Create unique pieces of art for your home and office, dazzle friends with a cute handmade gift, or start up a small business offering custom-made pieces for customers and their spaces.
Alternatively, keep the kids busy, teach them the uses of Borax, and how science can be a great way of using normal household items to create something unusual.
Before we begin, what is Borax and is it safe for my children to handle?
The answer is, yes. Borax is perfectly safe for your children to work with in a DIY project like this one. Should they happen to ingest the product or get it into their eyes, please follow the safety instructions on the product packaging. Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that's used in detergents, cosmetics, and other chemicals. It helps get rid of stains, mold, and mildew around the house.
Supplies:
Tools needed:
Method:
We hope you enjoy this little project, to be featured on our social media pages, upload photos of your Borax crystals to Facebook or Instagram, and tag us @Hallsretail, we’d love to see all your creations.
Happy creating everyone!
]]>Floral & Botanical: Exquisite floral patterns, flowers of all species, colours, and sizes! Or perhaps you’ll go for a more botanical feel, delicious monster leaves, bamboo shoots, and reeds.
DIY Wallpaper:
Materials needed -
Keep these pointers in mind -
Ways in which you can maintain the integrity of your wallpaper:
Need more of a visual guide? Follow the link below to watch a full tutorial, start to finish, on how to DIY wallpaper your home!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV73f4Ywa04
Looking for an expert? You’re in luck! We have our very own in-house décor whiz who can assist you with selecting the best wallpaper for your room, keeping in mind its practicality, the use of the room, and your décor requirements.
Kim can help you with the DIY process for installing your wallpaper, but if that’s not something that appeals to you, speak to her about arranging an installation team! Find her in the lighting department in-store at 176 Victoria Road or email her at kim@hallsretail.com to get in touch!
]]>LIGHTING TIPS AND TRICKS:
“Lighting can make a big difference in the interior environment of your home, used properly, it can help you to see better and perform tasks more easily. It provides a sense of safety, security, and comfort. While lighting controls such as dimmer systems, provide you with the flexibility to adjust the mood and ambiance of your home.
Lighting fixtures are ideal, and often inexpensive accessories to supplement the interior design of your home. With an incredible range of styles, shapes, colours, and sizes, lighting fixtures can add sparkle and a final finishing touch to your décor.
Properly used lighting should complement your lifestyle and meet your family’s needs. When planning your home’s lighting, keep these tips in mind:
2021 brings with it a wide range of lighting trends for all spaces of your home and office, this can be overwhelming, and we suggest that you select a trend that appeals to you, your home or office, and the style that you want to go for. Take a look below at some of the more popular lighting trends taking centre stage and feel inspired!
Think metal and natural textiles, delicate and firm materials, rough and soft fabrics. This trend speaks to counterposing fabrics, materials, and textiles to bring about a beautiful contrast of lighting décor.
Black coloured lights are in! Imagine your lounge illuminated by a matte-black inspired floor lamp, or your kitchen lit-up by a series of black LED downlights.
Pendant chandeliers have made their name known this year, whether you’re looking to light up your kitchen or bedroom, these are the ideal lighting mechanism for almost any space. Envision a series of pendant-shaped chandeliers above your centre island, drawing the eye in and creating a well-lit area for you to cook and prepare your meals in. Or perhaps you’re looking for the best way to shed some light alongside your bed to read at night, lighting that won’t take up all the space on your bedside table, hanging pendant lights are the solution!
Bring colour and beauty into a space with these exquisite lights to enhance the room and incorporate all colour elements into a feature piece like this.
This eco-style trend lends itself nicely to a ‘green’ environment, if you’re looking to create or fill a tranquil and serene space with a more natural-looking statement piece, this is the trend for you!
As they say, ‘variety is the spice of life’ and with these trends, we’re sure that you’ll be satisfied knowing that you can create beautifully illuminated spaces, each with a unique look and feel!
Need some help picking out the right lamp for your bedside table? Or perhaps you’re building your dream home and need some advice on the respective lighting placements, Kim is your go-to person! Visit us in-store at 176 Victoria Road and ask for Kim or send us your name and number via one of our social media platforms and we’ll be in touch!
]]>Hello C-19, hello being forced to relook and rethink hygiene and cleanliness in a whole new light. Knowing this and knowing our customers, here at Hall’s we realize the general spring-cleaning strategy just isn’t going to cut it this year, and so we have formulated a range of effective cleaning products fit for the job!
Hall’s (next level) spring cleaning
Here at Hall’s, we go big or go home when it comes to the cleaning of our clients’ homes, workspaces, factories, workshops, in fact whatever needs to be cleaned!
