There's nothing quite as unsightly as an unprofessional paint job. Althout giving something a quick lick of paint shouldn't be too tricky or stressful, attention to detail and taking a little more time to do things properly will make that all-important difference.

When tackling doors and windows, take off handles and other furnishings first. It may be fiddly, but, unless you have an incredibly steady hand and are used to bending your body at funny angles, you run the risk of getting paint on them.

Old paint surfaces in good condition can be left as they are, as they will provide a sound base for painting over. That said, do not start daubing on the Magnolia Magic just yet; give the surface a good clean with sugar soap and water first, then lightly sandpaper all over, to provide a good key for the new paint.

Skipping this step could make all your efforts futile, as the new paint will be more prone to getting easily scratched or damaged. Flaky, old paint and varnish should be removed, as the uneven surface will spoil the appearance of new paint-work done over the top. If possible, strip off all the old paint back to the bare wood and start again from scratch.

Begin by scraping off the uneven, loose surface with a wire brush and then sanding, heat stripping or chemical stripping the reamainder.

This is pretty good fun and a great way to let off steam, although you must be careful to use a light touch and avoid too much pressure, as you do not want to gouge the surface. Do all sanding in the direction of the wood grain and hire a sanding machine for larger areas.

Sections of wood that have totally fallen by the wayside may need replacing altogether. Covering up neglected areas without solving the cause of the problem first is a recipe for disaster. Remember, soft patches could indicate dampness, so they need attention as soon as possible. Blowtorches can be used on wooden surfaces and are particularly useful for fiddly areas that are hard to reach. Remember to wear the appropriate safety gear, keep the room well ventilated, cover the floor and keep any flamable material, such as curtains, well out of the way. Keep the blowtorch a short distance (approximately two inches) from the surface and keep moving it around as the paint blisters, to prevent the wood scorching. Scrape off the 'melted' paint and discard it safely.

Electric hot-air strippers, which are similar to a very hot hairdryer, are often used instead of blowtorches, as they are easier to handle and less likely to cause scorching. Some have difficult nozzles suitable for different areas.

Only the area is stripped completely, sand the surface, removing any particles of paint or scorch marks. Chemical strippers are also available but, if this is the method you go for, follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter.

Don safety gloves, goggles and sensible scruffy clothing before getting started to keep you protected from inevitable splashes.

A mask is also a good idea, so as to avoid inhaling dangerous fumes, and indoor areas should always be kept well ventilated and free from children and pets.