The Decorator – August-September 2021 by Catherine Saint Publicity

THE

DECORATOR

The official journal of the Painting and Decorating Association • August-September 2021

Neil Bailey Decorating Caswell House, Oxfordshire – See The Gallery for more!

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Dear Members, Since my last letter to you, we have had a spike the Delta variant of the Covid-19 virus following the

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easing of restrictions on 19 July. Sadly, as the impact of the unlocking is felt, this is likely to continue for some time yet. We can only hope that it will peak and then diminish, but only time will tell. With the recent spell of sunny weather, you may well have been able to catch up on some external

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decorating projects that had to be put off due to the inclement Spring. Speaking with Members across

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the country, the general feeling is that they have pretty full diaries for the remainder of the year. Not unexpectedly, a proportion of this is postponed work from last year when we were in lockdown. Work-wise, there are two additional constraining factors that have arisen in the past few months. Firstly, raw materials shortages affecting some specialist paint production, and secondly, a general lack of skilled labour. Again, speaking to Members, many are seeking to employ additional operatives due to the extra work load, but many are struggling to find suitably qualified people to join their team. I am pleased to report that all site visits for the Premier Trophy Awards competition are now completed. We look forward to catching up with the winners at the awards event in London on 16 September. I want

elsewhere in this issue... 4 Association News

to reiterate my thanks to the six Clerks of Works judges who have not had the easiest of times with the judging this year. For some of this year’s site visits, I stepped in to help and I was involved in judging eight of the projects in various locations. Since my last update to you, I am glad to say that our four apprentice competitions were a great success. Thanks go to all who took part and in particular, the colleges and associate partner sponsors who did a tremendous job in supporting these competitions once again. We will see our apprentice winners down in London next month. Our new website, which was launched back in February, is working well and we have received positive feedback from you. Please check your company profile page as it is a great opportunity to highlight your work to prospective new clients when they use the ‘Find a Member/postcode search’ facility. By adding information, images of work, company logos etc, you are able to provide future clients with a detailed picture of your company, thus enabling them to make a more informed choice for their contract. It really does make a difference to the way that your company is perceived. If you experience any issues

14 Members News 18 Training and Education 20 FAQ

with Charlie Budd

22 Environmental News

trying to amend or update the page, simply pick up the phone and speak to one of the office team who will be happy to assist you. To those of you planning to take a long-awaited summer holiday, I hope it all works out well and you

24 The Gallery

are able to travel and perhaps reunite with family and friends after the unprecedented fifteen months we have just gone through. By the time I catch up with you again, autumn will be just around the corner, and I do hope to be able to meet up with as many of you as I can at our November Networking Event in Liverpool. You can find full information and a booking form on this long-awaited event on pages 8 and 10 of this magazine. Finally, I would to thank those Members who sent me messages of congratulations and best wishes on my ten years as Chief Executive. Your kind words meant a great deal to me.

Neil Ogilvie Chief Executive neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

26 Industry News 32 Case studies 38 Tooltalk

with Wayne de Wet

42 Products and services

THE

DECORATOR

Painting & Decorating Association 32 Coton Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 5TW Telephone: 024 7635 3776 e-mail: info@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk web: www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk Chief Executive Officer Neil Ogilvie neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

August-September 2021 — Volume 90 No 4 The Decorator is published by Catherine Saint Publicity on behalf of the Painting & Decorating Association

Advertising and Editorial Catherine Saint Publicity Telephone: 07941 590183 e-mail: catherine.saint@yahoo.co.uk

PDA Editorial Neil Ogilvie Telephone: 07796 942474 e-mail: neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

Artworking and Design empathicVisions Telephone: 07789 725074 e-mail: info@empathicvisions.co.uk

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those held by the Association. Editorial items in this publication and the statements and opinions expressed thereon are published on the understanding that the author of the contribution is solely responsible for the opinions so expressed. Although every care is taken with advertising, no responsibility can be accepted by the published for their products, services and other matters advertised. The publisher will not be liable for any loss or damage consequential or otherwise occasioned by error, late publication or the failure of an advertisement to appear in any cause whatsoever.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

takeNOTICE

@thePDA facebook.com/thePDA

The latest news and updates about the PDA and wider issues across our industry. If you have something to contrubite email info@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

