February 22nd, 2023 by Shauna Hammond

It can be intimidating to embark on a DIY project, especially if you’re new to the craft. But with the right tools and some simple instructions, you can do it! In this blog, we will show you how to complete some basic home repairs and DIY projects that are both quick and easy enough for beginners.

Revitalise old decking

Decking is also an excellent way to maximize your outdoor space by adding extra seating, storage and an area for entertaining guests, it is also a great alternative to lawns for those who don’t have as much time to dedicate to tending to their garden, however like anything left outside to the elements they can become damaged, worn and tired looking. However, while it can seem like a big job to take on for a beginner, repairing and revitalising your decking is both very easy and very rewarding.

•  Start off by clearing your decking of all debris and dirt – if you have a pressure washer this can make quick work of this job, however, if you do not have a pressure washer you can simply use warm water and a hard bristle sweeping brush.
• Check all screws on the decking are firmly in place you can easily use a drill to tighten any loose screws or replace any that are too damaged to ensure all boards are secured.
• Most wooden decking is susceptible to splintering over time, which can not only ruin the appearance of your decking but can also make for some painful wooden splinters! So before moving on to staining or painting your decking create an even and smooth surface. You can make quick work of this by using a multi-tool.
• Once you have created a clean and smooth surface to work with you can begin staining or painting your decking in your desired colour – use a paint sprayer to ensure you get a nice even coat free from bubbles and drips.
• Once you’ve freshened up your decking, add some furniture, lights and planters to create a beautiful outdoor space to relax in and admire your hard work.

  MYLEK Electric Multi Tool with 48 Piece Accessory Kit

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Hang up your TV

Hanging a TV on the wall is a great way to add some style and personality to your living room, it is also a great way to open up some space in smaller rooms. Not to worry: If you've never done it before, you can more often than not get kits that will contain everything you need to mount your TV. A few things to keep in mind when completing this job

• The most important thing to consider before going ahead is whether the wall you want to use is strong enough to hold a TV
• Ensure you know exactly where you want to mount your TV – take into account lighting and seating etc.
• Use a spirit level to ensure everything is even before drilling into your wall
• Once you’re ready simply attach the brackets and enjoy your new wall-mounted TV – consider adding LED lights for that movie theatre feeling!

Paint a room without splattering paint all over the place

Painting a room is one of the most common DIY projects, while not particularly difficult it can be time-consuming to avoid drips and ensure the wall is evenly covered.  While you can use an old brush or roller, a better option is to use a paint sprayer, this will give you professional results in a fraction of the time. Many paint sprayers such as the MYLEK Cordless paint sprayer comes with different nozzles to alter the spray pattern so you can cover wider walls with a larger spread in no time while using a more concentrated spray pattern for those more precise areas. However, if you prefer to stick to traditional rollers and paintbrushes you can, just ensure you have a range of sizes and plenty of replacement rollers to avoid paint build-up causing drips or uneven textures.  Things to consider before you begin painting:

• Ensure the walls are clear of any debris such as paper/nails etc.
• Fill any cracks or holes with filler as this will keep the surface even
• Consider applying a primer to your walls as this will stop the plaster from absorbing any of the paint and reduce the need for multiple coats
• Ensure that you ventilate the room correctly, especially if using a paint sprayer
• Cover floors and skirting boards with dust clothes and tape to avoid them getting covered in paint.

  MYLEK 400W Electric Paint Sprayer Gun Kit with 2 Paint Cups

  Price: £49.99

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Repair leaky pipes in the bathroom or kitchen.

Springing a leak can be incredibly stressful, and emergency call-outs from professional plumbers can be quite pricey, however, fixing a leaky pipe can be surprisingly easy even for DIY beginners.

You have a couple of options when it comes to fixing a leak – sometimes this can be treated as easily as tightening any joints using the correct tools, however, if you discover the seal has worn or a pipe has developed a crack you have the choice of using either plumbing tape or a sealant.

Plumbing tape is a good choice for those leaks caused by seals around joints weakening allowing water to escape.

• Start by turning off any water sources
• Remove the pipe in need of fixing and then clean it before attempting to apply the tape
• When applying the tape, you sound follow the direction that the pipe screws together that way the seal will tighten when you put the pipes back together
• Be generous with the tape, you should wrap the tape around 4-6 times
• Screw the pipe back into place and you should feel the seal tightening.

Sealants are another great way to quickly repair leaks, using a waterproof sealant such as the Pro-Kleen Instant Spray is a fast and easy way to repair leaky pipes or guttering that may have become damaged or cracked. The formula dries quickly becoming waterproof in a matter of minutes, however, the sealant will remain flexible and allow for the expansion of the pipes which means your repair can last years before beginning to wear!

• Apply in a well-ventilated area
• For the best adhesion ensure the application surface is clean, dry and dust-free
• Holding the can approx. 15cm away from the surface spray in thin layers and build up to the required thickness. Allow 15 minutes between applications for the layers to dry.
• Plug larger holes and voids with Aluminium foil before spraying over to better seal the area.

DIY jobs can be easy to do, but they do require some effort and time.

You'll need to spend some money on tools and materials, but the end result will be worth it! With these DIY projects and basic repairs, you can get started on your path to becoming a handyman or woman. You don't need any special skills or tools--just some basic knowledge of how things work and how to use them properly. With these projects as a foundation for your future projects, soon enough you'll be able to tackle anything!