​The choice between MDF and PLY can seem confusing, and it quite often is !
Both are made from wood by – products but are very different.
 
PLY -     Tends to be stronger, more durable with many grades and thicknesses available, mainly used for cabinets, shelving and build-ins, it is ideal for staining and clear coating, thus showing graining off to its best advantage.
 
MDF -   Comes mainly in three types, lightweight, standard and high density, it is often seen as a cheaper alternative to Ply. Smoother and very consistent, easier to paint or spray and good for routering if you fancy a bit more detail for your chosen project.
On the downside it doesn’t hold screws too well and due to its’ density can be heavy.
MDF we absolutely love to work with is  Fibrapan Hydrofugo by Finsa (Italy).
 
So either would make a good cost effective option for your next project, without the need to  -
TRY before you PLY !!
 

This unexciting but necessary product was thought to have been invented in 13th century China by using natural gum to stick crushed shells or sand to parchment. Moving forward several centuries to the 1800’s crushed glass was used to make a product still in use as today’s glasspaper.
Shark skin is a natural sandpaper, Dermal denticles on the skin give a rough texture which imitate tiny grooved teeth, but are in fact placoid scales. These scales do not increase in size as the shark grows, more of the same are produced. A small shark / dogfish could produce skin that is 80 – 220 grit which will cut in one direction and burnish in the other.
Commercial or Industrial grades of sandpaper are available. The main difference being, Industrial grade uses higher quality materials for all three of its components, these being the material used as grit, the backing material (paper) and the glue to adhere the other two together.
There are five main types, with a large range of grit grades available.
Glass/flint paper, Garnet paper – probably best finish for wood, but slower than some others, Aluminium Oxide    ,Silicon Carbide, Cerami.c
Whilst this mind boggling array of information may have gone over your head (as it did mine) the reality is much simpler in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing.
In Short – To avoid your fine finish going gritty – get the right grade !

Home renovation is a very general term that can apply to a wide variety of projects.
Although upcycling is normally associated with wooden/metal furniture, the fixtures and fittings in your home can also be greatly improved by spraying with a suitable paint.
A great place to start would be fitted wardrobes and cupboards, bringing a cohesive look to compliment and enhance your bedroom.
Moving downstairs, kitchens can be totally resprayed,  In “Situ” if required, tiles also with a suitable for surface product. The correct preparation is vital to achieve the best possible long lasting finish on this or any home based project.
This is a perfect choice for minimal upheaval and disruption to your life, and a very cost effective solution.
So if you want to ring the changes instead of ringing the Bank Manager –
 
DON’T DELAY – RESPRAY !

A great way to upcycle furniture and fittings is to spray paint.
Our spray paint is mostly oil – based, which provides a very durable finish on pretty much any surface.
Wood  –  hard, soft, MDF and ply etc, Glass, Plastic, Metal, Wicker, Resin and more.
Primer is NECESSARY – 1 or 2 coats of primer suited to the relevant material, followed by 2 or 3 light coats of spray, with sanding between every layer, will produce a more superior finish than brush painting.
Colour options are almost infinite, so whether its Shabby Chic for your drawers, or rejuvenating your Rads,
You can go all the way with  -  Spray.

Whilst many of us have spent hours improving the interiors of our homes, perhaps less thought is given to gardens and other external areas.
Spray painting, whether on wood, metal, UPVC or other surface, is an ideal solution and gives an instant lift to any garden.
Matching or colour co-ordinating in an endless array of colours breathes new life into outdoor areas. Decking, conservatories, sheds, fences, gates, garden furniture etc, can be colour matched or co – ordinated to your existing UPVC, hardwood or composite windows and doors to create a bespoke look at reasonable cost.
Assuming correct application using a suitable for surface paint, durability is good, with some regular maintenance 2 – 5 years can be expected on most surfaces.
The great plus point for me is my outdoor sanctuary doesn’t look as if it derived from the local D.I.Y. store.
All in all  -  A garden fit for a King, without paying a Kings ransom. 

Home renovation is a very general term that can apply to a wide variety of projects.
Although upcycling is normally associated with wooden/metal furniture, the fixtures and fittings in your home can also be greatly improved by spraying with a suitable paint.
A great place to start would be fitted wardrobes and cupboards, bringing a cohesive look to compliment and enhance your bedroom.
Moving downstairs, kitchens can be totally resprayed,  In “Situ” if required, tiles also with a suitable for surface product. The correct preparation is vital to achieve the best possible long lasting finish on this or any home based project.
This is a perfect choice for minimal upheaval and disruption to your life, and a very cost effective solution.
So if you want to ring the changes instead of ringing the Bank Manager –
 
DON’T DELAY – RESPRAY !

Laminate is a non – porous, smooth, sometimes shiny man made material. It is often used to cover less expensive wood composite furniture, cabinets etc, and also flooring.
Spraying Laminate flooring is possible but a little involved. It requires primer, specialised paint and a high quality sander.
Preparation is really the key for this job, this ethos also applies to all Laminate spray / paint projects.
Inexpensive shelves, furniture etc can be sprayed for a matching or contrasting finish.   Done well this can provide a cohesive and upmarket look at a fraction of an upmarket cost.
Spraying -  A great way of ringing the changes, to achieve a new fresh look for your Laminate

​UPVC (Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride) is a low maintenance building material often used in window, door, and sill construction and as a replacement for old single glazed wood units.

Production of UPVC is subject to strict safety controls, and being non toxic in its finished form makes it ideal in the manufacture of windows etc, whilst providing zero risk to consumers.

UPVC is extremely durable and with minimal maintenance could be expected to last an average of 20 years, sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on the quality of the  original product.

Although UPVC is available in a range of colours it is possible to spray good quality UPVC in almost any colour. This also applies to Composite (doors etc), to ensure perfect colour matching for all external hardware.

Spraying your UPVC – adding an infinite spectrum of colour to your world .

Initially more expensive than UPVC, but with regular care and maintenance Hardwood Windows can last up to 60 years, therefore working out considerably cheaper over their lifespan.
Buyers of period properties will really appreciate the authentic look Hardwood Windows gives to their home whilst adding up to 10% value.
Hardwood Windows are also a great choice for triple glazing, reducing noise and energy consumption, and although more expensive than UPVC replacements will add between 10% - 20% of value to your home.
COLOUR – Many more colour choices available than for UPVC                  
This allows unlimited colour matching to your properties existing features. 
Gates, Fences, Summerhouses, Sheds etc, the list is as long as your imagination.

AC lacquer, a great protector for your wood, giving a beautiful finish for many years. Its’ TOUGH, longer lasting than Varnish, Polyurethane or Shellac, with no flaking, chipping and only minimal yellowing.
AC lacquer is thinner than its competitors, thus allowing for deeper penetration of the wood to provide durable protection from the inside out.
Water resistant with more sheen levels than Varnish. Anything from High Gloss to Ultra Matte, and everything in between!
Fast drying – approximately 15 minutes between coats at room temperature.
Two spray coats of lacquer are normally sufficient, providing great coverage without build-up. AC lacquer can also be brushed on, with a light sanding between coats to produce a flat finish.
All in all   AC LACQUER – A great cost effective way to bring your wood to life.