Winter weekend DIY project

Winter weather might not lend itself to outdoor DIY painting projects - wind can play havoc with dropcloths and rain or a cold snap can ruin an undercoat - but it almost actively encourages cosily indoor-based endeavours.

You can introduce a new refreshing look to old or tired wooden furniture with a bit of sanding and a lick of bright paint - the resulting piece could even bring a sunnier outlook to your living room.

Be sure to deck out whichever room you will be using as a workspace in newspaper or dropcloths first, and relocate anything precious in case of splatters.

Remove the hardware or accessories from your piece of furniture - hinges, handles or springs - and begin sanding with a fine grain to remove paint and correct any surface roughness.

Wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth - be careful not to soak the wood.

Now painting can begin - try to use brush strokes which move in the same direction as the grain of the wood so the finish is smooth. A second coat can be applied after the first is dry, depending on the texture and colour effect desired.

For extra dazzle, attach new knobs or hinges - they can really lift the look of a piece, especially one with a great new coat of colour.