From windows to floors, to furniture, indoors and outdoors, and environmentally friendly too, we have products for all reasons and seasons, and all specifically formulated to the extreme hygiene standards of our modern world, which are approved by the experts to ensure quality, affordability and performance.
From the windows to the walls…
If windows and mirrors are on your spring clean to-do list, use Hall’s Window Kleen, a powerful general-purpose cleaner for all glass surfaces, effective at removing greasy films and leaving no residue, ensuring a clear shine.
It is always a good idea to have a strong, reliable surface cleaner on hand to disinfect surfaces, Hall’s Steri Fresh is perfect for the job, with its long-lasting perfume, your home will always smell immaculate too.
Floors and carpets
Timber, tiles, linoleum or vinyl floors, Hall’s Super Shine floor polish is a high solids formula that both cleans and provides a protective coating with a high shine finish.
For carpeted floors, Hall’s Carpet Shampoo is a high-foaming formula designed for the hand washing of carpets, ensuring effective stain removal and lasting protection.
Kitchens
Hall’s Active and Citri Dish are highly concentrated, neutral dishwashing liquids formulated for stubborn and greasy crockery, cutlery, pots and pans.
Hall’s Handy Kleen is a high-quality general purpose, hard-surface cleaner with a high-end formula to glide effortlessly through grease and grime in any kitchen.
Bathrooms
Hall’s TBC Toilet Bowl Cleaner is an easy to use, one-step bathroom maintenance cleaner for household and industrial use that also removes rust stains.
To penetrate deep into cracks, crevices and pores of surfaces where germs breed, Hall’s enzyme based, Biogobbler Bathroom ensures both a healthy and clean surface without the toxicity of noxious chemicals.
At Hall’s, we have hundreds an extensive range of home and industrial cleaning chemicals to maintain a clean and hygienic home, office or workshop. Pop in store or chat to one of our many experts on how we can help you!
Call us on (033) 394 3976 to place your order.
]]>This crafting genius can be used for almost any project, from home decor and jewellery, to scrapbooking and upcycling, and on most surfaces - essentially it is the decoupage medium no self-respecting crafter should be without!
Top tips for using Hall’s So Modge More modge podge at home
Tip 1: Apply the modge podge with a foam brush or flat paintbrush, but for a super smooth application, we recommend you use a piece of firm foam or a foam brush. The bristles of a flat brush can sometimes leave brush marks in your application while a foam brush allows for greater control over the quantity of modge podge you are applying in one go.
Tip 2: Whilst it might feel dry-to-the-touch in an hour or so, the best thing to do with your modge podge project, is leave it to dry fully overnight.
Tip 3: When using modge podge as a sealant and finish, be sure to cover the entire surface of your chosen project using thin, even strokes. Do not apply the podge thickly, instead rather add multiple coats.
Tip 4. Leave approximately an hour’s drying time in-between coats, and if you see any brush strokes you are unhappy with once each layer is dry, sand them out using a super-fine sandpaper, and wipe down with a duster afterwards. Add a final topcoat over your sanded layer, and leave for 24 hours to dry.
See below a few crafty projects for using Hall’s So Modge More for inspiration:
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Back to basics:
Sunlight, heat and other environmental elements can wreak havoc on your wooden items. Don’t place valuable furniture in front of uncovered windows or fireplaces, as the light and heat can damage and fade the wood.
No one really likes to dust, but this chore is one of the best ways to take care of wooden furniture. Airborne particles can build a filmy layer on wood that scratches the surface. Frequent dusting keeps this build-up from happening.
The best offence is defence! To avoid future damage such as heat damage or water rings, we suggest investing in some coasters, placemats and tablecloths for your wooden furniture.
Despite your best efforts, at some time your furniture may get stained. Be sure to try and remove it as soon as possible – the longer it sits, the harder it will be to remove.
See below a few hacks passed down through the generations for removing stains:
How we can help: give your wooden furniture lasting protection for generations to come.
Seal it
Sealing wood protects it from moisture changes, spills, stains and surface abrasions while at the same time enhances its natural beauty. To maintain a lustrous finish on both interior and outdoor furniture and on wooden surfaces, we recommend Hall’s Sealed Furniture Polish – apply once a month for lasting protection.
Protection the Hall’s way
Using Hall’s Protex Wood (Clear/ Mahogany/ Meranti) will give your wooden treasures a fighting chance to last for generations to come.
Hall’s Protex is a superior exterior grade timber coating stabilizer which penetrates and nourishes indoor and outdoor wooden items to provide a weather-resistant and protective sheen.
