If you're not sure how to stop wall and ceiling stains coming back for good, read on.
:: If you've noticed marks on your home's walls and ceilings and however much you scrub and paint over them, they never go away for long, there's nothing for it but stain block. This special paint is designed to cover up marks, even water ones, for good.
:: Stain block comes in various forms, including conventional and spray paints. The good thing about sprays is that they dry quickly, perfect if you're in a hurry or need to do more than one coat (if the stain's particularly bad), but the spray does go everywhere, so remember to mask off the surrounding area.
:: With water marks, investigate the cause of the mark first. If you've got damp or a leak, there's no point in redecorating because the stain will just reappear. Sort out the problem and then allow the wall or ceiling to dry out before redecorating. In some cases, replastering may be required.
:: It's important to take full safety precautions (see the can or tin) when using stain block because it's not particularly nice stuff. This means, for example, wearing a ventilator mask when using a spray and wearing goggles when spraying or painting a ceiling. Make sure the room is well-ventilated and avoid getting the stain block on your skin and anywhere near your eyes.
:: Whatever type of stain block you use, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. With a spray, shake the can until it rattles and then for the required amount of time with it rattling. Spray the recommended distance from the wall and invert the can with the nozzle depressed after you've finished to prevent clogging. With conventional paint, it's vital to stir it properly and apply it evenly. Don't do a second coat until the first is completely dry.
DIY news bulletin
Keen to brush up on your DIY and gardening skills? From April 16, all 330 B&Q stores will be offering a series of free project demonstrations to help you do just that. The easy-to-follow one-hour demos will cover DIY and gardening jobs that can be completed in a weekend, focussing on the tools and skills needed to get them done.
The courses take place on Saturdays and Sundays and cover the following topics: laying a laminate floor (April 16-17), making a hanging basket (April 23-24), growing your own (April 30 to May 1) and building a basic deck/walkway (May 7-8). See www.diy.com for your nearest store.
A fifth of homeowners admit that they haven't touched their garden since moving in, according to a recent poll of 1,000 people for woodcare specialist Ronseal.
A third of those polled said they hate gardening and one in 10 don't know where to start when it comes to their own garden.
The survey was conducted in preparation for Ronseal's Urban Gardens Week 2011, a national event to encourage people to make the most of their gardens. Now in its third year, Urban Gardens Week takes place this year from April 11-18.
It's supported by TV gardener Charlie Dimmock and aims to educate novice gardeners about everything from how to mow the lawn and water plants to caring for decking, furniture and fencing. Garden-design templates are available to download from the official website, covering a range of simple styles to suit even the most inexperienced gardeners.
And Ronseal will be linking up with conservation charity the Woodland Trust, the official partner of the week, to highlight the environmental and economic value of planting just one tree in your garden (native trees can flourish in even the smallest of spaces).
To make more of your outdoor space, go to www.urbangardensweek.co.uk.
Ask the expert...
Q: The slate floor in my conservatory has been scratched by my children's toy box. Is there anything I can do about it, apart from replacing the tiles?
A: Try spraying the scratched tiles with WD-40. It will make them darker and so help to disguise the scratches.
Seasonal task...
We're into April and that means a bank holiday bonanza this year, so start planning your DIY projects now - not having enough time is no longer an excuse.