COULD YOU HELP TO SHAPE THE PDA? ELECTION OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD & HONORARY TREASURER 2021 The Painting & Decorating Association is wholly owned and managed by its Members and exists to further their interests and the decorating trade. In accordance with our rules, each year, the Honorary Treasurer and three Members of the Management Board retire and are eligible to seek re-election. Elected Members represent their own level of Membership as well as the PDA as a whole. PDA Members considering election to the Management Board should be prepared to participate in four board meetings during December, March, June and September and the AGM. They are paid £150 plus travel expenses for attending each of the four board meetings. If elected, Members are expected to constructively participate in the management of the Association, to advise and support the CEO and staff, and the development of benefits and services for our Members.

Our current Management Board comprises: Mr S. Yates, Mr D. Cass, and Mr M. Parsons representing membership categories 1 & 2 Mr M. Pittaway representing categories 3 & 4 Mr S. Bagnall, Mr A Havard and Mr M. Hillyard representing categories 5 & 6 Mr R. Smith Honorary Treasurer Nominations are invited for the following: Two candidates representing categories 3 & 4 – elected for three years Two candidates representing categories 5 & 6 – elected for three years Honorary Treasurer – elected annually

INTERESTED?

al details and a brief description of any business Please provide a portrait style photograph, your person to the Association. experience or skills which you feel will be beneficial

Ogilvie, via email Send your nomination to Chief Executive Officer, Neil neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

in The Decorator magazine prior to the election date, Details of all candidates nominated will be published Member of the committee, whether representing the which will be by online ballot of all Members. Each equal vote! smallest or the largest firm, has an equal say and an

. All nominations to be received by 24 September 2021

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Derek Longcake

LAMD WEBSITE GOES LIVE! As the magazine goes to print the launch of the brand new LAMD website is planned for 2 August 2021 – all being well! You will see that it has the same platform as the PDA website. Visitors to the site can search for a local LAMD Member by using the postcode search facility. LAMD Members profiles have been migrated from the PDA site and there is also the option to add a new profile photo and gallery images of your best work. We urge all Members to promote the site on their own websites and social media platforms and that way we can get public traffic to the site for the benefit of all Members.

www.lamd.co.uk 4

Last year, it was with great sadness that we reported the death of PDA Member and former PDA President Derek Longcake after contracting COVID-19. Derek was a stalwart of the Association in the South Humberside branch and North East Region, being a Member for many years after having joined in 1981. He was National President on two occasions, 2004-05 and 2015-16, and he was an extremely well liked and respected Member. There is an opportunity to remember Derek at a Memorial Service taking place at 2pm on 17 September in St Peters Church ad Vincula, Old School Lane, Bottesford, Scunthorpe DN16 3RD The invite to attend the memorial is open to all, please RSVP to jlongcake@me.com if you are able to make the service.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

ADVICE for

our Members

WHEN PAYMENT NEVER COMES Before suing anyone, whether you use a lawyer or not, always ask yourself: Do I stand a good chance of winning my case? Will the customer have the means to pay me? Is the amount outstanding worth the time, money and effort you’ll expend trying to get your money back? There’s no point even starting legal action if the customer either doesn’t have the money or assets to be able to pay you. If the customer has gone bust – i.e. as an individual, they’ve been made bankrupt or if it’s a limited company, it’s gone into liquidation – then don’t waste any more time and effort in chasing the debt. You just need to find out who is dealing with the affairs of your client (the trustee in bankruptcy or liquidator) and let them know that you are owed money. Thereafter it is simply a case of waiting to see what, if anything, you are offered. It may be a certain amount of pennies in the pound because by definition the client does not have enough money to pay everyone what they owe.

Going to Court Should you decide to sue, remember, there’s no such thing as the small claims court. You actually start your case in the County Court, and provided it’s straightforward and the amount you’re looking to recover is below £10,000, then it’s highly likely it will be allocated to the small claims track. Don’t even think about engaging a lawyer if your case is suitable for the small claims track, because you’re unlikely to be able to recover your lawyer’s legal cost even if you win your case and it’s very possible that you’ll end up out of pocket. Most claimants start their claims online using Money Claim Online – www.moneyclaim.gov.uk Don’t forget either, that even if you win your case and get a judgment, the court doesn’t collect the money for you. You actually have to force the issue by using the court to enforce the judgment. Again, if your customer is penniless, you may get nothing.

