1. Always ensure that brushes, rollers, trays, etc. are clean before using.

2. Always clean utensils immediately after use to avoid paint drying on them. For PVA's use warm water and for primers, undercoats, enamels, etc. mineral turpentine.

3. To avoid cleaning a brush or roller, if you intend using it again within a few hours, put it in a plastic bag and close with a rubber band. This will keep it clean and prevent the paint on it from drying out.

4. Keep all paint containers tightly closed when not in use and protect from frost.

5. Never thin down paint more than suggested by the manufacturer.

6. Try to complete all preparation work, cleaning, etc. before you begin painting.

7. Always start painting from the top of a job and work your way down.

8. Line your roller tray with aluminium foil. The tray never gets dirty and the foil can be thrown away as soon as the job is complete.

9. If skirtings, doors, etc. are to be varnished always finish up to the last coat before painting the rest of the room. It should be remembered that it is very difficult to remove paint splashes from raw wood.

10. When painting a roof, remember to only paint in warm, calm weather. In winter it is best to paint between 10 am. and 2 pm. only.

11. Always ensure that the paint is perfectly dry, before applying a further coat. Allow about an hour between coats of PVA and twelve hours between coats of primers, undercoats, enamels, etc.

12. Where knots in timber exude resin, heat with a blow lamp, wipe clean and apply knotting. If this is not satisfactory, remove knot and stop with filling compound.

13. Where mould appears on painted or unpainted surfaces, it should be washed off with a fungicide solution before overpainting.

14. Before painting a kitchen remember to wash down with detergent to remove soot, grease, etc. If the walls and ceilings are badly stained, an undercoat of Aluminium Paint is often successful.

15. Never apply PVA on metal or wood without priming.

16. Priming coats should always be applied by brush rather than roller.

17. Wipe paint splashes up immediately. For PVA use a water-soaked rag, but if the paint has started to dry, methylated spirits should be used. For primers, undercoats, enamels, etc. a rag dipped in mineral turpentine should be used.

18. Try to use the best possible paint for the job, as it is most often cheaper in the long run.