The £2 kitchen item that painters and decorators swear by

The painting and decorating experts at Toolstation explain how an everyday kitchen item that can be picked up for just a couple of pounds can help you achieve a professional finish when painting your home: 

“It might surprise you to hear, but a kitchen sieve is part of many professional painter and decorators’ toolkits. Metal sieves can be picked up in supermarkets for just £2, and can be used to strain the paint before you start work.

“Old paint can collect dust and debris over time, as well as flecks of dry, hard paint. Even brand new paint usually contains small lumps which can prevent you achieving a perfectly smooth result. There’s nothing worse than being left with a ‘bitty’ texture to your walls.

“To try this hack, simply position the sieve over a clean paint scuttle and pour the paint through. Safely dispose of any particles that get caught in the sieve and start painting. After use, simply clean the sieve with warm soapy water or brush cleaner. 

“Unlike tights and stockings which were used by some decorators to strain paint for many years (and which had to be thrown away each time) a metal sieve can be used over and over again – far more sustainable.”