Hall’s Polyurethane Gloss ‘Q’ and Polyurethane Suede ‘Q’ are varnishes suitable for all interior wood surfaces, perfect to protect your furniture.
Click here to arrange an in-person or a virtual consult with one of our team or chat to our bot on our website and talk in real-time to one of our in-house experts. Alternatively call us on (033) 394 3976 to place your order.
]]>One of the best ways to make a statement in your home is your entrance, setting the tone for what is to come. A simple yet highly effective way is to give your front door a bold, fresh new colour.
The colour you choose will not only say a lot about you and your household’s personality and way of living, but it can improve your “curb-appeal“ too if you ever decide to sell your house.
Our recommendation is to choose something that expresses individuality, compliments the style of your home and works well within your garden setting.
Secondly, and key, is to choose the right paint for the job. Powafix Satinshield is a water-based enamel paint that comes with a seven-year warranty, is fast drying, easy to apply, low on odour and is suitable for painting doors, furniture and frames.
Not sure what colour defines your household’s way of life? Here’s a breakdown of a few basic colours, that when used in their boldest forms, send a strong message:
Orange – a social household that puts positivity, respect and acceptance at the top of the guest list.
Green – used to provide the feeling of safety, security, honesty and love.
Yellow – a colour that signifies learning, warmth and happiness in the home.
Blue – a sign of cleanliness but also peace and stability.
Purple – a representation of an artistic individual that also has a strong humanitarian drive.
Black – showcasing power and determination of a fearless individual. It can also be used to represent sophistication and prestige.
Pink – associated with kindness, love and sensitivity.
Visit our store or contact one of our friendly sales reps to order you ideal colour!
]]>And justifiably so, what must be cleaned? How often? What products are effective and safe? Will my staff/ my family be safe?
These are just a few of the many questions we’re receiving from our customers.
We have done the research so that you don’t have to, and below is a list of the new hygiene protocols as well as what we recommend you implement at home, in your workspace or in schools as the return to the new normal becomes the norm in Level 3.
All about cleaning!
Although researchers still have a lot to learn about the Coronavirus, what we do know is that the virus can live on surfaces for a considerable amount of time, making strict hygiene habits a crucial part of our everyday lives.
Sourced from WebMD.
Deep Cleaning
Hall’s Retail offers high-quality cleaning products that allows each and every customer peace of mind. We ensure that our products are not only up to standard with government regulations, but that they go above being standard and rather achieve excellence.
For everyday use, try our Hall’s Steri Fresh surface cleaner, Hall’s Hand Soap, Hall’s Aviwash (liquid anti-bacterial wash), Hall’s Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer and Medisure Surface Cleaner, this is the ideal collection of products to see you through this time. Our Hall’s Deep Clean Team is also available to tackle your space and give you peace of mind during this time.
To book a deep clean or to order products for collection, you have the following options:
Now, how can you help us?
Please consider backing the #HallsCoronaInitiative. All proceeds of this campaign will be spent to aid the supply of sanitizers and masks to the people in our city that need it the most! Read more here.
]]>Stained glass painting
Give your kids free rein of the windows. Use tape to outline shapes on a large window, then let the kids’ creativity run wild with acrylic paints as they fill in the shapes.
The best part – you can wipe the paint off with a little soap and water; and let them do it all over again!
Image courtesy: learnandbloom
Toilet roll funnies
Now with all those extra toilet rolls lying around……… there’s a whole new world of crafts out there for the kids to explore.
With a little imagination and some glue, the kids can enjoy hours of fun.
Image courtesy: Biolink Attention Training Ermelo
Talking fish
With pegs and paper, you can help your kids create a whole collection of ‘talking’ fish.
Get the kids to draw and colour fish on a piece of paper then cut the picture in half. Stick the ends of each half to a peg and voila as you open and close the peg, so their fish “talks”! Get your kids to do fun voices and have conversations with their ‘fishy friends’ – hopefully this will amuse them for a while!
Image courtesy: Zodio_home
With these simple ideas, keep your kids productive and happy, while building their creativity, honing their fine motor skills and fuelling their imaginations.
Hall’s Retail is Pietermaritzburg’s leading supplier of paints, painting supplies, and crafting supplies along with a full range of adhesive and cleaning chemicals for residential and commercial use. For information on products and availability contact us on 033 394 3976 or book a digital consultation with our home, paint and construction experts here: https://bit.ly/2WX9jV8
]]>What you need
• One 19cm x 18cm piece of wood (for the base of the cutlery holder)
• One 8cm x 4 cm piece of wood (for the handle)
• Four tin cans
• Hall’s WG1 (Wood glue)/ hot glue gun and sticks
• Oil based paint (colour of choice)
• Ball of string
• Sandpaper or Sanding machine
• Hall’s Wood stain (colour of choice)
• Polyurethane or wood varnish does Hall’s not sell this too?
