DIY en France

We came to France with the idea that, because we had worked on building sites for 20 years, we were far more 'au fait' with building/decorating techniques. The only problem is that the French do most things completely different from the English. As you know, we have been trying to solve the problem of covering the joints in the plasterboard. Well, we think we have cracked it at last using a hybrid of french and english techniques. We are covering the plasterboard with this sort of fibreglass textile but are applying it with wallpaper paste. The glue the french use is astronomically expensive. Hope it stays stuck to the wall or it will be a false economy!




We felt that we had moved on to a new phase today when we were at last at the painting stage. However this "material" on the wall absorbs gallons of paint; 5 litres of paint to put one coat on the wardrobes. Everything is a steep learning curve that takes a very long time to accomplish.



We want to get the wardrobes ready so that John can fit the doors and make up shelving etc. At least we'll be able to put our clothes away then!

Finally you may like to see our Black Redstart mentioned yesterday. John sat for about half an hour with camera poised to obtain this shot.