AN EXTRA BENEFIT OF YOUR SOBRIETY IS THE ENERGY TO COMPLETE A PAINT PROJECT

Paint projects take motivation to start but energy to finish. A known benefit of giving up alcohol for a month is an increase in energy levels, so what better way to channel that than into a paint project!

Make the most of your feel-good, hangover-free weekends this Dry July with a little DIY! Our fantastic campaign partner, Inspirations Paint, is giving Dry July 2025 participants a $30 voucher when you sign up for their Paint Club — redeemable in-store only.

They've also put together five projects you could start and finish this DIY Dry July.

1. How to Fix a Bad Paint Job

A bad paint job comes in many forms; uneven paint colour, drips, bubbles, poor sheen uniformity – you get the picture. One we often see is peeling or flaking paint. There are many reasons paint could be peeling or flaking but before it can be fixed, we need to understand the cause of the defect. One such cause can be the incorrect paint used on the existing surface, most commonly painting a water-based product over an oil-based enamel without the correct preparation.

How can you avoid making this painting mistake?

Let us introduce you to The Metho Test. This test is how you determine what paint was previously used on the surface and is key to ensuring you don’t make the mistake of painting a water-based product over an oil-based enamel.

Here’s how:

Dampen a rag with methylated spirits and rub it on your painted surface.

If the paint transfers to the rag, it’s water based.

If the rag remains paint-free, it’s oil-based enamel.

Once you know what paint was used before you, now you can fix it. Head over to Inspirations Paint’s article How to Fix a Bad Paint Job for the full details. 

2. How to Repair a Water Damaged Door with Paint

A water-damaged door is an all too familiar sight in bathrooms. Your first thought might be to simply replace the door, but what if we told you that this was an easy fix (sounds too good to be true right?!) as long as the door is not warped or swollen. Rather than buying a brand-new door, in just 5 steps, you can easily fix the water-damage and transform it with the power of paint.

Step 1: Remove Door

Remove the door from the hinges, remove the handles and place it in a well-ventilated area.

Step 2: Sand

With 120 grit sandpaper, sand both sides of the door. Pay particular attention to the water-damaged parts of the door. Step 3: Prime

Apply 1x coat of Dulux Precision Maximum Adhesion Primer to both sides of the door. Cut in with a brush on any intricate features of the door before rolling with a mini roller. Remember to prime the bottom edge of the door. This will help to prevent any future water-damage. Allow to dry fully.

Step 4: Paint

Apply 2x coats of Dulux Aquanamel in your chose colour to both sides of the door. We used Dulux Natural White. Allow to dry between coats.

Step 5: Rehang Door

Once dry, rehang the door on the hinges and attach the handles.

3. How to Paint a Textured Wall

If you’re in love with the Mediterranean look, but don’t have the budget for a rendered finish on your retaining wall, this budget-friendly DIY project is perfect for you. With the Dulux Texture range, you can transform your exterior surfaces with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Step 1: Cling Wrap Test

This step is only applicable to concrete surfaces. Tape a square of cling wrap to the wall and leave it for 30 minutes. Be sure to seal the cling wrap fully with masking film. After 30 minutes, if there is no moisture or condensation present on the cling wrap, it means the internal core of the surface is dry and you are fine to begin painting. However, if there is moisture or condensation, you will need to wait until your retaining wall is dry before painting. Repeat the Cling Wrap Test again before painting.

Step 2: Prime

We began by priming the retaining wall with Dulux Texture primer. Stir the primer thoroughly before applying 1 coat with a Lambswool roller and allowing it to dry. This step can be a two-person job.

Step 3: Paint

Next, we applied 1 coat of Dulux Texture Medium Cover tinted to Dulux Snowy Mountains Quarter using a lambswool mitt in a circular motion. This step is a one-person job as each person will have their own unique way to apply the texture. This will ensure you have a consistent finish.

You also have the option at this point to apply a second coat of texture, depending on the desired look you’re after. We were happy with one coat of texture and opted for one coat of Dulux Weathershield to finish it off.

For the full project details, see how the team at Inspirations Paint painted this Bessa block wall.

4. How to Paint Bare Concrete Paths or Pavers

Painting the bare concrete around your home with the Dulux Concrete & Paving range is an easy and achievable way to improve your entryway, paths and pavers. All you need to do is clean, prime and seal your concrete with the steps below to give your concrete surfaces a new lease on life.

Step 1: Clean

Sweep or blow any loose debris from the concrete surface and then pressure wash.

Step 2: Film

Mask off any adjacent metal surfaces with masking film.

Step 3: Etch

Mix 1 part Dulux Concrete & Paving Bare Concrete Etch & Clean with 4 parts water in a plastic watering can. Now it’s time to etch the concrete. Don’t skip this step, it’s what helps your paint adhere to the concrete. Apply the mixture evenly with the can. Scrub the concrete with a hard bristled broom and leave on the surface for 10-15min. Do not allow to dry out in this time.

Step 4: Scrub

Scrub with broom again before washing off with pressure cleaner. Allow to dry completely.

Step 5: Tape

Tape around all remaining edges.

Step 6: Paint

Stir Dulux Concrete & Paving Bare Concrete Primer thoroughly before cutting in with a brush and then rolling on your first coat. Allow to dry for 20min. Apply the second coat then allow to dry for 1 hour.

Step 7: Seal

Stir Dulux Concrete & Paving Coloured Sealer Satin thoroughly before cutting in with a brush and then rolling on your first coat. Work in small sections, slightly overlapping the previous section to mimimise raised edges.

Step 8: Seal Again

Allow to dry fully before applying a second coat.

With the Dulux Concrete & Paving range, painting the concrete around your home is a simple and achievable way to add some colour to your home’s exterior. Head to your local Inspirations Paint store for everything you need for your next project.

To watch the full how-to video, click here.

5. How to Respray a Metal Letterbox

Letterbox need some love? This is a quick and easy DIY project for even the most novice of novice DIYers that will leave you feeling pretty proud of yourself.

Step 1: Wire Brush

Remove any flaking paint from your letterbox with the wire brush.

Step 2: Clean

Clean the letterbox thoroughly with Selleys Sugar Soap and a scourer.

Step 3: Rinse

Hose down to remove the Sugar Soap residue and leave to dry completely.

Step 4: Tape

Using masking tape, cover up any areas of the letterbox you don’t want to spray paint.

Step 5: Prime

Spray 1x coat of Dulux Metalshield Etch Primer on to your letterbox. Allow to dry.

Step 6: Paint

Spray 1x coat of Dulux Metalshield in your chosen colour. Once dry, spray 1 or 2 more coats until the desired coverage is achieved.

Bonus Step:

Once your topcoat is dry, apply a new set of numbers to your letterbox.

DIY paint project options are endless and the team at Inspirations Paint are full of all the advice you need to start and finish your paint project this DIY Dry July.