$3 mistake too many Aussies make when shopping at Bunnings

While she prides herself on her affordable room transformations, there’s one surprising thing professional renovator Jade Compston said you should never try to save money on when browsing in the Bunnings aisle ahead of your next big project.

Compston told Yahoo Lifestyle a new coat of paint can really transform a room, but “if you buy a cheap $3 brush, then be prepared to spend most of your time picking the bristles off the wall as it disintegrates in your hands as you paint”.

And she has the same advice when it comes to rollers. “Go for a strong and reliable roller like a UniPro microfibre roller which will cost around $18 but give such a smooth finish,” she said. “My favourite is the 100mm model as while it is smaller, it’s easier to work with and the end result is always even.”

“But a good mid-range brush, like a Monarch or UniPro for around $15, will do the job properly and look great.”

RELATED:

• Bunnings shoppers 'perfect' solution for annoying caravan problem: 'Brilliant idea'

• Shopper's $15 Bunnings and Kmart hack to transform kitchen: 'Inspired me'

• Warning over common backyard product sold at Bunnings: 'Never been that sick'

Renovator's vital painting tip: Read the instructions!

As for achieving a polished look, Jade recommends that potential painters spend a few minutes reading up on the job ahead. “Read the instructions first!” she laughs.

“People get so excited about getting painting – and I completely get that – but spend a few minutes to read the directions on the paint can and the brush and roller packages as it can save a lot of issues later.

“There is so much power in paint,” Jade told Yahoo.

“A fresh coat of paint can change everything in a room – the look and how you feel within it. It’s the same when I am repainting an old chest of drawers or table – repainted in a smart colour, and it can look better than it ever did when it was brand new."

The serial renovator has become well-loved online for her budget-beating ways, racking up more than half a million followers on Instagram and Facebook.

In recent months, Jade’s series of videos through her Refinish With Jade platforms showed how dramatically overhauling the kitchen of her in-laws for a staggering $500, before splashing out $2000 on another kitchen, achieving a stunning final result. Then there was the low-cost laundry makeover in her parents’ house which she turned into an attention-grabbing feature.

She also keeps busy turning tired and worn out furniture into design pieces worth ten times what she paid for them.

How to achieve the best results with paint

The secret of her success, Jade says, comes down to a handy way with a paint brush and knowing how to utilise simple design items to make bold statements.

Ballarat-based Jade, 32, says starting with the basics is essential. She lists British Paints as her favourite brand, but adds many other paints found at Bunnings can be equally as good at getting the job done.

To achieve the maximum effect, Jade says to use a paint roller all in one direction, ensuring each new roll of a layer covers at least half of the previous layer. “First go top to bottom, and then once that’s dry, go from left to the right and that will give you complete coverage,” she says. “Have a pattern to follow and go slowly.”

Jade mainly uses water-based paints as she finds them easier to work with, especially in the clean-up phase. She names Antique Ivory white as an easy colour to work with to give any room a fresh look, but she says for a warmer tone, try a latte-coloured paint.

“Both are good neutral colours, and latte is becoming more popular as it can add warmth to a space,” she says. “When I work with darker colours, that is when I used enamel-based paints as that gives a great finish.”

“And that’s what I love most about paint. If you don’t like the end result, then get the brushes and rollers out and do it again. It won’t take long and will give you the room you want.”

Jade, married to Nick and mother to two children, says her main focus when renovating – be it a room or making over a piece of furniture - is achieving maximum impact on a budget.

“What has always driven me is seeing what I can achieve on a budget,” she says. “When I started, I had no idea, and made plenty of mistakes, but with each one you become more confident for the next time.”

Expert reveals $100 cost of living hack available at Bunnings

Away from the paint aisle of Bunnings, Jade suggests renovators should head to the wood department for design features like strips of pine panelling or MDF sheets to create a stylish, textured effect.

“Create a feature wall – maybe half panelled, and the other half painted – to take the look of the room to another dimension.

“It might cost maybe an additional $100 for the panelling which the team at Bunnings will even cut for you and a tin of paint, and the result can make the room feel like a custom designed space.”

SHOP:

• Amazing' sculpting pants with 10 million pairs sold for sizes 4 to 18: 'Compliments everywhere I go'

• Go-to' Aussie label in sizes 12 to 30 slashes prices by up to half: 'Bold and fun'

• Jewellery trend loved by A-list celebs helps Aussie brand sell out 7 times: 'Special'

Jade believes when so many people are struggling with the current cost of living crisis, adopting low-cost but impactful design ideas can give a family home a much-needed boost.

“I hope people can transform their homes into spaces they want to spend time in, as the mental health benefits of doing that really can have an impact,” she says.

“Actually, I find the whole renovating process important for my own mental health. It is so therapeutic.”

Want the latest lifestyle and entertainment news? Make sure you are following us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter.