Paints lowdown
STATEMENT WALLS
Once you’ve chosen colours from the extensive Asda Your Home and Dulux ranges available in store and online, you’ll need the right paint for the job. Here’s our simple guide…
If it’s wow factor you’re after, paint one wall in a contrasting shade to the rest of the room, or opt for an eye-catching wallpaper. For an easy option, try Paste the Wall designs for a quick, mess-free makeover. We’ve got 18 designs in the range, including Dulux Meadowsweet teal (pictured), at just £18.97 a roll. And to add impact to a child’s bedroom, check out our Walltastic range – from fairy princesses to dinosaurs and maps of the world, these murals are all you’ll need to transform a room in a flash.
Matt It’s ideal for walls and ceilings. With only 5 per cent sheen or less, matt paint doesn’t reflect light, which means it’s great for camouflaging small lumps, bumps and cracks. Matt paints are more prone to scuff marks, but some matt emulsions are wipeable, so check the tin before buying. Satin or silk These water-based vinyl or acrylic paints are hard-wearing and wipeable, which makes them suitable for walls in high-wear areas, such as hallways and kitchens. A satin finish will be slightly shinier than silk. The finish can also be referred to as eggshell and has a 20 per cent sheen factor. Satinwood or semi-gloss Use these on woodwork, such as door frames. The sheen level in these paints falls between eggshell and gloss. Gloss High-gloss paint lends a classic finish to windows, banisters and dado rails. However, it will magnify imperfections, so always prepare the woodwork first.
*£1.50 BETWEEN 4 JULY AND 24 JULY
BRUSH STROKES Don’t overload your brush. Dip one-third into the tin and tap off any excess paint. Use the narrow side to paint edges – for example, where the wall meets the ceiling – applying with firm, steady strokes. For a straight-line finish, use masking tape, a spirit level and a slim brush from the Asda 5 Piece Paint Brush Set, £1.95*. 64 | ASDA.COM/MAGAZINE | JULY 2013
Halfway through a job? Seal the paint in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out overnight
Magic moments It can be difficult to keep track of where you’ve painted when you’re using white paint, so why not try Dulux Magic in matt or silk, £15.97 for 2.5L? It goes on pink and then fades to white as it dries so you can avoid patchiness. Now that’s magic!