• Hole Saw machine
Steps:
Day 1: Woodwork – Preparing the base and handle
1. Sand the surface of both pieces of wood until smooth.
2. Use Hole Saw machine to drill hole approximately 5cm in diameter, roughly 2cm from the top of the 8×4 piece of wood. The hole creates a convenient way to carry the cutlery holder.
3. Sand the corners of the hole to remove sharp edges and create a rounded edge; remember to sand the inside of the hole too.
4. Wipe wood pieces to remove excess wood dust.
5. Glue the handle (8×4 piece of wood), standing length ways, to the middle of the base (19×18 piece of wood) with wood glue or a hot glue gun. Hold down until firm and then leave to dry for 1 – 2 hours.
6. Once fully dried, apply wood stain colour with an old rag or cloth, going with the grain of the wood, until you are satisfied with the colour. Leave to dry for 1 hour or until dry.
7. Apply the polyurethane or varnish and leave to dry overnight.
Day 2: Painting and assembly
1. Remove the paper wrapping off tin cans and wash and dry thoroughly.
2. Paint tins in the colour of choice – you might have to apply multiple coats to cover completely.
3. Apply polyurethane or varnish over the tins to seal the paint.
4. Once dry, use wood glue or a hot glue gun to stick your string in a decorative fashion on your tins.
TIP: If your string isn’t a dark enough colour, you can naturally dye it in boiling water and coffee!
5. Once you have completed decorating the tins, apply a generous amount of wood glue to the underside of the tins and stick them to the wooden base around the handle, leaving a 1.5cm gap between the centre handle and the tins to allow space for serviettes. Apply pressure to tops of tins until the glue is firm. Allow to dry in place for 1 – 2 hours.
6. Fill with cutlery, serviettes and enjoy!
Looking for more DIY projects? Check out our Hall’s DIY articles here.
Hall’s Retail is your one-stop DIY store for home, vehicle and industrial cleaning products and is the leading supplier for lighting and décor items, adhesives, paints and painting supplies and other soft constructions materials.
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For those extremely stubborn and difficult stains the Hall’s team have formulated a unique biological and bacterial treatment designed specifically for upholstery, carpets and hard surfaces.
]]>For those extremely stubborn and difficult stains the Hall’s team have formulated a unique biological and bacterial treatment designed specifically for upholstery, carpets and hard surfaces.
“Here at Hall’s we differentiate ourselves by listening to our customers and one consistent question we’re asked is, “what can I use for bad stains?” – so we did our research and have formulated a revolutionary product harnessing the cleaning properties of enzymes. The result is Hall’s Micro Fresh which is a safe enzyme-based cleaner that gets down to the molecular level of stains,” says Hall’s Manufacturing Manager, Bronwyn Ritson.
So how does it work? With enzyme power!
Micro Fresh uses “non-pathogenic” bacteria ~ or simply put, “good” bacteria which produce enzymes specifically designed to break down certain molecules (wastes/soils) into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces become “food” for the bacteria. The bacteria consume these soils and break them down into two basic compounds: carbon dioxide and water.
“It’s important to understand however, that these enzymes cannot grow or reproduce like bacteria, and they are produced to facilitate the breaking down of larger molecules. Furthermore, enzyme-based cleaners are much safer for the environment and people, compared to chemical cleaners,” says Bronwyn.
So next time there’s a stubborn stain, try Hall’s Micro Fresh and change the way you clean.
Visit the store and get yourself our safe and sensible enzyme-based cleaner today.
]]>Hall’s Lights’ lighting and décor expert Kim Smith gives us the low-down on her ‘bedroom lighting 101’ guide to help us make the right lighting decisions.
Overhead lighting
While the purpose of overhead lighting is to provide even lighting throughout a room, the trick when it comes to bedrooms is to combine this functional role with something that looks good too.
Downlights make an ideal choice ~ with their subtle, recessed design, they perfectly achieve an even spread of light across your bedroom.
For bedrooms with higher ceilings, a modern chandelier can add drama while creating a warm soothing glow as well as providing sufficient light. Both these options meet the criteria of been practical and good-looking at the same time.