Getting what’s owed Although the small claims track rules are less formal and there’s less procedure to follow, you’re still running a court case and, ultimately, could end up appearing before a District Judge.

In the last edition we looked at the processes you should follow both when taking on clients and when it comes to chasing those that have not paid you on time. Once you’ve completed your debt collection processes and your legal letters and everything else has failed, you are left with four choices: Bringing a claim in the County Court yourself; using a solicitor to bring a claim in the County Court, making your customer insolvent or using a debt collection service...

It’s possible your customer will admit that they owe you the money by saying so on the court form. If this happens and they don’t request time to pay, you can apply to enter judgment. Alternatively, your customer might admit the claim and put in an application to pay by installments. They should also enclose a statement of means so you can make a decision as to whether you want to accept their offer. Unless the offer is ridiculously low, don’t dismiss it out of hand. Ultimately the amount can be determined by the court and if this happens, the likelihood is that it may only be slightly increased.

Dealing with disputes Often, of course, your customer will dispute the claim, and this may be for all manner of reasons, most obviously because they are not happy with the work you did. Clearly if this happens, and your client files a defence, this should not come as a surprise to you. You should, or course, have tried to deal with any issues which the customer had with the work either during the job or thereafter, so you should have a good idea about the arguments your client will be putting forward. This is where you are looking at a fill hearing whereby the Judge will hear the evidence and make a decision. Cases are decided ‘on the balance of probabilities’, so things do not need to be proved ‘beyond reasonable doubt’. You should be aware that a Judge also doesn’t have to see things as black and white, i.e. that you are right or you are wrong... He could decide that both parties are partially right, and make a judgment accordingly. If you are involved in a case such as this you should make sure that you ring the PDA advice line at the earliest possible opportunity for guidance, and this really should be well before the matter even gets to court.

Sending ‘the boys’ round If you end up getting a judgment against your customer, that’s the easy bit! The tricky part is deciding which is the most appropriate enforcement method to recover your money. The court provides the means to enforce your judgment, but they won’t advise you on the best option. Before you commit to enforcement, try and find out as much as possible about your customer’s financial position. For example, use an enquiry agent, search the Land Registry and the County Court judgment register, Companies House etc.

If you don’t know much about your customer’s finances, then you can ask the court to find out for you by making an order that debtor attend court for questioning. There are four options available to enforce your judgment: warrant of execution, attachment of earnings order, third party debt order and a charging order. Which option you choose depends on what you’ve found out about your debtor’s financial position – if your customer works for someone as an employee, you should go for an attachment of earnings order, or if your customer owns property, go for a charging order. Bailiff enforcement for a debt of less than £600 can only be made in the County Court, unless the judgment itself was obtained in the High Court. Debts of between £600 and £5,000 can be enforced in either the High Court or County Court, and debts over £5,000 must be enforced solely through the High Court. If your debt is worth at least £600, it’s perfectly possible to enforce your judgment in the High Court by having it transferred there from the County Court. It’s worth considering this option because, generally, High Court Enforcement Officers are much better in seizing a customer’s assets than County Court bailiffs.

A strongly worded letter Finally, as an alternative to issuing legal proceedings, you could consider threatening your customer with insolvency (or liquidation if they’re a limited company) if they don’t pay up. You can’t bankrupt an individual unless the debt owed to you is more than £5,000 or wind up a company unless the debt owed to you is more than £750. To start the ball rolling, you’ll need to complete a form called a Statutory Demand, and the debtor then has 21 days to pay otherwise they run the risk of being made insolvent. Using a statutory demand can be effective as a threat to get a customer to pay up. It’s more often than not used, though, as a bluff. The problem comes if your customer ignores the threat. You’ve then got to decide whether to take the next step to make them insolvent. The fees alone are £990 for a bankruptcy deposit and £280 for court costs and there’s every chance you might end up with little or nothing. You must not use a statutory demand if your customer disputes the debt, for example, by claiming the work was defective. If the dispute is regarded as being ‘substantial’, then you’ll get short shrift from the court for having pursued this course of action and could end up getting costs awarded against you.

