Your DIY questions answered

Livingetc's design guru Mark Garside answers your most frequently asked DIY questions.

Touching up chipped paintwork

How do you touch up chippedor scratched paintwork on walls, skirtings or architraves without it looking blatantly obvious?
This is a good question with no simple answer. If paintwork is chipped, you need to fill the indentation with a fine surface filler before 'feathering' paint over the damaged areas. This essentially means applying a sweep of paint that merges with the surrounding area, using a flatter brush with minimal paint on it. It works best if you build up a few thin coats of paint rather than loading it all on in one go. This merging technique is important, as it helps to match up colours which may have become faded or tarnished over time.

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Design rights for interior products

I want to design and produce my own interior products, but I'm unsure of the best way to protect my designs. Do you have any advice?
A Design rights really are a minefield, which is why many new designers in the UK sign up to ACID (Anti Copying In Design), which can help navigate copycat design issues, and also provide access to legal services and mediation. There are also many professional companies, such as Appleyard Lees, who can compose and file design rights, trademarks etc for you. This costs more than doing it yourself, but can help ensure the registration is watertight, especially on more complex products and when registering designs abroad.

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Original Bauhaus door fittings

I'm renovating a Thirties semi, and am currently tackling the doors. All the neighbours have the original Bakelite ones that are a little too overdone for my taste. Can you suggest where I can find more modest fittings?
There's a German company called Tecnoline (bauhaus-fittings.com, see stockists for UK suppliers) which reproduces a range of original Bauhaus fittings designed by the great architects of the time, such as Walter Gropius, so take a look and you're sure to find a discreet classic.

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Solar panels for a south-facing roof

Our home is energy efficient, so we'd like to add solar panels to our south-facing roof. What are our options?
Solar Thermal panels aid the main heating system by raising the basic water temperature, so less energy is needed to heat it further. You can cut your hot water and heating bill by half, with an outlay of about £5k (diy.com). Solar Electric panels have more of an eco impact, and while the set-up costs are four times higher than Solar Thermal, the system will last up to 50 years. It wires easily into your home circuit and also back into the national grid, so you save about two thirds on your bill, and earn money from the power going into the grid.

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How to silver leaf a mirror

I've seen a beautiful old mirror made using silver leaf in an antiques shop. Could I achieve this look myself?
Verre églomisé is the original method of mirroring glass using gold or silver leaf. The glass is cleaned, brushed with a gelatine/water mix, and then, using gilding tools, you apply the leaf (gold works out at about £100 per sq m; silver at about £50). When dry, seal with clear varnish. It's not that easy, so practice first with some cheaper imitation leafs. See C Roberson & Co for local suppliers of its gilding materials, while angelgilding.com has a good tutorial to follow.

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Traditional hinges

I love the traditional hinges I've seen in a back issue of Livingetc. I've looked on eBay, but as I don't know what they're called, I can't find them. Any ideas?
I had a real hunt for these, and finally found out they're called 'ice box' hardware (or refrigerator or Hoosier fittings) – basically, the hinges and latches you used to get on old American kitchens. You don't find this kind of hardware in the UK, only in the States, and as
I've always admired them on high-end Italian fridges, such as those by Meneghini, it's great you asked the question and spurred me to source them. All the suppliers are in America, with some, like icebox.com and hardwareresource.com, being a bit expensive; houseofantiquehardware.com and architecturals.net are more realistically priced if you're shipping to the UK.

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Bespoke garage doors

We're about to convert our garage into two rooms, with a garage door on the front, and folding, sliding doors on the back. But the doors we've seen so far are all very standard styles and colours. Can you suggest something cooler?
Suppliers are responding more to demands for bespoke colours. It will generally cost more than standard shades, but for it to last you'll need to get it done professionally as part of the manufacturing process, and not attempt a DIY paint job. As for door systems, I'd go for an electric roller shutter, which will prove to be more space efficient. Companies like Roché, Hörmann and HAG are worth investigating.

