I’m stripping some downpipes on my house. They are under layers of thick, dark green paint. To make it easier, I’m using a gas blowtorch to soften the paint. I have to say – how satisfying. Remember when you were at school and you could paint PVA glue on your hands? You then waited for it to dry and then peeled it off. This DIY job is that satisfying!

However, there are two 2″ pipes in one corner that are split lengthwise. I have no idea why, perhaps they froze one winter (maybe that double winter of 2010). I need some kind of resin filler.