Bedside lighting
LED reading lights on either side of the bed offer a modern solution for bedside lighting. There are many sleek and “clever” lights that come with adjustable arms that allow you to direct light exactly where you want it. Many LED reading lights have USB ports allowing you to recharge your phone when you need to. “These lights are “marriage savers,” says Kim “as couples can enjoy direct light on their side without disturbing their partners.”
Pendant lights
Suitable for bedside lighting or as clusters in center of the room, pendant lights are statement pieces that effortlessly add character to your bedroom, lighting up dark spots and producing ambient lighting.
If you need advice, assistance or inspiration on how to go about choosing lighting for your bedroom, pop into the store to view our extensive and modern range of lights and chat to Kim.
Contact Kim at 033 394 3976 or kim@hallsretail.com
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The Pantone Colour Institute explains its choice “We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue, a solid dependable blue hue we can always rely on.”
We love this tranquil, reassuring colour and here are our tips on how you can incorporate this calming colour into your spaces.
Paint a statement wall
While you may be tempted to paint your whole room blue, doing so could actually make you feel like you are in a fish tank, so refrain from it. Rather stick to the statement wall plan.
Us it as an accent
For a gentle injection of Classic Blue into your space, use it in small doses with cushions paired with contrasting cushions of a neutral tone. Amping up furniture is also a big trend this season with Classic Blue couches and armchairs – they add an immediate pop of colour and a classy dose of character. They also can be re-painted when you’ve had enough of Classic Blue or when the next colour of the year grabs your attention.
Colour the kitchen
Give your kitchen a brand-new look by painting your cabinets Classic Blue! It’s trendy without the risk of being too “out there” and adds a sense of serenity.
So, if you want to get with the trend and revamp your space, visit us in store and chat to one of our experts for all your paints, primers, DIY advice and inspiration, and we will help you get on trend!
]]>Create a colourful, geometric piece of art with nothing but acrylic paints, a canvas and painter’s tape! Cut strips of painter’s tape and stick them to your canvas in any shape you like.
Using acrylic paints and a paintbrush, “fill” in the shapes – you can either go for solid colours to fill each shape or mix colours. Once the paints have dried, gently pull away the painter’s tape to reveal your geometric masterpiece.
Image source: Pinterest
Pour painting
Watch as colours mix and move to produce gorgeous patterns and effects. To create this work of art, you will require liquid or soft-body acrylic paints.
Set up a workspace with a tarp and an aluminium baking pan to “contain” the paint that pours off the canvas. Place two wooden blocks or tins cans to hold your canvas on a raised surface (on the tarp). Carefully pour the colours of your choice into a cup or jug, be careful not to mix or move the cup too much. Then pour the combined paint onto the canvas.
For an interesting pattern (as per the image), pour the paints in a gentle swirling motion. Now hold the canvas by its edges and gently swirl the canvas around, allowing the paint to “flow” to all the edges while the excess drips into the baking pan. Let the canvas dry and voila, you have a one of a kind art piece bursting with all your favourite colours.
Need a little help? Click here to watch an easy video tutorial.
Image source: acrylgissen.com
Doily canvas art
This simple art hack is a great way to put old doilies to good use and create a modern piece of art. Using acrylic paints, paint a canvas with a solid colour.
Once dry, place the doilies on the canvas and spray paint over them in a contrasting colour.
Once dry, pull the doily off; the doily pattern easily transfers onto your canvas and you don’t even have to be a master artist to create these beautiful patterns!
Image source: joann.com
Now that you’ve got the art-inspiration and ideas, bring the kids to the store to get all your DIY art supplies and start getting creative! From art canvases, to acrylic paints and painting supplies, we stock everything you need to get your art on!
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So, this year, we’d like to encourage everyone to opt for sustainable wrapping ~ your gifts look as beautiful, but with minimal waste and as much joy.
Brown paper and dried orange slices
The name says it all. Switch from the shiny, glossy wrapping paper to modest, yet charming, recycled brown paper. You can even use newspaper, butcher-paper or box fillers.
Add character to your gift wrap by using twine and slices of oven dried oranges.
(Image source: Bungalowoneseventeen.com)
Scarves and sprigs
Using old scarves is a simple, sustainable way to wrap gifts of all sizes. And did you know that in Japan there is an entire artform dedicated to wrapping items with cloth? Furoshiki embraces the philosophy of eco-friendly living and there are many online tutorials that show you tying techniques. Add a sprig from the Christmas tree and your gift will look unique and personal!
(Image source: herpetologistsleague.com)
Drawn on ribbons
Put your artistic skills to good use and simply draw ribbons on your gifts wrap!
This way you can steer clear of shiny tinsel, ribbons or string ensuring your wrapping is completely sustainable.
