There’s something about the clocks changing and the advent of brighter, drier days that make you want to fling open the doors and windows… and then immediately notice they could do with a little love. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to tackle exterior painting, this is it. Here’s a helpful, no-fuss guide to getting doors, windows and metalwork looking beautiful again using our beautiful natural paint, with some inspirational images. Mason Pink front door. Credit: Camilla Barnes Fine GreenFine Green and Spanish White. Credit: Amy Eld, Rock the Heirloom The golden rules, before you start Pick your colour and sheen level Choose your colour using our A5 colour swatches or one of our sample pots. For a satin finish, select our water based eggshell with a 20% sheen, or for greater shine choose our gloss that is 80%. Pick your moment Dry, mild days are ideal, not too hot, not too cold, and definitely no rain on the horizon. Work with the sun Follow the shade around the house so paint doesn’t dry too quickly. Prep is everything A good finish is 80% preparation, 20% painting. Order a free colour chart Creami ColourWindow painted in Creami Colour How to prepare outdoor woodwork and metal work Priming Woodwork All bare wood should be primed with our natural Water Based Primer. Pre-treat any bleeding knots on bare wood with a dab of Water Based Primer before coating the whole area. Allow to dry thoroughly and lightly sand before applying at least two coats of the Water Based Eggshell, sand lightly between coats for best results (this is also a test to whether the surface is dry enough for the next coat). Previously painted wood should be sanded thoroughly to provide a good key and then painted with at least two coats of Water Based Eggshell. Priming Metal For iron parts that are not factory primed, clean and sand to remove all corrosion. Prime with a Rust Protection Primer. Allow to dry thoroughly. For ferrous metals pre-primed by the manfacturer and not exhibiting any corrosion, clean and sand thoroughly and apply a first coat diluted with 5% water and then 2 top coats. Not suitable for galvanised steel or non-ferrous metals. Follow the flow chart Plain White White is the traditional choice for external woodwork but introducing external colour can really add the wow factor to your house. Edward Bulmer Natural Paint offers 23 whites and over 100 colours, but don’t be overwhelmed. Our colour consultants are on hand to help and advise you on the best colour for your home. Ethereal Blue front door Duck Egg porch and windows A few hours in the sunshine, a good brush in hand, and suddenly your home feels completely refreshed. Start with one door or window, you’ll be surprised how satisfying it is. Got the painting bug and want to keep painting? Perhaps your garden benches and chairs need a refresh too? Follow the same instructions and you can stretch your refresh to the garden. BrickGarden bench in Brick. Woodwork in bespoke colour. VerdigrisGarden bench in Verdigris Colours featured in this article Plain White Order a Sample Spanish White Order a Sample Creami Colour Order a Sample Mason Pink Order a Sample Duck Egg Order a Sample Ethereal Blue Order a Sample Verdigris Order a Sample New Iznik Order a Sample Fine Green Order a Sample Brick Order a Sample Click on button for detailed technical data Technical data sheets For more spring inspiration, may we suggest: Easter tablescapes and dining room decorations Sunshine in a tin: natural yellow paint ideas for bright British homes Transform your guest bedroom with Edward Bulmer Natural Paint
Behind The Chatsworth Collection: 24 Exquisite New Paint Colours Learn the story behind The Chatsworth Collection, a range of 24 new paint colours inspired by the interiors, heritage, and landscapes of one of this country’s most significant country houses.
Discover the new ‘Forever Favourites Collection’ Create a scheme from one room to your whole house with soft colours that work together effortlessly ensuring tonal flow and harmony. Our 12 best loved shades together in one pack. Discover the power of natural paint today.
Responsibility Knocks: A column for House & Garden In the first of a new series of columns, Edward Bulmer, the winner of our Responsible Design Award (sponsored by Vinterior) in 2022, lays out why we should all pay attention to responsible design and consumption, and how to become more conscious in the process
Through the keyhole – House & Garden Festival 2018 Our decorated space at this year’s House & Garden Festival was all about collaboration. Edward’s idea for the decorated space was to link old and new, at the physical juxtaposition between the Interiors Art & Antiques Fair and the House & Garden Festival.
How to Decorate with Pinks Pinks have of course been ‘en vogue’ for some years now and these timeless new neutrals are staying at the top of the paint charts for a reason; they work with so many other colours and patterns from flooring to soft furnishings and hardware in a room and look as chic in a bedroom as they do in a lofty hallway. What is not to love?!
Easter tablescapes and dining room decorations Easter is the perfect time to refresh your dining room and create a festive atmosphere for family gatherings and meals. Spring is the season of renewal, so incorporating spring colours, fresh blooms, and cheerful decor can instantly transform your dining room.