Q: My Victorian house's exterior window ledges are made of something like concrete and in a really bad state, with the paint chipped, cracked and coming off. What's the best approach to redecoration?

A: Either remove all the paint with paint stripper or a heat gun or get as much of the loose material off with a sharp wallpaper or window scraper as you can, then sand thoroug..



.. hly and clean. Ideally, you need to get all the old paint off so you're not painting over a potentially unstable surface, but if you scrape and sand really well, it should look fine once redecorated. To set the old paint, try applying a stabilising solution before painting over it.

SEASONAL TASK... Is your deck looking a bit worse for wear? To make it wear better and last longer, give it a good clean, preferably with a pressure washer or decking cleaner. If necessary, give it another coat or two of stain, oil or sealant.

TOP TIPS FOR... using oil-based paints and varnishes

:: Oil-based paints and varnishes tend to separate, so you need to stir them really well before use, ensuring that you reach right down into the bottom of the tin.

:: These paints and varnishes tend to dry slowly, so be prepared to be patient and don't do a second coat until the first one's completely dry. If you want a product that dries faster, opt for water-based versions instead. Quick-drying glosses and satinwoods, for example, dry in a fraction of the time, compared to oil-based equivalents, and are a lot nicer to use. Warm conditions will speed up the drying time, while cold or damp conditions will slow it right down and may even ruin the finish.

:: Cleaning brushes after using oil-based paints and varnishes is hard going compared to water-based ones. You will need to use white spirit or turpentine substitute and you should soak your brush in this between coats.

:: It's essential to paint in well-ventilated conditions. Make sure you wear gloves and old clothes, as the paint or varnish will be hard to remove from your skin. Remember to protect the surrounding area as well.

:: Over time, many oil-based paints and varnishes gradually yellow, especially if they're white or clear. If you're worried about this, opt for non-yellowing varnishes and water-based white paints, which shouldn't yellow.

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