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How to screen glass for privacy

I live in a block of flats with a glass balcony. It's all very trendy and modern, but it's not at all private. What are my options for screening off the glass?
There are a few possibilities. You could use frosted or coloured window vinyl to make the glass translucent, Brume (brume.co.uk) is one company that offers this kind of glass treatment and tips on installation. If you want more of a natural environment, I've seen many people using woven screening, such as bamboo and willow, to create their own urban oasis. Try primrose-london.co.uk.

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How to repair fireplace mouldings

My old fireplace is missing a decorative moulding on the right side. How do I repair it?
There used to be a company called Shortwood Carvings that did all the fancy embellishments you find on furniture but, sadly, it's gone. If you're good at DIY, it is possible to make a replica by moulding off the remaining embellishment, but it can turn out to be a labour of love. For something off the shelf, a good company for the odd missing finial, moulding or architectural detail is Wild Goose Carvings. The pieces are in wood, but can be painted to match.

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Advice on renovating a driveway

I'm an avid reader of Livingetc, but have failed to find anything about how to renovate driveways. My 1850s Georgian house has a very contemporary look inside, so I'd like to make the driveway both practical and modern. Do you have any ideas?
My personal preference on this is to use the small square granite 'setts'. They are ideal in contemporary developments, as different-coloured granites can be used to create patterns. Log on to pavingexpert.com for an overview and, for inspiration on the outdoors, Google Andy Goldsworthy.

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Repairing a SMEG fridge

I have a FAB28 Smeg fridge, which makes a fantastic statement in my kitchen. I've had it for seven years, but it's now starting to look a little battered – a couple of the internal storage units are cracked, but most importantly the seal is going around the top of the door unit. I don't want to get rid of it, but can't seem to find anyone who does repairs or replacement bits. Can you help?
Because the overall designs haven't changed radically over the years, Smeg holds a pretty comprehensive back catalogue of parts. Call 0870 990 9907 to arrange for an agent to refresh your old faithful

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Replacing rusting guttering

The time has come to update the rusting guttering on our house. I've heard that replacing it with aluminium is a better option than cast iron. Please can you advise?
If you have the money to spend on a decent product, rather than PVC, then aluminium now tends to be most people's material of choice. Not only does it have good eco credentials, but the maintenance is far easier, and you can also have it produced in powder-coated colours and textures that mimic traditional cast-iron perfectly. For some of the best aluminium fittings, check out Marley's range of Alutec drainage systems.

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Filling in gaps in Georgian skirting boards

We recently removed some of the old built-in wardrobes from our bedrooms, but this has left gaps in the Georgian skirting boards, which building merchants haven't been able to match. Can you help?
Some traditional mouldings are available off the shelf but, if you ask around, you'll find there's the odd wood yard or timber supplier that can mill up an exact copy from your existing skirting. All you need is to supply a drawing or, better still, a cut section. I know that Whitten Timber, in south London, provides this service.

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Painting a red-brick fireplace

Rather than replacing the ugly red-brick fireplace in our living room, I'd love to paint it a lighter colour. Do you have any tips?
You need to prime the surface first. Try the 3 in 1 Primer, Sealer, Undercoat from International Paints. Once the first coat's dry, check the brickwork isn't pitted with holes. If it is, squeeze some decorator's caulk (from DIY shops) into them to fill and smooth off the brickwork, then add another coat of primer. Now you can paint the topcoat. If the job is temporary, use emulsion for a nice matt finish. If you want it to remain pristine, or at least cleanable, try an eggshell or gloss.

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Help! My warehouse echoes

I live in a warehouse conversion, which isn't huge, but, because the building's mostly concrete, I get a lot of rattling and echoes, particularly from the nearby railway. Is there a way to solve my problem?
One solution is to lay carpet – it would really help, and there are brilliant contemporary styles available these days. If carpet's not for you, then an acoustic wall panel system might be the answer. Although they're not widely available, high-end contract design outlets such as SCP and Coexistence can source them. Or Offecct does a stunning sculptural range called Soundwave, from £75 per panel.

