Hi, we are having White Gloss Shaker cabinets fitted shortly, we have an oak solid wood worktop and have just laid coffee oak solid wood flooring. Thanks

Hi I have always worked along the grain and wiped back . The grain is naturally raised so the paint will sit in the grooves of the grain. With gentle flat hand movement you are aiming to remove the paint from the raised grain. leaving a soft washed look to most of the plank. It will also depend on how dense your solution is. The thinner the solution the more wood will show through as it will be more transparent. I would get some cut offs from the local wood merchant champions or somewhere like that and have a go. find out what you like as the final finish for you. You can do more than one layer so if not quite enough then you can add another layer. It is practise though. kr jaimie k

I didn't consider putting my (rarely used) trainers (sneakers, running shoes) in the washing machine until I started working part-time in a London pub many many years ago. As well as being a busy neighbourhood pub it was also back when smoking was allowed inside (seems centuries ago now!) so I would come home, walk straight to the washing machine, take everything off from head to toe and put it all straight into the machine (shoes in a bag) before jumping into the shower ... everything, including me and my hair smelt like beer and cigarette smoke ... urk! It wasn't so noticeable while in the pub, although as a non-smoker not ideal, but once I walked outside into the 'fresh' air and especially once I was home the smell was so strong! That was over 20 years ago and only did it for a couple of years, and it was fun but since then rarely need to wash my trainers just air them out very well, or wash the insides but would pop them in the machine if necessary. Would not put shoes in with other things esp. clothes and there is a specific setting on my machine for them.

This company don't say they can paint beams however they do offer quite a bit of bespoke work as part of their parent company 'focus fireplaces' so might be worth a quick email to ask them if they could paint one of their beams for you? http://www.oakstovebeams.co.uk/beams.html