10 most common DIY mistakes and how to avoid them

• 10 most common DIY mistakes and how to avoid them
• Think ahead
• Protect surfaces
• Prepare thoroughly

Amateur mistakes are all too easy to make, and can be very time-consuming, so here is a list of the top ten most common, and how to avoid them.

1. Have a spirit level to hand
Putting up a shelf should be a five-minute job, but saving time by not using a spirit level could cause all manner of problems later, when ornaments fall over or books slide off. Use a spirit level to establish a level edge (when the bubble sits exactly in the middle of the window), then use a pencil to draw a guideline to work by.

2. Use primers
Watermarks can be a pain to cover up. Painting over the stain with a water-based emulsion won't help; the stain will keep showing through, however many coats you use. Apply an oil-based primer paint or spray over the stain to seal it, and then you can cover it with any paint and colour you choose.

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