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Restoring limestone tiles

I bought some beautiful limestone tiles for a shower room that is poorly ventilated. They were badly fitted, water got under the seals, and they are now marked with mould stains. Bleaching and scrubbing hasn't helped. Are there any ways to rescue them, or will they have to be ripped out and replaced?
This serves as a warning: when using natural products, always have them professionally installed, and follow the guides for sealing treatments and aftercare to the letter. Lithofin, available through most tile shops, has a wide range of cleaners and sealers, and most industry people would recommend it. But, sadly, I don't have a magic solution for you – it sounds as if tackling the ventilation and replacing and resealing the tiles is the only option here.

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Sealing old brick walls

We recently had some building work done in our dining room, which led to removing most of the old plaster from the back wall. This left the brickwork showing but, as we now like the look of it, we've decided to strip the rest of the wall. The problem is that it's still very dusty. What can we use to make it solid?
Old brick will need sealing and, rather than the various stabilising solutions I've mentioned in the past, there's now a much better product available from Technical Paint Services, one of those rare companies that specialises in bespoke paints. It's a clear acrylic glaze (Code ES27-70, about £40 for 5l) that you can have mixed in either satin or gloss, and, because it's not silicone-based like other brick sealants, it still gives you the option to paint over the wall in the future.

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Advice on installing chandeliers in a period living room

I want to install chandeliers in our period living room, but my partner says we'd need additional support for their weight, which would mean taking up the floors in the rooms above. Can this be avoided with lightweight chandeliers?
However heavy the fixture, pulling up the upstairs floorboards isn't always necessary. Joists, which can be accessed from the ceiling side, are the most secure fixing point – use brackets, hook and bolt fittings to create your hanging point. So, don't limit yourself to a lightweight chandelier – find the design you want and, when buying it, take advice about adequate fitting methods. An experienced electrician should be able to fit, and test, the hanging points securely for you.

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Built-in shelving between fireplaces

I have two chimney breasts in my living room that are only 2m apart with 500cm either side, and the (empty) fireplaces themselves are only 12cm deep. I'd like some built-in shelving for my stereo and CDs, but it will inevitably protrude. Any advice?
I'd suggest decorating the alcoves and storage furniture in darker colours, with your chimneys lighter, so the storage will visually stand forwards. Also look at creating built-in furniture that tapers back to the chimneys, rather than boxing out straight from the walls. Or you could just ditch your stereo and CDs for an iPod…

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Painting over graffiti on outside wall

I have a bus stop outside my house and regularly get people scrawling graffiti on our front wall. I've tried painting over it but, even with oil paints, it still shows through. Do you have any solutions?
I sympathise with you. This is a problem however light or dark your wall is. There are ways to deal with it, though. Commercial graffiti removal and prevention treatments, such as Pegagraff Hydro, are quite popular but, before you use it, talk to a trade company like Off The Wall (antigraffiti.co.uk) to make sure it's the right solution for you.

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The best way to paint stairs in a maisonette

I live in a maisonette and want to paint my stairs. But this is the only way in and out, so I've been trying to figure out how best to do it.
This is a common problem with a simple solution. Paint one side of the stairs, leave to dry, and then complete the rest. Alternatively, paint every other step first, then the remaining ones. Many floor paints can take longer to dry if you don't have a good airflow over them, so speed things up with fans as well as open windows. And remember that ventilation is essential when you're using oil-based paints.

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Does anyone manufacture curved runners?

We are doing up our first home and are currently tackling the flooring. We would like to paint the stairs and have a runner fitted on top, but the last six steps on the stairs bend round 90 degrees. Does anyone manufacture curved runners?
No, you can't get curved runners - it's the carpet fitter's expertise that ensures any folds and tucks on the rise of the step go unnoticed. Roger Oates does a fab range of striped runners, with prices starting at £620. If fitted well, and depending on how complex your stairs are, you can marry up the stripes to get flowing lines.

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Sealing solid oak floorboards

We've just had new solid oak floorboards laid in our hallway. We want to seal them with something that won't change the natural look of the wood, but is hard-wearing, as we have lots of parties!
It's worth asking the advice of the company that laid the floor, as they may have more specialist knowledge of the particular wood used. Dulux does a very good product called Diamond Glaze. It's a tough, water-based varnish (so low odour) that doesn't yellow, and can be tinted to many shades. As it's a trade product, you won't find it in DIY stores, but in Dulux trade stores and retailers such as Brewers.