(Image source: lux-review.com)
With these simple ideas, you can make your festive season a waste-free one and help save the planet, one gift at a time.
]]>Put their energy to good use and help them make these super easy and super cute Christmas crafts. Here’s the list of our favourites that adults and kiddies can do together.
]]>Put their energy to good use and help them make these super easy and super cute Christmas crafts. Here’s the list of our favourites that adults and kiddies can do together.
Handprint wreath
This adorable little wreath is a great memory-maker for the holidays and is extremely easy to make.
Using a dinner plate, trace a circle on a piece of stiff craft paper. Then place a bowl in the centre of the circle and trace it out, then cut out both circles – this forms the back of the wreath.
Next, trace your little ones’ hands onto craft paper and cut these out too – cut at least 20 to 25 hands and then glue these around the circle.
Add ribbons, little red circles for “berries” or glitter to add that personal touch.
(Pic source: Mynameissnickerdoodle)
Candle craft
Suitable for kids aged 4 and above, this little candle can be used as a tree ornament, as decorations throughout the house or as a table embellishment for each setting.
To make the candle, cut two strips from A4-sized paper, glue the ends of the strips together to make an ‘L’ shape.
Now fold the vertical strip over the horizontal strip and continue folding the strips over each other. Glue the ends together.
Cut out a flame shape, draw on “flame” detail and then stick it to the top of the candle.
Add each guests’ name to the base and voilá, your personalised name settings are sorted!
(Pic source: Pinterest)
Christmas tree whirly-gig
This cute little Christmas tree can be customized any way you like, so let the kids’ imagination run free to create their own unique tree.
To make this tree paint a paper plate in a bright Christmas green on both sides. Once dry, cut a spiral into the plate. The thinner the spiral, the longer the tree will be.
Now go ahead and use glitter to make baubles, stick shiny stickers and customize it any way you like.
Add a piece of string and staple it to the top of the tree and hang your tree whirly-gig as a tree ornament or around the house.
(Pic source: vocal.media)
Now the kids can enjoy the festive season making their own unique Christmas crafts, that could also make adorable gifts! Happy crafting!
]]>Here’s advice on how you can restore ceramics by a renowned potter.
What you will need:
Method:
Step 1
Fill the container with rice or sand – this is to help hold the broken pieces together, allowing gravity to “keep them” together.
Step 2
Clean the broken pieces with Hall’s Ethanol, then “re-join” the pieces together to test alignment and make sure they match, laying them in the sand – which functions to hold the pieces in place.
Step 3
Place a button-sized drop of Hall’s Maxxbond GP Clear Epoxy on the paper pad and mix together using the wooden stick or pin tool. Then evenly apply the mixture to the edge of the biggest pieces.
Step 4
Align the pieces and squeeze together. Do not rub off the adhesive that oozes out – this will be done in a later step (see below). Wait at least 20 minutes before proceeding to stick the next piece.
Step 5
Once completed, balance your ceramic piece for 8 hours; if all the pieces are not holding well, use the clay to secure and prop up.
Step 6
Clean off the excess epoxy by gently scraping it off with the razor blade. Then clean the surfaces with ethanol.
And voila! You’ve just repaired your ceramic like a pro. You could even avoid scraping off the additional adhesive and paint along the broken lines in gold for a “Kintsugi look.”
So, get cracking ~ no pun intended. Come visit us in store and chat to one of our knowledgeable sales team for all your DIY supplies from Hall’s Retail.
Please note: Materials used for restoration of ceramics are not food safe, and restored / repaired items must not be used for cooking or serving food.
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Adding a striking new rug to your home is one of the smartest and trendiest ways to revamp your space, while at same time create a cohesive décor feel throughout your home. But it is also an investment; so, to assist you with making a choice that you won’t regret, our in-house lighting and décor expert Kim Smith has a few core recommendations for finding the right fit for your home and your lifestyle.
Size matters
It goes without saying that getting your room measurements and the rug’s proportions correct is essential ~ too big or too small can really put a dampener on your décor dreams.
If you’re not sure about what size rug would work, glue/ piece together paper and lay it out on the floor where you would like to place your rug ~ this gives you a good idea of what size would work well in the space.
Living room: As a rule of thumb, leave at least 20 cm between the rug’s edge and the wall, so that your space doesn’t look “closed in”.
Bedroom: Chose a rug for under the foot of the bed to make your bedroom look twice as big; space in a bedroom lends to a feeling of calm and relaxation.
