How to Prepare and Paint New Plaster: A Professional Guide
Fresh plaster looks ready long before it is. Apply standard emulsion too soon and you trap moisture beneath the paint film. The result is bubbling, peeling, and a finish that cannot be saved without stripping back to bare plaster. The correct process takes a little longer, but it is the only approach that produces a […]
The Art of Luxury Wallpapering: Why Wide-Width and Delicate Papers Require an Expert
Transforming a room with luxury wall coverings is one of the most impactful design choices you can make for your home or commercial space. High-end materials like grasscloth, wide-width vinyls, and custom murals offer unparalleled texture and depth. However, these premium products demand a level of technical precision that goes far beyond standard decorating. Attempting […]
Decorating Period Properties: A Specialist Guide for Historic Homes
Owning a period property in Leicestershire or Nottingham is a privilege. Whether it is a red-brick Victorian terrace in West Bridgford or a Georgian townhouse in Leicester city centre, these buildings possess a character that modern new-builds simply cannot replicate. However, decorating these homes requires a very different approach than painting a standard modern room. […]
Commercial Decorating: How We Minimise Downtime for Offices and Schools
For any Facility Manager, Headteacher, or Business Owner, the decision to redecorate is rarely about the colour chart. The real concern is logistics. How do you refresh a busy office, a bustling school corridor, or a high-traffic reception area without grinding operations to a halt? In the commercial sector, time is money. A closed office […]
A Guide to Painting Bathrooms and Humid Rooms Without Mould Returning
Bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms deal with constant humidity, so they are the spaces most likely to suffer from mould. Painting these rooms without addressing the underlying moisture creates a cycle of peeling paint, stained ceilings and recurring black spots. This guide explains how to prepare, prime and paint humid areas so mould does not […]
Case Study: Transforming a Leicester Warehouse with Industrial Redecoration
How Alan Cox Decorators used over 40 years of expertise to deliver a high-performance workspace for a local logistics hub. The Project Overview Maintaining a safe, professional, and efficient environment is critical for any industrial facility. When a prominent Leicester warehouse required a comprehensive internal refresh, the facility managers turned to Alan Cox Decorators. With […]
Reviving Period Features: Decorating Tips for Older Homes
Period homes across the UK, from Georgian terraces to Edwardian villas, were built with craftsmanship that’s hard to replicate today. Their intricate plasterwork, deep skirting boards, and sash windows give them character and charm that modern builds often lack. Preserving these features doesn’t just protect history, it enhances your home’s appeal and long-term value. Decorating […]
The Full Decorating Journey: From First Consultation to Final Inspection
When planning a decorating project, it can be difficult to know what to expect from start to finish. At Alan Cox Decorators, we believe in making the process clear, structured, and professional, so clients understand exactly how their home or business will be transformed. From the first conversation through to the final check and handover, […]
Winter Maintenance Checklist for Painted Surfaces
Painted surfaces, both inside and outside your property, work hard all year round. They protect walls, woodwork, and other materials from everyday wear, moisture, temperature fluctuations, and environmental damage. As winter approaches in the UK, it is the ideal time to carry out a thorough check of your property’s painted surfaces. Cold, damp conditions can […]
Decorating Exterior Walls: Weather-Resistant Paints and Maintenance Advice
When it comes to improving the appearance and longevity of your home or commercial property, few projects are as impactful as exterior decorating. Whether you’re refreshing a tired façade, updating your business premises, or preparing a property for sale, the right exterior paintwork does more than improve aesthetics – it protects your building against the […]