decorating

Artex removal and skim coating: pre-1985 asbestos risk (3–4% chrysotile), bulk sample testing procedure, Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, wet scraping method, skim coating over Artex (bonding agent + three-coat build-up), hazardous waste disposal

Colour advice for decorators: LRV, undertones, room orientation and light quality, NCS and RAL reference systems, manufacturer fan decks, protecting yourself commercially with written client approval

Coving installation: plaster vs PU coving comparison, adhesive application in two lines, internal and external mitre cutting (common orientation mistakes), scribing for out-of-square corners, temporary support props, filling and priming sequence, pricing by linear metre

Dado rail installation at 900–1000mm height: profile types, fixing into masonry vs plasterboard, scribed internal corners, mitred external corners, priming and finishing MDF and pine rails

Feature wall wallpaper techniques: centre-on-pattern vs centre-on-seam decision, eye-level positioning for large repeats, chimney breast with alcoves setting-out, geometric stripe alignment, mural panel sequence hanging, scribing for out-of-square rooms

Wallpaper hanging guide: sizing preparation on new plaster, plumb line setting-out, paste consistency and booking times by paper type, paste-the-wall non-woven technique, one-paste-per-rail nailing logic, corner treatment, seam rolling, trimming at coving

Period cornice restoration: lime vs gypsum identification (scratch test, acid test), tap test for delamination, silicone mould casting for replacement sections, in-situ lime cornice running technique, Listed Building Consent requirement, pricing guide (£50–120/m)

Lining paper grades 800–1400, cross-lining under wallpaper, sizing before hanging, mist coat before painting, common mistakes including overlapping joins and insufficient drying time

Wallpaper paste selection: cellulose vs starch vs heavy-duty vinyl vs paste-the-wall; fungicidal paste for impermeable vinyls; soak times by grade; natural fibre wallcovering handling

Wall panelling installation: MDF vs solid timber, batten framework at 400–600mm centres, falls setting, tongue-and-groove secret-nail fixing, priming sequence for MDF, movement joints and caulking