Get styling
If your living room has a casual and natural tone, consider a textured rug ~ a chic and modern way to spruce up the room, add interest and make it look luxurious without being overstated. Textured rugs showcase the finest craftsmanship, are stunning in look and feel and add dimension to your space.
Layering floor rugs is another super-trendy and effortless way to liven up a room. Blend colours, textures, patterns and fabrics to create a unique look all of your own. Opt for a softer look by placing a small, striking area rug over a large muted one to create a bordered effect, or go bold and layer several patterned rugs to make a statement.
For a space with a variety of eclectic elements, select a rug with a large graphic pattern, but few colours to tie in all the pieces, without looking too busy.
But if your space leans towards the more traditional, then you can’t go wrong with a beautiful antique rug ~ they are timeless and complement most spaces and architectural styles. Antique rugs, whether Persian, Anatolian, Caucasian or of European origin are true investments and can be handed down through the generations.
Mind your materials
Beyond styling, it’s important to consider the type of rug best suited to your home and lifestyle ~ cleaning, maintenance and durability are the three things to consider. Natural fibres such as wool and silk are hand-dyed and woven and are durable and naturally stain resistant.
Many modern homeowners are leaning towards renewable and biodegradable materials to reduce their carbon footprint. If you have allergies, sisals rugs work well as the natural fibers control humidity and the tannin discourages dust mites; while jute is known to be carbon dioxide neutral.
Now that you know what kind of rug to choose for your space, all you have to do is pick one! Visit our store to view the gorgeous range of Hertex swatches and have Kim guide you on how to find the perfect rug to suit your home.
Contact Kim or 033 394 3976 | 072 810 4738 | kim@hallsretail.com
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See below our top tips for ensuring you prep your walls like a pro.
You’ll need
Before getting started make sure all the furniture is moved out of the room and you’ve taped the trims of your wall. Nothing worse than going to all the hard work to have the paint job turn out looking unprofessional.
Step 1. Cleaning
Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth to remove any dust, and if your walls have been exposed to oil and grime, use a sponge in warm water and detergent. Remember to ensure that your walls are dry before you move on.
Step 2. Sanding
“Smooth-down” the walls with sandpaper to remove any of the cracked or flaking old paint to ensure an even coat and smooth walls. Use Powafix Multi Filla ~ an all-purpose crack filler, to fill any cracks and holes and, once dried sand down until smooth and even with the rest of the wall.
Use fine-grit sandpaper for walls previously painted with a high-gloss paint, and medium-grit sandpaper for water-based paint. Wipe away dust and debris after sanding.
Step 3. Priming the walls
Use Hall’s Water-Based Primer and rollers / paintbrushes to apply an even coat on walls.
Primers are recommended before painting a variety of surfaces including wood, metal or previously painted brick. Primers are essentially sticky, flat paints designed to adhere to surfaces to provide a consistent base for the topcoats of paint and to allow for adequate overage. Skipping priming your walls would mean that you would need additional coats of paint to get full coverage of your walls, as well as a less professional finish.
A water-based primer is highly recommended as this block stains and even adheres well to areas filled with paste, providing a flexible and crack-resistant finish.
Now that you know how to prep your walls like a pro, come over to the store to get all your painting supplies to get your DIY project started. Our friendly and helpful staff will assist you in finding everything you need.
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The range includes:
Citri Zap 1lt – R74,40
Citri Gel 1lt – R72,10
Citri Dish 750ml – R18,00
Citri Zap
This general-purpose cleaner is designed to battle those tough and unforgiving stains. From removing chewing gum from carpets to general carpet cleaning, the Citri Zap also works as a general surface cleaner for kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
Available in 1lt RTU (Ready To Use) spray cans and in 5 and 20lt containers, Citri Zap is also a fast-action, non-corrosive degreaser for car engines and grease-covered car parts, and can be used to clean bricks and a variety of masonry surfaces.
The Citri Zap is an effective, easy-to-use cleaning product that definitely belongs in every home.
Price: 1lt – R 74,40 incl VAT
Citri Gel
This jelly detergent with a fresh orange odour is the ultimate cleaning product for floors and walls in kitchens, bathrooms, playrooms as well as saunas and steam rooms. This all-round, versatile cleaner sanitizes and neutralises odours making your floors smell amazing.
Price: 1lt can – R72,10 incl VAT
Citri Dish
This highly concentrated neutral detergent has been formulated to combat tough grease and make dishes sparkle. The neutral formula ensures that this sweet-smelling, tough-action dishwashing liquid causes minimal irritation to skin when used.
Price: 750ml bottle – R18,00 incl VAT
So, don’t wait, get your spring cleaning going with the Hall’s Citri Range of super-charged cleaning products!