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Re-chroming a door knocker

I have a lovely old lion's head door knocker, but the chrome has mostly weathered off. How do I go about getting it re-chromed?
Getting an item chromed is a fantastic way of modernising architectural details and hardware, especially now that brass has fallen so out of favour. There are many metal finishing companies that do chroming, but it can be hit or miss whether they will work with the public on small jobs. Nottingham Platers is one of the more approachable firms that is local to you.

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Restoring an original Eames chair

I recently inherited an original Eames chair which is in need of repair. The leather seat cushion is worn and cracked and has split at the zip. I need to find someone who will restore it sensitively and who understands/appreciates its great design. Can you suggest who might be able to help me?
I wouldn't worry that you need to use a specialist. Any professional upholsterer will be able to replicate the design, pattern and stitch detailing, if you make it clear that's what you're after. Usually, the old cushion is taken apart to provide the pattern, so it's important that people keep these for the upholsterer to use. Find a local qualified upholsterer through the trade association website, upholsterers.co.uk.

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Advice on lead or copper roofing

We are planning an extension of our Victorian home and are interested in getting advice on having a lead or copper roof.
First, liaise with building control to find out what materials are deemed appropriate, taking into account the colour of your brickwork. Copper can be laid in larger sheets, making leadwork more suitable for smaller segments. Find local contractors such as Ian Cox Roofing through the association websites of the Copper Development Agency and the Lead Contractors Association.

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Draughty steel panel windows in a converted warehouse

We've moved into a converted warehouse space, which is lovely, but our problem is that down one side of the studio runs a series of steel panel windows that are so cold and draughty, that we've been forced to tape them up! They looked great when we bought the property in the summer, but we're worried that it will be expensive to replace them.
I can sympathise with your situation, having suffered in warehouses for many years. The answer is not to replace, but to get secondary glazing fitted. Selectaglaze produces a superb range of modern glazing solutions, particularly suited to this type of space. You'll get a slick look on a budget!

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Sprucing up Arkana chairs

I've acquired six Arkana chairs, four with metal bases and two with white bases, but they're looking shabby. I was wondering whether to get the metal bases powder coated so they're white or will this ruin their value? Also what should I use to clean the plastic? Hope you can help.
Synthetic furniture doesn't age well, so anything you can do to make them fresher will be worth it. Powder coating is fairly inexpensive and gives a harder-wearing finish than spray paints. I'd suggest getting all the chairs done, so they're the same shade of white. As for cleaning, this will be a bit of an experiment. Try lighter fuel on difficult marks, but don't use solvent-based cleaners.

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Removing pebbledash

How can we remove pebbledash? And how much will it cost?
Pebbledash may be covering cracks in the wall, and removing it could create damage to the brickwork, so remove a small test area first. It'll cost a few grand to remove it, plus any repair work. Painting helps smooth out the surface to a more attractive bump, but it needs re-doing every few years, so it is costly in the long run. The cheapest and most attractive option could be to grow some climbers and creepers to cover the walls. Creepers that stick to the surface, like Boston Ivy and Virgina Creeper, work best; other types may damage walls.

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Painting a zinc dustbin

I have a yellow colour scheme in my kitchen – in fact I try and keep everything I buy for it this colour (odd, I know). I have a fairly large space (a converted factory), with concrete walls and floors, and I'm writing to ask about painting a zinc dustbin yellow. What paint should I use and do you think it will be unhygienic?
Years ago I knew someone who did an orange kitchen and it looked fab, so I don't think you're mad! Not sure that painting the bin is going to last though, so I looked at other options and think I've found one that's perfect. RS components does a whole selection of large coloured plastic waste bins for around £25 – the bright yellow one looks just right.