To access the Law Hub where PDA Members will find additional practical DIY templates and guidance around topics such as employment and health and safety law, get a token code from the PDA office and sign up for free on www.markellaw.co.uk/registration

ASSOCIATION NEWS

&Gala

19-21 November 2021

NETWORKING EVENT

Dinner

It’s been a while since we got together! We’d love you to join us in the vibrant city of Liverpool to meet and relax with fellow PDA Members from across the country. The riverside Hilton Liverpool City Centre is the setting for our event, centrally located within a ten-minute walk of Royal Albert Dock, The Beatles Story and Liverpool ONE. For those arriving on Friday there is a friendly relaxed evening to meet and experience the night life of Liverpool. Saturday evening will be our formal Gala Dinner with a relaxed atmosphere, followed by celebrating the winners of the Paperhanger Awards, kindly sponsored by Brewers. Hilton Liverpool Then enjoy the rest of the night with live music from the very talented tre City Cen Daniel Morgan Hayes and friends. The night provides a great opportunity for PDA Members and their guests to network, celebrate achievements and enjoy a five-star evening.

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SECTOR NEWS

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WINNERS ANNOUCED FOR THE 38TH AWARDS THE WINNERS OF the annual Johnstone’s Trade Painter of the Year Awards have been announced following a virtual ceremony which took place at the end of May. The event saw 23 finalists compete across six categories, from which one was selected as the overall Supreme Winner. Two additional awards were also up for grabs for outstanding EWI and Render work for commercial and domestic projects. The Supreme Winner accolade went to Hospitality, Leisure and Retail category winner, RE Martin, for their work on the renovation of Derby Silk Mill (pictured above). The grade ll Silk Mill was built in 1721 and has recently undergone an extensive £18 million renovation to become the home of the new Museum of Making. The four-storey building includes an exhibition space, storage space, workshops, public spaces and a café, all of which were impeccably transformed by the RE Martin team using Johnstone’s Trade products such as Jonmat Contract Matt and Acrylic Durable Matt. The team modernised the building with a white and dark grey colour scheme, whilst preserving the building’s traditional features including original beams, brickwork and metal staircases. Emmet Martin, Operations Director at RE Martin said, “We’re over the moon to be named as the Painter of the Year Supreme Winner. All the other nominations were outstanding, so to be voted for by our peers when there was such tough competition is an honour. Our team had to work quickly to complete all renovation work ahead of

the Museum’s opening in May and the age of the building demanded some very intricate work, but I am so proud of the team’s efforts and the final result.” The Johnstone’s Painter of the Year judges commented on how RE Martin’s careful work reflected a true understanding of the heritage of the building. They were also impressed by the way the team balanced maintaining the building’s heritage with creating an educational and exhibition space that feels very welcoming to a modern audience. The team were awarded with a brand-new personalised van from PPG as congratulations for taking home the Supreme Winner title. The winner in the Industrial category was PDA Member firm Story Decorating Group for Manchester Airport (below left). The team of 33 transformed the new Terminal Two building, Pier and Link building and multi-storey car park within strict timescales and to the client’s high specification. In the Healthcare category, Nelson Decorators won for their interior redecoration of Swords Nursing Home in County Dublin. Smith Painters won in the Education category for The Spine in Liverpool, the new 14-storey flagship building for the Royal College of Physicians. In the Residential category, Opus Services won for transforming the interior and exterior of a luxurious period property dating back to the 1800s, using a wide variety of Johnstone’ Trade products. The award in the Commercial category went to another PDA Member, Davisons Solutions for Royal Middlehaven House (pictured right) in Middlesbrough, a three-storey office building built

in the late 1970s. The team renovated the exterior with an impressive freehand design of concentric circles, to align it with the modern high-spec interior and exteriors of its neighbouring buildings. Finally, the EWI and Render was awarded to two winners who were chosen by experts at PPG. Hodgson Specialist Rendering were awarded the commercial award for their expert work on The Premier Inn at Scarborough, and the domestic award went to

J & J Plasterers Ltd for their work on a stunning new build at Slouchlaw Bay, Stranraer. Rachel Copley, head of marketing at PPG said, “It has been another fantastic year for Painter of the Year and we’re very happy that we were able to celebrate the hard work of painter and decorators from across the country, albeit virtually. The quality of the entries were some of the best we’ve seen, especially given the challenges that we’ve faced over the past year! The Painter of the Year Awards are an excellent opportunity to celebrate and reward incredible work, talent in the industry and the versatility of PPG coatings. “We’d like to thank every single nominee, and say a huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists.”