View product catalogue for more Hall’s products.
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This fast-action, 2-in-1 firearm cleaner and oil protector has been designed to take the mess out of cleaning your shotgun barrel. Hall’s T.R.A.P is suitable for Side by Side and Up and Under Shot guns and is suitable to use on any barrel of a firearm, provided the wood or plastic does not touch the product.
How to use the Hall’s T.R.A.P Cleaner
To use the T.R.A.P Gun Cleaner follow these simple step:
Caution: Prior to cleaning your firearm, ensure that the gun is unloaded and all ammunition is safely stored.
Note: Hall’s T.R.A.P Gun Cleaner is not recommended for use on plastic, wood or painted surfaces as it may soften and discolour the substrate.
Hall’s T.R.A.P Gun Cleaner is available in 1L and 5L containers.
Price: 1lt – R 80,00 incl VAT; 5lt – R 240,00 incl VAT
For further information on Hall’s T.R.A.P Gun Cleaner, use our easy online contact form.
Alternatively, you can contact us at 033 394 3976 or sales@hallsretail.com
]]>We will be bringing you our favourite ideas in the 2019 Hall’s Inspiration Series to round up the year’s colour trends and showcase how you can incorporate the season colours into your home.
]]>We will be bringing you our favourite ideas in the 2019 Hall’s Inspiration Series to round up the year’s colour trends and showcase how you can incorporate the season colours into your home.
The first in our series of the 2019 Hall’s Inspiration Series is warm neutrals. Ringing true to the basics of versatility, warm neutral tones play with minimalism; with the darker end of the muted spectrum great for well-lit rooms – and pair well with warm maroons, brown-reds and dull blacks. The lighter end of this colour palette is more diverse and adds space to a room – working well with dirty grey pinks, light brown grey, warm beige, and warm and cool light greys.
We take a look at a few fun yet sophisticated ways of using muted amber, found on the darkest end of the neutral family and how you can incorporate this colour palette in your bedroom, kitchen, living room or any room in fact.
Before you get the chemicals, detergents and scrubbing brushes out, consider the option that is less harmful to yourself, the environment and the surfaces in your home.
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Before you get the chemicals, detergents and scrubbing brushes out, consider the option that is less harmful to yourself, the environment and the surfaces in your home.
It is possible, because we’ve created it and more and more of our customers are making the switch!
Introducing the Hall’s Biogobbler range designed to use the power of natural enzymes to break down dirt and eliminate odours. Each product in the range has been designed to target stains in particular areas using 100% natural enzymes.
The range includes:
To encourage you to embrace a healthy dose of spring cleaning this spring, we are offering 20% off Hall’s Biogobbler Kitchen and Hall’s Biogobbler Bathroom in both 1lt and 5lt sizes.
Hall’s Biogobbler Kitchen targets and breaks down proteins, starches, fats, oils and greases commonly found in the kitchen, while Hall’s Biogobbler Bathroom penetrates deep into the cracks, crevices and pores of surfaces to target organics and germs specific to bathrooms.
Choose the safe, non-toxic option and be sure to buy the Hall’s Biogobbler range in store or order it from our friendly sales team on sales@hallsretail.com.
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Powerhouse brand Hertex houses a multitude of quality collections including rugs, wallpaper and light fittings everything from corporate and hospital to contract and residential use.
What better way to spruce up your outdoor entertainment area this spring than with a stylish and beautiful yet durable Hertex outdoor rug? Highlight statement pieces, unify your seating area and create an inviting space with a rug that adds pattern, texture and colour to the area.
Come chat to our talented Lighting Manager and Decor specialist, Kim Smith, when you are next in the area or give her a call to chat about what Hertex has to offer (033) 394 3976 or email kim@hallsretail.com.
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Here are three simple spring-cleaning ideas to transform your home:
There are so many products in our cleaning range that will completely change the way you look at your home, make your life easier and save you money and time!
Visit us in-store where our friendly staff can help you with more spring-cleaning solutions for your home!
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You really don’t need to have artistic skills to create that one-of-a-kind piece, you simply need the right paint supplies and fortunately, you can count on us for the best deals!
Here’s what you will need:
Now that you have the materials, you can get started with the fun! In just 10 steps, you will have given your chosen piece that rustic farmhouse look.
Buy all your Hall’s painting items online here or visit our store in Pietermaritzburg for more great prices.
Every now and then, we will be giving you DIY ideas to implement in your home and would love to see how your projects turn out; please share your progress with us by using #HallsDIY!
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