Paint—colour your world
Paint can be one of the most simple and effective ways to change an existing environment.
In any garden we can be faced with fences, walls, partitions or boundaries that seem daunting, constricting or just plain ugly. Luckily, a simple splash of paint over the top can sometimes be a quick and relatively inexpensive solution.
Paint is an excellent device for attracting attention, creating features, covering up a multitude of sins or, if the right texture and finish is chosen, it can even add a sense of age and character. Different colours create different moods, so adding a splash of colour to your outdoor space will not only help to create your desired ambience but also help to personalise your space.
The preparation you do before painting will make a big difference to the final look of the job. As tempting as it is to rush in, it’s always better in the long run to put the investment of time and labour into a solid, appropriate foundation for your paint. Then all you have to worry about is getting the right paint for masonry, timber or metal, deciding on the right texture and sheen and the little problem of choosing a good colour.
The choice of colours and paint effects can be absolutely daunting—for some inspiration, see my new range of paints
Jamie Durie Signature by Porter's Paints, available at Porter's and Inspirations 3D stores.
Some paint options to consider are:
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Regular exterior—Whether you are looking for a traditional white, neutral or bold feature colour, regular exterior paint offers many great solutions as well as long-lasting and low-fade protection from the harsh Australian sun.
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Wash finishes—This decorative effect creates the appearance of floating colour. Soft and watery or bold and striking, the colour density will vary depending on the surface. A subtle finish with little texture, it adds mood and ambience to a space.
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Textured finishes—Covering a boring garden wall with an attractive textured finish is a great design solution. Ideal for feature walls, textured finishes can range from suede, pearl, sand and metal, creating a three-dimensional effect.
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Distressed finishes—Distressed paintwork gives a surface the appearance that it has been aged and weathered by the elements, as it would if it were already very old. It streaks with water and leaches minerals which gives it a fabulous chalky, uneven effect.
• For more information and images see my book
The Source Book - Second Edition
