Caxton magazines staffWhether it’s a mini spruce-up or a major makeover, paint is one of the easiest ways to update your home
UPDATE A BUILT-IN-BRAAI
Concrete built-in braais tend to look dull and basic. Give them a bit more style and incorporate them into your patio scheme by painting them in a neutral colour. Before painting, use Plascon Concrete Floor Prep. Here a soft wash blends the cooking area with the shabby chic look of the rest of the patio. Paint effect by So Us.
TOP TIP: Add detail to cupboards with decorative mouldings, available at hardware stores.
REVAMP YOUR KITCHEN
Give your kitchen a French industrial feel by painting a piece of furniture a charcoal shade and personalising it with a vintage inspired stencilled detail. Paint effect by So Us.
TOP TIP: Before painting metal items, check for rust. If there’s rust present, paint the affected areas with a converter like Plascon’s Metalcare Rust Converter & Primer.
SOFTEN FACEBRICK
Facebrick not your style? Soften its appearance with whitewash. Dilute white PVA paint (one part paint to one part water), so it’s quite watery. Dab the mixture over the brick surface with a brush and wipe immediately with a rag to catch the drips. Paint treatment by So Us.
TOP TIP: This can get messy, so cover the floor and surrounding area with drop cloths.
REPLICATE WALLPAPER
Use stencils to replicate the effect of expensive wallpaper with very little outlay. This takes a bit of effort, so it’s ideal for small spaces like powder rooms. Practise on a piece of board first to get the hang of it, and keep the stencil in place with non-permanent spray glue so it doesn’t slip. The best results are achieved with a chunky stencil brush and metallic wax. Paint effect by Interior Wall Creations.
TOP TIP: Leave at least 24 hours between painting the base coat and starting to stencil. The Stencil Company in Cape Town stocks a wide range of decor stencils.
PAINT STRIPES ON A WALL
Painting stripes on a wall is a clever way to add interest to a room while still keeping the look clean and uncluttered. First paint the wall a base colour and let it dry for at least 24 hours. Then divide the wall into equal stripes using a pencil and a steel ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure they are straight. Using masking tape, tape off the lighter sections before painting the contrasting stripes. Wall treatment by Interior Wall Creations.
TOP TIP: Vertical stripes make the ceiling appear higher, while horizontal stripes make a room feel more spacious.
