DIY: REVEAL THE BEAUTY BENEATH

Top tips for... sanding floorboards

:: Last week we looked at how you prepare wooden floorboards for
sanding, but before you use the industrial floor sander, clear the room
completely. Remember to open the windows and close the door, and wear a
mask and goggles, because there will be a large amount of sanding dust
created.

:: The coarseness of the sanding sheets you use will be determined by
the state of the floorboards. If they're black, coarse sandpaper should
be used first, but be prepared to get through quite a few sheets because
they'll clog up quickly. If the boards are in better condition, start
with a medium-grade sandpaper and end with a fine one for a smooth
finish.

:: To start sanding lift the drum of the sander off the floor and turn
the machine on. This avoids damaging the boards and letting the sander
run away with you - it's powerful, so be careful. Walk the sander
steadily across the floor in a diagonal direction, but don't linger in
one spot because you'll create ridges in the boards. When you turn the
sander off, ensure that the drum has stopped before putting it down.

:: It's a good idea to do the job with someone else because one of you
can sand the main floor and the other can operate the edger (start with
coarse or medium sandpaper and lower down the machine in the same way).
Depending on the size of the room and the state of the boards, the job
should take a weekend - maybe a long one - so be prepared for some
really hard work.

:: You won't be able to get into the corners of the room with the edger
because its sanding sheets are round. The answer is to use a paint
scraper - to get off the top coat - and/or an electric sander and/or
sandpaper, ensuring that you have plenty of sanding sheets to hand.
Getting the corners looking as good as the sanded main floor isn't easy,
bu t it is worth it.

DIY news bulletin

:: Hammerite Direct To galvanised metal paint is a new way to transform
galvanised-metal objects.

If you've got those galvanised planters that were so fashionable a few
years ago and they're looking a bit tired, this paint will bring them
bang up to date.

There are six colours to choose from - black, white, silver, copper,
dark green and blue - and you don't need a primer, which saves time.

Instead, simply clean the surface of the object with a damp cloth and
leave to dry before painting. Once applied with a brush or roller, the
paint takes just four to six hours to dry.

Hammerite Direct To galvanised metal paint costs £18.99 for a 750ml tin
and can be used on any metal that doesn't rust. For more information,
visit www.hammerite.co.uk

:: Moben, Sharps and Dolphin have unveiled their new ambassador -
interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

Working with the companies' product-development teams, he will provide
styling advice for their new kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.

Llewelyn-Bowen says: "These days, it is no longer about playing the
property market - it's about making your home a home again.

"There is now a real hunger to have more personalised products. My remit
with Moben, Sharps and Dolphin is to inject even more personality into
their products and make sure that customers can truly see the products
in their own home."

Pure is the latest bedroom range to be unveiled by fitted-furniture
specialist Sharps (visit www.sharps.co.uk). With clean, contemporary
lines and a white high-gloss finish, it's stunning in its simplicity.

Equally stunning is the new Ellipse kitchen range from Moben (visit
www.moben.co.uk). The Ellipse range has funky wave and horseshoe-shaped
island units and matching curved wall and end units.

Ellipse is an extension of Moben's Paris range and also has a white
high-gloss finish.

Completing the line-up is the new Venus bathroom range from Dolphin,
which includes a striking free-standing bath.

This is available with a burgundy, matt silver, taupe, powder blue, duck
egg green or white surround and it looks gorgeous with Dolphin's new
Galaxy mosaic tiles, which come in five colours. For more information,
visit www.dolphinbathrooms.co.uk

Ask the expert

Q: What's the best way to protect a newly sanded wooden floor?

A: You need to use wood stain, wax or varnish - depending on the look,
colour and durability of finish you want. There are various ways of
applying these finishes, including a mop, wide paintbrush and varnish
roller. Some floor finishes come with an applicator, which are quick and
easy to use. Another fast option is a spray gun, but your chosen finish
may not be suitable for spraying, or you may have to dilute it, so check
the instructions on the tin.

Seasonal task