FAQ
Questions and answers
Here are answers to the questions readers ask most often: who we are, why we do not recommend specific brands, where to start the work and where the line lies between what you can do yourself and what should be left to professionals.
If you are not sure whether you can do a job yourself, that alone is a good reason to ask a professional.
About the magazine
Is this the website of the company that used to be on this domain?
No. The domain previously belonged to another organisation and later hosted unrelated advertising. The current magazine is connected neither with that organisation nor with the advertising, and does not restore their content.
Do you carry out renovations or design projects?
No. Art Effekt is an independent magazine. We provide no services, do not visit properties and do not recommend specific contractors or designers.
Why don't you recommend specific brands of materials?
We do not name brands or prices so that we can stay independent. Instead, we explain which properties to look at so you can compare products using their technical documentation yourself.
Do you publish readers' reviews and projects?
No. We do not publish reviews, ratings or the renovation stories of particular people. Our subject is general principles that can be applied in any home.
Materials and works
How much paint or adhesive do I need?
It depends on the specific product, the substrate and the application method. The manufacturer states the coverage on the packaging and in the technical documentation. Work out the surface area, check it against that data and allow a small margin.
How long does paint or plaster take to dry?
Drying time depends on the material and the temperature and humidity in the room. Follow only the manufacturer's instructions and do not hurry the process, or the finish may crack or peel.
Can I paint over old paint?
Often yes, if the old coating is firmly bonded and compatible with the new one. Remove flaking areas, clean the surface and prime it. Check compatibility in the documentation for the new paint.
Where should I start when decorating a room?
With the ceiling, then the walls, and the floor last. That way dirt and splashes from work above do not land on finished surfaces. Building services work should be completed before finishing begins.
Planning and safety
Do alterations need approval?
In Russia, yes. Under the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, alterations to a flat in an apartment building require approval from the local authority, and unauthorised changes may have to be reversed. Rules differ by country.
Can I move a socket myself?
No, electrical work is a job for an electrician. A wiring mistake can cause a fire or electric shock, and hidden faults only come to light after the finishes are in place.
What protective equipment do I need for renovation?
Safety glasses, gloves and a respirator for dusty work and solvents. Ventilate the room when painting or working with adhesives, and keep children and pets away from the work area.
What should I do if I smell gas during renovation work?
Stop work, do not switch any appliances or lights on or off, open the windows, leave the room and call 104 or 112 once you are outside (Russian numbers; elsewhere use your local emergency number).
Related sections
- Planning
The order of renovation works, an estimate without figures, a contract with a contractor, handover and what the law says about alterations.
- How-to
Step-by-step guides for simple jobs: painting a wall and preparing a surface for wallpaper. Plus what you should not do yourself.
- Materials
Paints, decorative plasters, tiles, wallpaper, flooring and ceilings: types and properties in general terms. The article catalogue lives here too.
Sources
- Housing Code of the Russian Federation (Chapter 4)
- Manufacturers' technical documentation
- EMERCOM of Russia — safety leaflets
Information on materials and works is given in general terms, based on manufacturers' technical documentation, the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, EMERCOM of Russia safety leaflets and encyclopaedic sources. Coverage, application conditions and drying times for a specific product are set by its manufacturer — always check the packaging and instructions.