1. Before you can apply the paint you must fill any cracks or holes with wood filler (applied with a filling knife) and leave to dry.

2. Sand down the filled areas using medium-grade glass pa per. Wrap the abrasive around a sanding block or wood offcut so it’s easier to use.

3. Where paint has been chipped off, sand down the area and apply an ordinary wood primer to the bare wood using a small paintbrush.

4. When the surface of the wood is smooth, apply undercoat (as the maker recommends) arid leave to dry before you put on the top coat.

Preparing Paint

1. Remove the lid from the paint can using the edge of a knife as a lever — don’t use a screwdriver or you’ll damage the lip of the lid.

2. Stir the paint (if recommended by the maker) using an oltcut of wood, with a turning, lifting motion, or use an electric drill attachment.

3. Decant some paint into a paint kettle, which you’ll find easier to carry than a heavy can. Top up the kettle from the can as you work.

4. To load the brush, dip the bristles into the paint to one-third of their length and wipe oft excess on a string tied across the kettle rim.