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Johnstone’s Stormshield Aqua Guard: A Closer Look at the Range

Johnstone’s Stormshield Aqua Guard: A Closer Lo...

Exterior decorating always feels like a bigger commitment than interior...

Johnstone’s Stormshield Aqua Guard: A Closer Lo...

Exterior decorating always feels like a bigger commitment than interior...

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Welcome to the DCO blog Brush Up!

For anyone that doesn't know DCO, we're a 3rd generation, family run decorator's merchant up here in the north east of England. I (Helen!)  have a huge passion for all things paint, wallpaper and making decorating your home easy and accessible for everyone so these blogs aim to provide you with the advice, inspiration and tips you need to transform your home! As always, if there is something I haven't covered or you still need help, just get in touch, we're always happy to chat!

Helen x

How to Choose the Right Monarch Paint Brush for Every Decorating Job

How to Choose the Right Monarch Paint Brush for...

When people talk about decorating, the conversation usually focuses on...

How to Choose the Right Monarch Paint Brush for...

When people talk about decorating, the conversation usually focuses on...

HB42 Primers Explained: PS1 vs PS2 vs PS3

HB42 Primers Explained: PS1 vs PS2 vs PS3

Preparation Is Everything (Even If It’s the Part We’d Rather...

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HB42 Primers Explained: PS1 vs PS2 vs PS3

Preparation Is Everything (Even If It’s the Part We’d Rather...

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Discover NMC’s New 2026 Wall Panelling Collection: The Harmony of Lines

Discover NMC’s New 2026 Wall Panelling Collecti...

If you’ve been keeping an eye on decorating trends lately,...

Discover NMC’s New 2026 Wall Panelling Collecti...

If you’ve been keeping an eye on decorating trends lately,...

Oil vs Water Based Paints: A Simple Guide That Actually Helps You Choose

Oil vs Water Based Paints: A Simple Guide That ...

Oil based or water based. It’s one of those decorating...

Oil vs Water Based Paints: A Simple Guide That ...

Oil based or water based. It’s one of those decorating...

What Your Favourite Paint Colour Really Says About You

What Your Favourite Paint Colour Really Says Ab...

We all have that colour. The one you’re instantly drawn...

What Your Favourite Paint Colour Really Says Ab...

We all have that colour. The one you’re instantly drawn...

Johnstone’s Trade Obliterate Matt: The One‑Coat Wonder for Busy Homes and Worksites

Johnstone’s Trade Obliterate Matt: The One‑Coat...

Some decorating jobs are not about perfectionism or endless coats....

Johnstone’s Trade Obliterate Matt: The One‑Coat...

Some decorating jobs are not about perfectionism or endless coats....

Featured Article

Why Colour Match Paint Is a Game-Changer (And Why DCO Does It Best)

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Why Colour Match Paint Is a Game-Changer (And Why DCO Does It Best)
Biophilic Design: What It Is & How to Style It

Biophilic Design: What It Is & How to Style It

Biophilic Design: What It Is & How to Style It

Our Top Tips For Cleaning Your Painted Walls (without damaging them!)

Our Top Tips For Cleaning Your Painted Walls (w...

Our Top Tips For Cleaning Your Painted Walls (w...

Why Dalapro Roll Nova Filler Is About to Change the Way You Skim Walls

Why Dalapro Roll Nova Filler Is About to Change...

Why Dalapro Roll Nova Filler Is About to Change...

Inspo

Top 10 Most Popular Dulux Heritage Paint Colours (And How to Use Them in Your Home)

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Top 10 Most Popular Dulux Heritage Paint Colours (And How to Use Them in Your Home)
Choosing the Right Zinsser Primer for Your Project

Choosing the Right Zinsser Primer for Your Project

Choosing the Right Zinsser Primer for Your Project

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Why Everyone’s Talking About Krud Kutter (And Why You’ll Want It for Your Next DIY Project)

Why Everyone’s Talking About Krud Kutter (And W...

Why Everyone’s Talking About Krud Kutter (And W...

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Your Guide To Designer Paint Finishes

A Comprehensive Guide to Little Greene Paint Finishes

A Comprehensive Guide to Little Greene Paint Fi...

A Comprehensive Guide to Little Greene Paint Fi...

Farrow and Ball Paint Finishes Explained and Which To Put In Every Room In Your Home

Farrow and Ball Paint Finishes Explained and Wh...

Farrow and Ball Paint Finishes Explained and Wh...

Laura Ashley Paint Finishes – Which is Best for your home?

Laura Ashley Paint Finishes – Which is Best for...