Get ahead of next year’s competition by submitting your nomination now at www.johnstonestrade.com/poty

SECTOR NEWS

DULUX TRADE ENHANCE VISUALISATION TOOLS HOUZZ HAVE ANNOUNCED a collaboration with Dulux Trade to embed its unparalleled colour portfolio in new visualisation tools within Houzz Pro, the all-in-one business management and marketing solution for residential construction and design professionals. Dulux Trade will provide paint colours for the Houzz Pro 3D Floor Planner and Mood Board tools which were developed to help design and construction professionals communicate their ideas and align with their clients on important project decisions early in the process. This helps homeowners to envision how a space will look post-renovation and feel confident about moving forward with a project.

“We are so pleased to be collaborating with Houzz Pro on their new visualisation tools,” said Karen Wilkinson at Dulux Trade, “It’s so important for professionals to have every tool at their disposal to ensure a smooth design process for their clients, and colour selection is a key place where homeowners and professionals can really benefit from being able to visualise the end result. By embedding our extensive colour range, designers will be able to bring their customers along on the journey, and really bring their projects to life.” The Houzz Pro 3D Floor Planner allows you to create accurate 3D interior schematics which can be presented in walkthrough or dollhouse views to give clients a realistic preview of the finished project. Pros can enter specific wall dimensions and ceiling heights, and resize windows, doors and furniture to match product selections. Floor finishes can also be customised to include a variety of tile, wood flooring and carpet options. Houzz Pro Mood Boards are now available to showcase a project’s look and

feel through products, colours and inspiration photos. Products can be uploaded or added through the Product Clipper, which captures and stores product images and information from any website where pros source products. Images can be edited within each mood board, including removing backgrounds, layering products on top of each other, and presenting the room with a 3D perspective. To address professional decorators need for accurate colours in their 3D models and mood boards, Houzz Pro you to choose from thousands of Dulux Trade colours to customise 3D model walls and place paint swatches in a mood board. The exact paint colour can then be ordered from the Dulux Trade website with a simple click. Free trials are available at www.houzz.co.uk/pro

BIG ONE THE

ber m e v o N 24th & d r 23 entry Cov

be r m e v o N 2 4 th & d r 23 entry C ov

THE TRADE’S LARGEST EVENT

Innovations Solutions Business Boosting Ideas Show-Only Deals Masterclass Demonstrations REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE TICKETS NOW www.paintshow.co.uk

SECTOR NEWS

SEE YOU AT THE BIG ONE! • New ranges, along with a few extra surprises are promised by Axus Décor THOUSANDS OF OUR readers will soon be flocking to the National Painting and Decorating Show at the Coventry Building Society Arena (formerly Ricoh Arena). As usual the industry’s major event will be buzzing with product launches, live demos, ‘how to’ info, show only deals, free samples, competitions, raffles and prize draws, plus Goody Bags for the first 1000 visitors through the door each day, packed with exhibitors’ samples and business gifts. The PDA will once again be there to welcome you with business support and advice and to showcase the wide range of services it offers on stand 64. Suppliers have already been busy preparing for the launch of some exciting new products and marketing initiatives. • Timbabuild will be launching ‘one very important new product’ • Back for its third year, Sprayman UK will be offering a big competition prize, and feature products from Graco, Gentilin, Wagner, Devilbiss, and Anest Iwata

• Look out for a new range of finishes from Terraco • Head over to the Brewers and Albany stand to pick up your free goody bag • WRX Trade will have samples and giveaways for everyone who visits the stand • Bradite will be highlighting its hugely successfully multipurpose One Can coating as well as its versatile floor coatings range

Everyone who attends this year’s event will be entered into a draw to win a QTech Trade Decorators Pack worth over £1200! Plus the popular MasterClass product demonstrations, sponsored by Packexe, will be waiting for you. National Painting and Decorating Show takes places on 23 and 24 November at Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry and is sponsored by Repair Care, U-PRO Trade Supplies, Ciret, Lacq, Fluxaf, Axus Décor, and Gyproc.

