Free weekends are a great opportunity to finally get stuck in to those decorating projects. Can't wait to paint the living room now that spring is here? Doors and windows need a refresh? Or perhaps it's your kitchen or bathroom that needs a new look with the latest trends. Choose specialist paints to give tiles, radiators and cupboards a new look. If you love upcycling furniture, a free weekend brings the opportunity to work on larger pieces, such as chests of drawers. And if spring makes you want to get out in to the garden, it could be a good time to repaint the shed so that it looks fab for summer get-togethers. Take a look at our selection of the best paints for DIY projects.
Cuprinol Garden Shades has been specially developed to colour and protect sheds, fences and other garden wood. Its special pigments ensure a rich colour and allow the natural texture of the woodgrain to shine through. Matt finish. Price shown is for 2.5 litres.
Cuprinol Garden Shades Paint in Willow Wood, £22, B&Q
Rust-Oleum Magnetic Chalkboard Paint is a tough, scratch resistant finish that allows you to create a writeable and wipeable chalkboard surface. Suitable for interior wood, metal, masonry and plaster. Colour Black. Matt finish. Price shown for 2.5 litres.
Rust-Oleum Magnetic Chalkboard Paint in Black, £35, Homebase
This smooth, matt masonry paint from Farrow and Ball is water-based and solvent free. Highly durable against extreme weather, water penetration and bacteria. Colour Skimming Stone 241. Price shown for 5 litres.
Farrow and Ball Exterior Masonry Paint in Skimming Stone, £65, Designer Paint
Cupboard Paint is a quick and easy way to transform melamine and MDF cupboards. This advanced formulation dries to a tough sheen finish and can be applied directly on to cupboard surfaces without the need for a separate primer or undercoat. Suitable for interior MDF and melamine cupboards. Colour Simply Cream. Price shown for 750ml.
Cupboard Paint in Simply Cream, £13, Wickes
Resistant to contact with water and care and maintenance products: shampoos, shower gels, traditional household products, dilute bleach and household vinegar. Durable, washable finish. Colour Azure. Price shown for 2 litres.
V33 Satin Wall Tile Paint in Azure, £38, B&Q
This Intelligent Eggshell paint can be used for woodwork, metalwork and interior walls where a completely scrubbable surface is desired. It's hard-wearing, quick-drying, environmentally friendly and can even be used outside. Water-based eggshell. Price shown for 2.5 litres.
Little Greene Intelligent Eggshell in Bone China Pale Blue, £55, John Lewis
Wilko Furniture and Cupboard Paint in Mineral Stone. Solvent based paint. High VOC content. May produce an allergic reaction. Price shown for 750ml.
Furniture and Cupboard Paint in Mineral Stone, £13, Wilko
This white gloss radiator paint has been specially designed to give a durable and long-lasting finish on radiators. Simply apply one coat with a brush and leave for am hour to dry - a great way to give the surfaces additional protection. Washable white gloss. Price shown for 750ml.
Ronseal Gloss Radiator Paint in White, £17, B&Q
Chalk Paint works beautifully on furniture without priming or sanding, is quick to dry and has a velvety, ultra matt finish. This paint is named after the blue found in classic Aubusson rugs from France, this colour is inspired directly by the development of Prussian Blue in the late 18th Century. It’s the perfect colour for a Swedish interior. Price shown is for 1 litre.
Chalk Paint in Aubusson Blue, £19, Annie Sloan
Get your surfaces smooth and ready for paint with this water-based primer, which protects and smooths the surface you are painting and increases the durability of the final colour. Price shown for 2.5 litres.
Water Based Primer, £27, Neptune
Grand Illusions vintage paint for furniture, walls and paint effects. Water-based and self-priming. VOC free. Colour 29 Fossil. Price shown for 1 litre.
-
How to prune a pear tree for healthy growth and an abundant harvestFollow these steps to prune a pear tree to perfection
-
4 tips from top chefs on how to make cooking and hosting simple this ChristmasPlus, the kitchenware they use themselves and recommend
-
Can't find the MeacoDry Arete Two dehumidifier in stock? Here's why the Arete One is still a brilliant buyIf you can't wait, the Arete One is a great alternative
-
Are you making this open-plan living mistake? George Clarke reveals the common mistakes people make when renovating their homes'You've got to make sure you get the balance of the space right.'
-
Do you need planning permission for a loft conversion? Not always say the expertsWhen do you need planning permission for a loft conversion and when might you be able to go ahead without making an application? Our guide explains all
-
23 Christmas wreath ideas to add a festive flourish to doors, tables or mantelsThis is how to adorn your home and front door in style this festive season
-
Paint trends 2024 – the key shades, colour palettes and paint techniques to try in your home this yearAll the fun and creative paint looks you’ll soon be obsessed with
-
Graham & Brown announces ‘Reflections’ as wallpaper of the year 2017Say hello to Reflections - wallpaper of the year 2017...
-
How to choose the right doorUse our guide to find the right statement-making door for you
-
Gas fires - our pick of the bestLooking for a new gas fire? From traditional brass with coal effect to a modern black design with logs, we’ve picked a selection of our favourite gas fires.
-
Pendant Lights - Our Pick of the BestThe pendant light has become a modern day icon, a statement lone light fitting suspended from the ceiling by a stylish flex, often interwoven around a metal chain.
