Don't put up with tatty worktops, grimy cupboards or tired-looking flooring any longer. You can now buy a range of easy-to-apply specialist paints that will transform almost any surface in the home Painting vinyl and lino has been difficult in the past as the coatings flexed and cracked with the surface movement. But today's flexible paints are much more successful, and you can even cover bold patterns! Old melamine furniture and worktops can also be transformed with the new paints made especially for this surface. Time to complete job: Most of these paints only require one or two coatings at the most. A small kitchen floor would take 1-2 hours, plus overnight drying time. Approximate budget: Paints cost from around £8 per litre. Tools and materials Foam roller and tray, paint brushes, specialist paint for surface, masking tape, grout reviver

Painting vinyl and lino Wash the floor with hot soapy water to remove grime and dust. Use a small foam roller to apply the first coat of paint. Most makers recommend applying two thin coats rather than one thick coat. Use a brush to work around the edge of the room and any pipes. Tip: Work from a corner furthest from the doorway so you don't have to step over the new paintwork. See Laying Vinyl Flooring for more tips on vinyl. Making patterns and borders You can create a new border or pattern with different coloured vinyl and lino paint. Mask the edges of each section with masking tape for a neat edge. Preparing to paint melamine Clean the old surface with soapy water and allow to dry. Tip: Some makers recommend lightly sanding the surface to provide a good 'key' for the paint. Check the instructions. Painting melamine Use masking tape to protect the handles or any other furniture, or remove them with a screwdriver. Use a melamine primer paint to coat the surface. A foam roller will give the smoothest finish. Add the new top coat colour, again using a foam roller, and allow to thoroughly dry. Painting tiles You don't have to replace dull-looking wall tiles, just brush on a tile primer, followed by one of the new tile gloss paints. Use a small foam roller for the best result. Tip: If there is old grouting between the tiles, this can also be given a facelift with a grouting colour. Most are sold in a squeezee tube so that you can apply them directly to the grout lines. Preparing to paint wallpaper Wallpaper should be treated in the same way as other wall surfaces. Prepare the wall by washing off any dirt and grease but use a damp rather than wet sponge so that the paper isn't damaged. Fill any holes with a plaster filler and use a ready-mixed border adhesive to stick back any areas that have peeled away from the wall. Painting wallpaper Paint with your chosen emulsion colour using a roller or wide brush. If the paper is heavily patterned, you will probably need to apply two coats of paint. Test a small area so that you can budget for enough paint for two coats if needed. Tip: Heavily embossed papers may be easier to paint with a brush.