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. Not sure which power tools will be most useful for your DIY projects? Invest in an all-rounder - the Bosch PMF 180E Multi All-Rounder handles everything from cutting and routing to sawing and sanding, making finding the right tool for the job much easier. If you’ve ever wondered how to cut a neat hole in a stud wall for a new power socket, or how to cut away just enough architrave to fit a new laminate floor neatly underneath, this ergonomically designed, multifunctional tool is for you. The Bosch PMF 180E Multi All-Rounder costs around £69.99, including accessories and carrying case. Visit www.bosch-do-it.co.uk/diy for more details. If your wooden or concrete stairs have seen better days, give them a new lease of life with Stair Make-Over and its maple, beech, cherry or oak treads and matching, off-white or brushed aluminium risers. Guaranteed for 10 years, Stair Make-Over comes in either 100cm or 140cm widths and is as easy to fit onto angled and curved staircases as straight ones. It’s even suitable for open staircases. The pack includes a step-by-step DVD and installation kit. Using the template supplied, you saw the pieces to fit and then use the special sound-reducing glue to stick Stair Make-Over to your existing stairs, finishing off with sealant on the joints. For more information and to calculate the cost of a new staircase, see www.stairmakeover.com. | 
