9 Questions To Ask At Bunnings If You’re Standing In The Paint Aisle Like A Helpless Child

questions to ask at bunnings before painting

Bunnings is, quite simply, full of possibilities. Maybe it’s my shameless love of The Block. Perhaps it’s the intoxicating scent of cooking snags. Regardless, any time I walk into Bunnings, my blind optimism takes over and I suddenly want to take on at least 10 different DIY projects. Most of which are probably (read: definitely) far beyond my level of experience.

One area I excel in though is painting. I’m no artist — absolutely not — but I like to think I’m pretty handy with a paintbrush when it comes to zhushing my home. And a huge part of that is finding a helpful person in-store to point me in the right direction at the very beginning.

Aside from the occasional dog sightings, the bright, shining beacon in Bunnings (or any hardware store, for that matter) is the extremely helpful staff that seem to know more about DIY than any carpenter on TV ever has. Whether your heart’s set on zazzing up the wooden furniture you found during council clean up, or a complete overhaul of your home’s facade is on the cards — finding a helpful person to point you in the right direction might be the difference between botching the job and absolutely nailing it.

We have faith in you. No really, we do. And armed with this list of questions you need to ask the next time you’re blindly walking down the paint aisle, you too can freshen up your home.

1. Is Outdoor Paint Only For Use, You Know, Outdoors?

It’s a fair question, and not one I know the answer to, I’m afraid. While I’m partial to using up leftover outdoor paint to use on small indoor paint jobs, I’m also fully aware that it might be a terrible plan. That’s why you need to ask the helpful paint expert. And while you’re at it, I’d suggest asking exactly which paint suits your project.

It’s easy to assume that all paint brands are created equal, but they’re not. Something like the British Paints 4 Seasons outdoor paint can handle being used on many different materials and also has an initial rain barrier in case the weather turns right after you finish painting.

2. Is There Anything I Need To Do To Prepare My Walls For Fresh Paint?

In short, the answer to this question will be yes. But what you really need to know is how to prepare the walls for paint. Depending on the condition of the wall, and whether it’s indoors or outdoors, the prep will vary. It’s likely to include things like patching up holes in the walls, sanding, or using sugar soap. It’s best to ask first what preparations will be needed, then what you need to buy to make it happen.

3. Speaking Of, How Important Is Primer, Really?

You’re likely to be told that primer is actually quite crucial when taking on a painting job, particularly when painting an outdoor space. That said, some paint is self-priming, some products are even a paint and primer in one. Also, some jobs are more straightforward than you think, and won’t require much prep at all. Either way, asking is always the best way to find out.

4. Are All Rollers And Paint Brushes Considered Equal?

I can fully understand the logic of buying the biggest pack of the cheapest rollers (in fact, it’s basically my painting MO), but it turns out that’s not always the best plan of attack. There are rollers for rough and textured surfaces like outdoor brickwork, and brushes that are ergonomically-designed for precise painting of walls and trims. Moral of the story? Most people will quickly learn when they’ve bought the wrong ones and have to head straight back to the shops (probably with an RSI injury) to buy the right ones. But not you. No, you’ll ask and get it right the first time.

5. Can I Use Any Old Tape To Prep The Edges and Cornices?

The answer to this is a hard no. There is a special tape that will ensure precision and also won’t damage existing paint.

6. Can I Paint Over My IKEA Malm Drawers?

IKEA drawers have that shiny laminate coating on them, so it may not be as simple as going over it with any old paint when you’re suddenly struck with inspiration. Or maybe it is that simple. That’s a question for the staff at your local hardware store.

7. How Much Paint Do I Actually Need?

To get the correct answer to this important question, you must come armed with some measurements for whatever you’re painting. If it’s a room, the dimensions of the room (including the height of the ceilings) is the only way to figure out exactly how many litres of paint you need. If it’s a smaller job you’re taking on (like, say, painting a coffee table), then you can probably snap a few pictures and take them along with you to the store.

8. How Do I Clean Up Paint Brushes, My Hands, And Inevitable Spillage?

An important question that you might not think of until you’ve splattered yourself and your home with paint spray. It’s best to ask this question before you start so you can clean as you go.

9. How Do I Match An Existing Colour To Patch It Up?

If you’re keen to patch up an area of paint that’s looking a bit worse for wear, colour matching is important. Maybe you’ve had your wall patched up, or a couple of fence palings replaced and they’re sticking out like a sore thumb. If you don’t want to repaint the lot, it’s best to ask the good people at the hardware store how to colour match accurately. One way you can make it easier on them is by taking a paint chip from your existing paint colour to match against the in-store range.

However, if you do want to make that outdoor space amazing with a paint designed to last, the British Paints 4 Seasons paint is certainly up to the job. Check out the latest ep of Lasting Love below to see this particular paint in action:

More Stuff From PEDESTRIAN.TV