How to make an ndebele dog kennel

• Craft knife
• Bloc-it painter’s tape
• Steel ruler
• Pencil
• 50mm paintbrush
• 35mm paintbrush

Materials you will need

• Dulux Pearlglo Water-based Enamel or High-gloss Enamel – Mexican Mint, Pebble Black, Brilliant White
• Pink wood primer or universal undercoat

Step 1

If you’ve got a new kennel, simply prime it with pink wood primer. If it’s been around a while but still raw wood, give it a good sanding before priming it with pink wood primer. Use a universal undercoat if previously painted. Then give two coats of white paint.

Top Tip

Use oil-based enamel if your kennel is going to stand out in the open as this will make it more weather resistant. If it’s under a veranda, you can use water-based enamel, which dries faster and is easier to clean up.

Step 2

Have a look on the Internet for pattern ideas. Alternatively, download one of the patterns we’ve marked up at the bottom of the article.

Step 3

Start by marking up the outer pattern using Bloc-it painter’s tape. Make sure you press the tape firmly into any grooves in the wood to prevent bleed.

Step 4

Add the details of the pattern. It’s easiest to run long strips of tape like a grid and then later cut away the extraneous bits.

Step 5

Using a craft knife, cut away the painter’s tape that’s not essential to the pattern.

Top Tip

Use a steel ruler when cutting to help keep your lines straight.