How to mix wallpaper paste video

I have written a post previously about how to mix wallpaper paste, many people have problems getting it just right and get lumps in it or make it to thick or runny, not too dissimilar to porridge or custard!!. I decided to make a video showing you how to mix the perfect wallpaper paste, I have done it this way for years and mix the perfect paste every time.

I decided to make a video of myself mixing the paste on a recent job I did, the paste mixed was used to hang lining paper.
So here is the video…..

How to mix wallpaper paste video

I hope you find this video as well as our other videos helpful and informative, look out for more in the future.

Review of Dunlop Pro Decor Flexible Acrylic Filler caulk

I recently received a tube of Dunlop Pro Decor Flexible Acrylic Filler to try and review, there has been a bit of a buzz over this product from professional decorators like myself, why, you ask, well because of its claims not to crack and its anti crazing properties. Now unless you use caulk daily like us decorators you may not know the ongoing problem we have when we use caulk and paint over it.

I have written about this problem before on this blog, Tips on using decorator’s caulk, also on Rayfields Interiors, How to use decorators caulk and also Fillers – knowing which one to use and on the Improving Your Property blog, What is decorators caulk / filler.

So when I got this opportunity to try this product and give a review I was very keen to do so, could this really be the end to cracking and crazing filer?

The tubes are filled with a white acrylic filler and come in a 310ml tube, allowing easy application by using a caulking gun.

I have tried the product and here is my review.

My review of Dunlop Pro Decor Flexible Acrylic Filler

On the Dunlop Decorators website it says this about the product:

FLEXIBLE ACRYLIC FILLER™

A high performance gunnable filler which can be used internally and externally for filling skirting boards, window and door frames as well as repairing cracks and damage to walls and ceilings.

• Paintable in 60 minutes
• No Crazing
• Ultra smooth
• Anti-Crack

I was very keen to test the no crazing and anti-cracking claims.

I tried the acrylic filler on my last two jobs, I have used it around skirting boards and ceilings, and painted over it with different types of paint, including water based primer /undercoat, gloss, satinwood and emulsion. I also noted the drying time and smoothness once dried.

The result

I was pleased to be able to try this acrylic filler and see if it met all of it’s claims, which for me it did. It seemed to dry fast allowing me to paint over it quickly. For the normal troublesome emulsion crazing / cracking issue I can say I didn’t come across any of this issue so was really impressed. Once dry the filler left a smooth surface that didn’t show once pained. I also didn’t see any cracking once it dried, I tried this product in both small and large gaps and had the same results.

In conclusion

I was very please with this acrylic filler, and from a professional decorators point of view the fact it stand up to it’s claims and doesn’t crack or craze like many other brands of decorator caulk, this is something we have been waiting for for years.
Now that I have used this product I will certainly be changing over to use this acrylic filler all the time and will certainly be wanting to try Dunlop Pro Decor’s other fillers such as deep hole filler and fine and lightweight fillers in the future.

Buy Dunlop Pro Decor Flexible Acrylic Filler caulk

You can buy Dunlop Pro Decor Flexible Acrylic Filler caulk from My Paintbrush.

How to unstick stuck windows

When you have had your windows and doors newly painted it seems it doesn’t matter how many hours you leave them open to dry, they always seem to stick.

This can be frustrating if you want to open the window or door, so how do you release and unstick them? The problem is caused by tacky paint sticking to tacky paint, or maybe the paint has sealed to the frame, either way the following methods are the same.

How to release stuck windows and doors

You will need:

• A Scraper or putty knife
• A Hammer or mallet
• A small block of wood or a kitchen or toilet roll

The first and easiest option is to try using a toilet or kitchen roll, place the roll on the stuck window or door where it is sticking and tap the other end with your hand, this may be enough to release the seal and allow you to open the window or door. It will also cause the lease amount of damage.

If this doesn’t release the windows or door you will have to try breaking the paint seal, this can be done by running a scraper or putty knife between the door or window and it’s frame, do this carefully as you can in order not to damage either the window, door, or frame. once you have broken the seal, try the toilet or kitchen roll method to try and free it and then open of released.

If the window or door is still stuck, next try using a hammer and small block of wood to break the seal, be very careful not to break the glass. Tap the block of wood gently with a hammer or mallet to free the paint seal, then open.

How to prevent sticking sash windows

Apart from paint sticking windows, box sash windows are notoriously for getting stuck if they aren’t used for a while, over the winter for example. To solve this problem there is a simple solution, wax, candle wax to be precise.

Once you have the sash open, rub a candle up and down the frame where the sash runs, do this both sides, then repeat with the other sash. The wax should help the sashes slide far easier.