Despite the lack of warm weather and sunshine, you can still make the most of your outdoor space during the autumn months with creative upcycling projects. Garden projects aren’t exclusive to summer and it’s still possible to insert style and colour into the outside of your home in time for Christmas.  Sandtex Technical Consultant, Matthew Brown, gives his step-by-step guide on how to create your own garden gallery wall with a few unloved photo frames:

“Step one: 

Start by selecting your frames for the wall. These do not have to match and often work better aesthetically if they are an assortment. Remove backing and front glass and ensure no dust or dirt remains on the frame.

Step two: 

Important tip: don’t forget to prime the frames before any colour is applied. If preparing and cleaning new bare wood, use a P180/P240 grade sandpaper to smooth the frame’s surface. Dust off and de-grease the wood with methylated spirits using a clean, lint free cloth, rotating it regularly to not reintroduce grime to the surface. If the frame is metal, use mineral spirits to remove grease and eliminate loose or peeling paint by hand-wire brushing. Using Sandtex 10 Year Exterior Primer or Rapid Dry Undercoat ensure all the frame is covered.  Allow to dry properly before applying any paint.

Step three: 

Selecting a colour from the Sandtex 10 Year Exterior Gloss or Rapid Dry collections, apply evenly over the primed frame. We recommend two or three coats on initial application to build up the film depth and ensure the frame is properly protected against the elements. Leave to dry properly between each application.

Step four:  

Staple or affix chicken wire across the back of the frames to provide the foundation for greenery. Ensure the wire is pulled tightly across the frame before securing it to provide a firm platform from which the plants will hang from.

Step five: 

Using a combination of moss and succulents, entwine your greenery around the wire. Depending on how wide your wire holes are, you may need to pinch the wire together to secure each plant in place. Keep going until the wire is hidden from view and the greenery goes up to the edges.”

The Sandtex Rapid Dry Gloss and Satin ranges don’t require hours of drying time, meaning you can add some character quicker and with less stress.