Emma Sfregola

Hey there, DIY dynamo! Loading a paint roller might seem like a small step, but it’s a crucial one in your quest for a flawless finish. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get that paint roller loaded.

Step 1: Prepping the Roller

Whether you’re using a full-size roller or a mini, the same steps should be followed to load them properly.

First things first! Before you load that roller, give it a little prep by rinsing it under water to eliminate any loose fuzzies.

Shake out the excess water.

Step 2: Prepare the Paint

Pour a generous amount of paint into your paint tray.

Step 3: Loading the Roller

Here comes the fun part! Dip the roller into the paint tray.

But hold up! You don’t want to submerge it completely. Just touch the tip of the roller into the paint.

Once you have a little bit of paint on the roller, use the paint tray grill to roll the roller back and forth. This allows the roller to soak up the paint and distribute it evenly. This is where the magic happens—watch your roller transform into a colourful sponge! The entire roller should now be covered in paint.

Pro Tip: Don’t Overload!

Less is more when it comes to paint rollers! Overloading can lead to a mess and uneven application. If you notice the roller dripping, simply roll it back on the tray until it’s just right.

Step 4: Time to Paint!

Now that your roller is loaded, it’s showtime!

Step 5: Clean Up

When the painting is done, make sure to clean your roller properly by rinsing it in warm, soapy water. By keeping your roller in tip-top shape, you’ll be able to reuse it for your next project.

And there you have it, superstar! Loading a paint roller is as easy as it gets!

Happy painting! 🎨✨

When it comes to painting, choosing the right brush size can make all the difference. So, how do you know which one is right for your project? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

The Brush Breakdown: Small, Medium, Large—Which One’s for You?

When it comes to brushes, size affects how much paint you can carry and how much control you have.

Small Brushes
The smallest ProRenovator brushes are 25-38mm wide. Small brushes are perfect for detail work, trims and are ideal for most furniture upcycling projects.

Medium Brushes
This is the versatile go-to brush, usually around 50-63mm in size. A medium-sized brush can handle most interior painting tasks, from trims to walls and ceilings. They are great for cutting in around edges and corners.  It gives you the right balance between coverage and control—big enough to get the job done without being too bulky for tight spots.

Large Brushes
Got a big surface to cover? A large brush (75mm or greater) is your best friend! Whether you’re painting large sections of a wall or exterior surfaces, the bigger the brush, the more paint it can hold. This means you can cover more area in less time. However, keep in mind that larger brushes are less precise, so if you don’t have a lot of painting experience, maybe go down a size.

Paint Like a Pro!

Now that you know the ins and outs of brush sizes, you’re ready to paint like a pro. Remember, the key to a smooth and professional-looking finish is using the right tool for the job. So, next time you’re standing in the paint aisle, take a second to think about your project and select the right size.

And remember, when it comes to painting: Size matters… but so does a little creativity! Happy painting!

There’s something magical about the world of kids and paint. Whether it’s adding a playful splash of colour to their cubby house or creating a whimsical nursery wall, painting is a fantastic way to nurture creativity and bond with your little ones. Plus, the memories you create during these projects will last long after the paint dries!

Painting a Cubby House

A cubby house is a child’s sanctuary—a place for play, imagination, and adventure. And what better way to bring that space to life than with a coat of paint? Whether it’s in the backyard or a cozy corner of their room, painting a cubby house is a fun project that can transform a simple wooden structure into a magical hideaway.

Step 1: Choose the Right Paint

For outdoor cubby houses, you’ll want weatherproof paint that can stand up to the elements. Look for paints designed for exterior use that are durable and long-lasting.

Step 2: Prep the Cubby

Before you and your little ones start painting, prep the cubby house:

• Clean the surface: Dust and dirt can affect how well the paint adheres. Wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth and let it dry completely.
• Sand any rough edges: If your cubby house has rough wooden spots, lightly sand them to avoid splinters.
• Undercoat if needed: If you’re painting a raw wooden cubby house, apply a coat of undercoat to ensure the paint goes on smoothly.

Step 3: Let the Kids Get Creative!

This is where the fun begins! Let your kids choose their favourite colours and get creative. Here are a few fun ideas to inspire them:

• Bold colours: Bright primary colours like red, blue, and yellow create a lively, cheerful environment. You can paint the cubby house in solid colours or go for stripes for a modern touch.
• Personalised details: Let your child’s name shine! Paint their name on the door or create a sign above the entrance.

Stencilling a Nursery Wall

There’s nothing like painting a nursery wall to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for your little one. Whether you’re going for soft pastels or bold patterns, stencils allow you to make a statement while keeping things playful and fun.

Step 1: Pick the Right Colours

Choose a colour palette that complements the overall vibe of the nursery. Soft tones like yellow or mint green are perfect for creating a peaceful, calming environment.

Step 2: Stencilling the Wall

Stencils are a game-changer when it comes to wall art—easy to use, versatile, and fun for kids! You can choose from a wide range of stencils, from simple shapes like hearts and stars to more intricate designs like animals or nature scenes.

To stencil:

1. Tape the stencil to the wall using painter’s tape to keep it in place.
2. Roll: Use a mini roller to gently roll the paint onto the stencil.
3. Repeat: Untape the stencil and keep moving it along the wall to get your desired effect.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

Once the stencils are done, let the paint dry completely before adding any extra decorative touches. You can finish off the nursery with fun accents like:

• An occasional chair in soft textures complement the painted wall.
• Wall decals or framed artwork to enhance the stencilled design and add more visual interest.

