

    How much would it cost to replace the floor joists and floor boards in a 12 foot by 14 foot room. The room has a chimney in it and is on the ground floor. The current floor is bowed quite a bit, any other suggestion for fixes other than replacing the floor would be good to know.

    Asked by James on 27th Jan 2020
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    Is Bathroom Paint Necessary For Bathrooms?

    Hi All, I have a bathroom undergoing renovation at the moment, including some recently plastered walls. Is there any paints I should be using for a bathroom specifically? Anti-damp/water resistant perhaps? Would it be feasible to use normal emulsion at all? Also, if I do need to use bathroom-specific paint, could I do a first coat using an ordinary white thinned emulsion over the plaster?

    Asked by Jenny on 24th Feb 2019
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    Are paint pads better than using a normal paint roller for walls and ceilings?

    Hello I am undergoing some redecoration of a bedroom at the moment. Recently we have replastered the walls and applied a first coat to the walls. Afterwards, we will be applying a second coat to the walls, then some minor repainting work on the ceiling afterwards. I have been told that using paint pads can provide a more even finish and are less messy to use, than normal paint rollers. Has anyone had any past experience of using both to compare? An even coat is my main priority with this, so if I can manage this with less mess using the paint pads, I’ll be keen to try them out.

    Asked by June on 19th Aug 2019
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    How much does a brick wall cost to build?

    Hi I am planning on getting a wall built soon. I already have materials for the builder to use (bricks, cement, sand and footing), which should be enough. The wall will need to be 7m long and 2.5m tall. Would anyone be able give me an idea of the approximate time it would take to complete? Or how much it would cost for the builder’s labour and time? Many thanks

    Asked by Everson on 4th Mar 2019
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