Laura Ashley Paint Finishes – Which is Best for...

Zinsser Primers Explained

5 Key Reasons We Love Zinsser B-I-N Primer

5 Key Reasons We Love Zinsser B-I-N Primer

5 Key Reasons We Love Zinsser B-I-N Primer

What is Zinsser Gardz and Why Should You Know About It?

What is Zinsser Gardz and Why Should You Know A...

What is Zinsser Gardz and Why Should You Know A...

Peeling Paint Problems? Here's Why Zinsser Peel Stop Is Your Go-To Solution

Peeling Paint Problems? Here's Why Zinsser Peel...

Peeling Paint Problems? Here's Why Zinsser Peel...

Colour Inspiration

If Paint Was a Season: Bring the Beauty of Nature Into Your Home

If Paint Was a Season: Bring the Beauty of Natu...

If Paint Was a Season: Bring the Beauty of Natu...

Cosmic Colours: Decorating Your Home Based on Your Star Sign

Cosmic Colours: Decorating Your Home Based on Y...

Cosmic Colours: Decorating Your Home Based on Y...

Farrow & Ball’s 12 New Colours Are Here - Did You Guess Right?

Farrow & Ball’s 12 New Colours Are Here - Did Y...

Farrow & Ball’s 12 New Colours Are Here - Did Y...

DCO Colour Of The Year 2025: A Toast to Colour Trends

DCO Colour Of The Year 2025: A Toast to Colour ...

DCO Colour Of The Year 2025: A Toast to Colour ...

Transform Your Home with Top Laura Ashley Paint Colours

Transform Your Home with Top Laura Ashley Paint...

Transform Your Home with Top Laura Ashley Paint...

Colour of the Year 2024

Colour of the Year 2024

Colour of the Year 2024

The must have paint colours you need in your home! Dulux’s best selling paint shades.

The must have paint colours you need in your ho...

The must have paint colours you need in your ho...

The Psychology of Colour – What It Really Means for Your Home Decor

The Psychology of Colour – What It Really Means...

The Psychology of Colour – What It Really Means...

Biophilic Design: What It Is & How to Style It

Biophilic Design: What It Is & How to Style It

Biophilic Design: What It Is & How to Style It

Lets Roll with Wallpaper Inspiration

The Perfect Wallpapers For Your Little Ones’ Room

The Perfect Wallpapers For Your Little Ones’ Room

The Perfect Wallpapers For Your Little Ones’ Room

What is the Arts and Crafts Movement, and How Can I Get the Look in My Home?

What is the Arts and Crafts Movement, and How C...

What is the Arts and Crafts Movement, and How C...

Style Up Your Home With Elle Decoration Wallpapers

Style Up Your Home With Elle Decoration Wallpapers

Style Up Your Home With Elle Decoration Wallpapers

Laura Ashley: Our top picks to transform your Bedroom, Living Room and Kitchen!

Laura Ashley: Our top picks to transform your B...

Laura Ashley: Our top picks to transform your B...

Our Top 10 Wallpapers To Create The Ultimate Feature Wall

Our Top 10 Wallpapers To Create The Ultimate Fe...

Our Top 10 Wallpapers To Create The Ultimate Fe...

Didn't think you could wallpaper in a bathroom or kitchen? We'll show you how!

Didn't think you could wallpaper in a bathroom ...

Didn't think you could wallpaper in a bathroom ...

Helen's How To's

How to Skim a Wall: The Beginner’s Guide to Smoother, Flawless Walls

How to Skim a Wall: The Beginner’s Guide to Smo...

How to Skim a Wall: The Beginner’s Guide to Smo...

How To Clean Paint Rollers - An In Depth Guide

How To Clean Paint Rollers - An In Depth Guide

How To Clean Paint Rollers - An In Depth Guide

Our Top Tips For Cleaning Your Painted Walls (without damaging them!)

Our Top Tips For Cleaning Your Painted Walls (w...

Our Top Tips For Cleaning Your Painted Walls (w...

Our Top Tips On How To Paint Your Ceiling

Our Top Tips On How To Paint Your Ceiling

Our Top Tips On How To Paint Your Ceiling

5 Easy Steps to Paint Skirting Boards Like a Pro

5 Easy Steps to Paint Skirting Boards Like a Pro

5 Easy Steps to Paint Skirting Boards Like a Pro

5 Hacks to Instantly Make Any Room Feel Bigger!

5 Hacks to Instantly Make Any Room Feel Bigger!

5 Hacks to Instantly Make Any Room Feel Bigger!