Painting for kids is more than just about adding colour to their space—it’s about creating lasting memories and fostering creativity. Whether you’re painting a cubby house or stencilling a nursery wall, these fun projects are a great way to make your home feel more personal, playful, and full of life.

Whether you’re new to upcycling or a seasoned DIY pro, the power of paint can help you create a space that truly reflects your style. There’s something magical about a freshly painted object, as it can instantly brighten a corner or add that personal touch that makes a house feel like a home.

In this blog, we’ll dive into two creative and easy ways to make your home feel more inviting, cozy, and uniquely yours: furniture upcycling and painting planter boxes. So, grab your brushes, rollers, and a can of your favourite paint – it’s time to get creative!

Why Upcycle Furniture?

We all have a piece of furniture that’s gathering dust in a corner.

Instead of splurging on a brand-new item, you can transform what you already have into something fresh, fabulous, and functional. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to decorate your home without breaking the bank!

Step 1: Choose Your Furniture Piece

It could be an old chair, a wooden dresser, or a stool that just needs a little TLC.

Step 2: Prep

Before you dive into painting, it’s essential to prep the surface. Here’s how:

• Clean: Wipe the piece down with a damp cloth and let it dry completely.
• Sand: Lightly sand the surface to smooth out rough areas, and to help the paint stick better. For wood furniture, this also helps to remove any old finish.
• Undercoat: For a super smooth finish and even colour, apply an undercoat.

Step 3: Paint Away!

Now comes the fun part – painting!

Use a brush for smaller, detailed areas, and a mini roller for larger flat surfaces. For a smooth, flawless finish, apply two coats.

Step 4: Add Personality

Once the paint is dry, you can take your piece to the next level by adding some creative element to it, whether it’s accessorising it with a nice vase or interesting ceramics.

Painting Planter Boxes

Plants make everything look better – so why not elevate their presentation? Planter boxes are one of the easiest ways to add colour and life to your home, whether indoors or outdoors.

Step 1: Pick the Perfect Planter Box

Look around your home and garden and see if you have any old, plain planter boxes that could use a makeover.

Step 2: Prep

Just like with furniture, the same steps apply when preparing the surface – clean, sand and undercoat!

Step 3: Paint

This is where you can get really creative! Here are a few fun ideas:

• Bold, bright colours: Make a statement with a bold colour like turquoise, coral, or mustard yellow. These bright tones can instantly brighten a space.
• Neutral tones: If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, choose calming neutrals like soft greys, whites, or earth tones to complement your plants and decor.
• Add greenery: Plants not only make your home feel more vibrant, but they also purify the air! Fill your newly painted planters with your favourite indoor plants or herbs.

Ready to start your next painting project? We’ve got all the accessories you need to make your house feel like a home.

Let’s face it—working from home can be a dream, but it can also be a challenge when your space isn’t quite as inspiring as you’d like it to be. Whether you’re tackling a big project, answering emails, or just trying to focus on the task at hand, having a calming study nook can make all the difference. And what better way to bring that vision to life than with a beautiful, freshly painted timber desk?

Step 1: Prep Your Timber Desk for Painting

Before you get into the fun part (painting!), it’s important to properly prep your desk. Trust us, taking a little time here will make the final result much smoother and more professional-looking.

1. Clean the surface: Wipe down your desk to remove any grime or dust.
2. Sand the surface: Lightly sand your desk with fine-grit sandpaper. This creates a smooth surface for the paint to grab onto and helps remove any old finish.
3. Undercoat (if needed): Using an undercoat will help the new paint stick and improve the final colour.

Step 2: Get Your Paint Tools Ready!

For this project you’ll need:

• A timber desk (raw timber is easily paintable)
• ProRenovator Microfibre Mini Roller (for flat surfaces)
• ProRenovator 50mm Wall Brush (for smaller areas like the desk legs)
• ProRenovator Paint Pot with Liner (best for brushing)
• ProRenovator Disposable Paint Tray (best for rolling)
• Drop Sheet (to avoid spills)
• Paint (your favourite colour)

Step 3: Painting Your Timber Desk

Here’s where the magic happens!

Tackle the fiddly edges with your brush first, before finishing the large, flat surfaces with your mini roller. Work from bottom to top so the easiest part is at the end!

Allow your first coat to dry and repeat the same process for your second coat.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

Once your desk is fully dry and looking gorgeous, it’s time to think about the finishing touches that will really elevate your study nook and create that calming atmosphere:

• Indoor Garden: A couple of small plants or a vase of flowers can instantly bring a sense of calm and fresh air to your space.
• Lighting: Natural light is ideal, but a cozy desk lamp can still create a soothing ambiance.
• A Comfortable Chair: Don’t forget about your seating! A comfy, supportive chair is a must if you plan to spend long hours working. Opt for something with a little personality, like a chair with a calming color or a soft fabric.

With your newly painted timber desk, you’ve created a functional, stylish, and serene study nook perfect for working from home.

And remember, the perfect study nook isn’t just about the desk—it’s about creating an environment that inspires and nurtures your creativity. Now go ahead, take a deep breath, and enjoy your new space. You deserve it!