Handyman’s handbook

Press, 8 March 1984, Page 17

Handyman’s handbook

“The Do It Right Book,” aimed at the home handyman attempting to tackle wall papering, wood restoration, painting, tiling or general maintenance for the first time, has been released by Polycell. The book sets out clearly and concisely, in words, plans, diagrams and photographs, the steps necessary to complete the specific tasks outlined to a standard the home maker will be proud of. The wall papering section, for example, takes the newcomer through the mysteries of estimating the number of rolls required, even in unusually shaped rooms.

It gives a list of tools necessary and comprehensive instruction on preparing the surface for the best finish.

It helps avoid papering pitfalls by showing the do-it-yourselfer how to plan where to start and where to finish, how to ensure that each drop is vertical, and how to make the pattern match. Tricks of the trade in papering around doors, windows, corners, light switches and power points are all passed on. Ceiling papering is also covered. Traps for young players are pointed out and again the home handyman is taken through the process

All the other facets oi home decorating are dealt with in like fashion: tiling — of walls, floors and bench tops; maintenance work — both indoors and out, includes damage to woodwork, tiles, imperfections in existing wallpaper, the sterilisation of fridge or freezer, and removing tar from the car, wood restoration, stripping and filling; painting

preparation, both interior and exterior, new or already painted walls, floors and ceilings. Each section is a comprehensive guide to the home decorator. Polycell’s “The Do It Right Book” is illustrated with colour photographs. The various steps in each job are portrayed, and full-page colour plates

featuring traditional and contemporary interiors and exteriors show the do-it-yourselfer the effects that can be achieved using the techniques and material outlined. The book is available wherever Polycell products are sold or by writing to “Do It Right Book,” P.O. Box 19157, Auckland 7.