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Decorating a small room with opulent wallpaper

We have a small room that I want to paper in an opulent, Chinese style. We like the metallic papers, but for the most part they seem to come in quite bland patterns, so we thought we'd ask Livingetc for help. Have you seen anything that might be right for us?
There are some fabulous re-released prints by Florence Broadhurst, produced by Signature Prints in Australia. Produced mainly in the late Sixties and Seventies, they draw on a rich personal history of Florence's youth during the Thirties, globetrotting through the Orient and high-society London's fashionable scene. At about £190 a roll, they're not cheap, but you're getting the very best example of the look you're after. The UK agent is Borderline Fabrics so check the website for local suppliers.

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Painting over strong colours

My 15-year-old son wants to paint his bedroom wall with graffiti-style artwork. I'm not against it, but will it ruin the wall, when I come to paint over it at a later date?
When it comes to painting over strong colours, a couple of undercoats of grey paint before top coating will stop colour bleed and patterns coming through. I'd avoid solvent-based sprays and opt for acrylic ones instead. Cans cost about £8 each, so it's worth him blocking in large areas in emulsion paint first, to reduce costs. Aerosol fumes are an issue, so a proper mask and good ventilation are essential. I think the legal age for buying aerosols is 16, so you'll have to purchase them and supervise the work. Colorite is good for paints and advice, and Teen Zone (Ryland Peters & Small, £14.99) is a great reference book with ideas for teenagers' rooms. Readers can buy it for the special price of £12.99. Call Macmillan Direct on 01256 302699 or visit rylandpeters.com, quoting GLR L97. Good websites for inspiration include banksy.co.uk and graffiti.org.

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Updating a 1960s sideboard

I have an old 1960s sideboard that I'd like to paint. I'd also like to remove all the ugly handles and keep it looking more modern with doors that push to open. What fittings do I need?
You need pressure catches, which are available at hardware shops. There are two types, magnetic and non-magnetic, and the magnetic is simpler looking, as it just needs a metal plate on the door not a protruding catch.

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Pigeon protection

We have the continued nuisance of pigeons settling on our terrace and windows, which drives us mad and makes our flat look a mess. We're not keen on having spikes everywhere, though – can you advise on any other options?
It's no good achieving your perfect home then having the local flying rats deciding to move in, too! But don't panic, there are lots of solutions. Spikes are most obvious for ledges and come in a range of finishes (some of which can look quite subtle, so you might want to reconsider them), and netting is good for large areas and sections with architectural details. You can also buy decoy predator birds, such as hawks and owls. Apparently, they work well and, if you look around town, you'll see them in rail and bus stations (you need to move them every two weeks or the pigeons catch on). If large numbers of birds are settling, consider an electronic device that triggers predator sounds. Check out www.pestcontrolshop.co.uk to buy online.

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Georgian paintwork

We're redesigning our kitchen with a mix of very modern appliances and more traditional panelled doors and cupboards. We'd like the latter to have the feel of the beautiful historic doors you see around Spitalfields Market. A lot of the materials we're using are reclaimed, but we're wondering what type of paint we should use to help recreate the style we're after.
Sounds like an interesting mix. The Georgian buildings you're referring to are some of my favourites (anyone visiting London should take a stroll along Fournier Street). These houses date back to the 1720s, and the quality of paintwork comes from a steady layering over a couple of centuries, so don't expect to replicate it in one go! You need the correct colour palette and a decent paint. I recommend
The Little Greene Paint Company (established in 1773). Its paints are a joy to use. Thick, dense, quality colours that build up to a stylish look when dry.

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Door handles

We live in a Victorian house that had previously been converted and now features boring flat fire doors in place of the original panelled doors. We're not allowed to change these, but we can change the handles. Any suggestions how we can make them look more attractive?
I've come across this situation before and you'll find traditional handles nearly always look out of place on a simple door. The best solution is to go with the less-is-more aesthetic and keep the handles slick and modern. However, be wary of the so-called 'designer range' handles you find in hardware shops; mostly they're pretty naff. Instead, look at the standard refined office and gallery handles, especially lever types. Charles Mason has a superbly edited range.

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Restoring radiators

I love the look of old-school, cast-iron column radiators and wondered how easy it would be for me to have some reconditioned in a white finish. I've been offered five old radiators with two columns, but they look as if they need quite a lot of work to get them clean again. I don't have the money to buy the reproduction ones, which seem to cost upwards of £400 each.
I'd honestly say don't bother with reconditioning. Unless you're a glutton for punishment, the organising of lugging radiators, sandblasting, pressure testing and so on will far outweigh any initial hope that you'll get a cheap set of traditional radiators. Many architectural salvage yards do reconditioned ones ready to fit – a much better bet – but do expect high prices. If you want this look on a budget, it's well worth considering some of the modern column radiators, like the Acova range at B&Q. Remember, you'll need radiators that give the right amount of heat for the room. Look for the BTU value; this shows how much heat is produced, and there are methods for calculating the BTU needed for each room. You can then work out what size radiators you need. The BTU depends on a number of factors, so it's worth getting a plumber to work it out for you.

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Stripping marble

I have a marble Art Deco fire surround covered in at least three coats of paint. How can I remove the layers without damaging the marble underneath?

Traditional paint strippers also attack whatever the paint is attached to, causing corrosion, so I'd recommend a product called Home Strip by
Eco Solutions, available at DIY stores. It will soften the paint, so it can be removed safely, leaving the marble untouched.

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Noise reduction

We get a lot of noise from the fans and extractors in neighbouring restaurants, which is ruining the peace and quiet of our garden enclave. We had fencing put up, but this hasn't improved things. Can you help?
This is becoming more and more of a problem in city areas and there are not many products marketed at this other than motorway sound fencing, made with costly materials like concrete, toughened glass or thick polycarbonate panels. However, there are some alternative building materials you can use that won't break the bank. C&A Building Plastics sells 35mm-thick panels of fluted polycarbonate sheeting used in conservatories, which can more than halve the directional noise you're suffering, so fit it as fencing along the sides you're having problems with. It's transparent, too, so will let light through, but you can cover it in something more attractive like willow or bamboo screening (www.willowfencing.co.uk) to maintain the look of your garden oasis as well as restore some peace.

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Replacing Georgian windows

I live in a fabulous flat in Bournemouth. The only trouble is the windows. They are exactly the same as the ones featured in Antonia's flat (Livingetc June 2005). They have lovely Georgian metal frames, but are in serious need of repair: some have rusted through the hinges and are only held on by the handle; some have warped so much they let in the wind and rain; and some have no handles. The ones in my bedroom have some broken panes, so I have secondary glazing, which looks awful. I am loath to replace them with tacky UPVC windows, but I can't find anyone who will renovate them. I live in the centre of town, so noise is also an issue. Any suggestions?
Like many things nowadays, there's a world of rules and regulations surrounding this, so here we go. In short, you can keep the existing windows if you have them refurbished, but you may have to have double-glazing (which can be in new metal frames) if you want to replace them. This relates to new legislation on energy efficiency called Part L Compliance. You'll need to liaise with your local planning office to find out where you stand, as you may also need to conserve architectural features key to your building's character. You may find that renovating isn't cost effective – in terms of heat and noise insulation, double-glazing is definitely your best bet, and UPVC isn't your only option. For all metal-framed windows, new and old, talk to The Cotswold Casement Company (01608 650568).

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Heating vents

We've spent the past two years turning our Sixties dormer bungalow into the kind of fab retro pad it deserves to be. We've shamelessly pinched loads of ideas from your magazine, but we've just come up against one seemingly insurmountable problem. We have warm-air heating, which is great as we don't have any ugly radiators to worry about. The problem is that the time has come to replace the grilles the hot air comes out of. They're kind of louvred vents that control the movement of air around the house – I think the technical term for them is registers. Do you know of any companies that can supply replacements?
I haven't been able to find anyone in the UK who supplies traditional ones, but I do have a couple of options for you. First is to get copies made. If you already have some in the house, you can use one of them as a template for a cast (speak to www.brasscastings.co.uk). Your second option is to get them imported from the United States, where they are more widely available. Hamilton Decorative Collection has a good range of designs, but it's trade only, so I've spoken to one of its US distributors, Luxury Home Products. It can arrange posting to the UK, but check postage costs first – it may be just as cheap to cast copies.

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