• New lines are promised by Bedec on stand 45 • Trimaco have got so much to tell you, that they’ve taken an extra stand this year! • Rustins have a number of new products including Trollul steel wool • Ciret will be offering a sneak preview of new lines for 2022 • The benefits of Heritage and Scuffshield will be a focus on the Dulux Trade stand.

Photo: Nicholas Summers

TOWERING MURAL IN HOLBORN

You can register for free tickets now at www.paintshow.co.uk

THIS LOFTY MURAL, cited as the tallest in London, has been recently revealed on the exterior wall of NYX Hotel Holborn with paint supplied by Brewers. Designed and painted by street artist Dan Kitchener, ‘London Colours’ is inspired by the Holborn area and community surrounding it. Dan Kitchener is a celebrated mural and street artist and examples of his work can be found all over the world. Dan had become familiar with Brewers from the Cheltenham Paint Festival, an annual celebration of street art across the historic city which is also supported by Brewers. The colourful part mural, part graffiti is 10 storeys (125ft) tall and Dan’s largest work to date. The project took four weeks to complete and has been created by freehand spray-painting.

CREATING A BUZZ! SINCE THE START of July and throughout August, Brewers will adopt a bee for every litre of Albany paint purchased! Bees not only keep our outside spaces full of colour but are essential to our environment and the idea behind the adoption plan is to give a helping hand in reducing the decline of these vital pollinators. To fulfil the pledge, Brewers are working closely with a bee specialist based in the picturesque Carmarthen, South Wales. In preparation, a number of beehives have been set up and will be well looked after by Gruffydd Rees, a beekeeper with over 10 years’ experience, member of the Welsh Beekeepers Association, and DASH accredited by the Governments Bee Unit. In addition to the adoption, Brewers are planting some bee friendly trees in community spaces in South Wales to provide a valuable food source for bees and other pollinators in the local area. You’ll also see the Brewers bee make an appearance both in-store and online, to find out how to get your hands on one and more information about the bee adoption, visit www.brewers.co.uk/adoptabee

ROLL AND GO BUCKET 18 and 25 PAINT TOOLS 2.0 Integrated rolling surface. Bucket 18 for rollers up to 7”/18 cm. Bucket 25 for rollers up to 10”/25 cm Use with disposable liners.

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SECTOR NEWS

CROWN AMONG FIRST TO JOIN CREATIVE HUB CROWN PAINTS HAS announced it is among the first brands involved in creating a new hub of inspiration in Manchester for architects and designers, opening in Autumn 2021. The business joins the new Material Source Studio with the aim of supporting architects and designers to create beautiful spaces using colour. The business will use the studio to share its knowledge in specifying paint and colour expertise, and showcase its services for architects and designers, including its bespoke specification service. A dedicated team at Crown will help support designers, architects and specifiers in choosing the best paint for their work, working closely with the Material Source Studio and providing resources for visitors. Crown Paints will also be involved in the range of events Material Source is planning for the space. As well as a monthly ‘maker in residence’ programme, which will provide a platform for emerging local talent, the Studio will also host Continuing Professional Development (CPDs) and seminars at its 100-seat theatre and meeting areas. The new studio, the first of its kind in the UK, will offer architects and designers an inspiration hub full of products and materials from global brands. The 15,000 sq ft space in Manchester’s NOMA development is split across two floors, with a range of inspirational exhibits and interactive displays. So far, 40 brands have signed up to share their expertise at the studio. Katie McLean at Crown Paints said, “Our partnership with Material Source is a significant part of our continuous aim of collaborating with the architecture and design community. It’s a significant milestone for the B2B side of our business, as Material Source allows us to champion Northern talent and the wider design industry. “We have a diverse professional product range and service offering that’s been built up over years through our work with large commercial customers. From bespoke specification services to site surveys and one-on-one colour advice, our aim is to help architects and designers create beautiful and sustainable spaces. “On top of this we’ve worked hard to create resources that help the community to choose the best coatings for the job, whether that be information on fire protection or how to make the most of our new colour scanning device, the Crown ColourKey. We’re looking forward to creating a programme of activity at Material Source to help showcase the potential of Crown Paints.”

Adrian Lambert

TAKING PRIDE IN PAINTING IN CELEBRATION OF Pride month in June, 108 bollards in Covent Garden’s Floral Street were painted in a vibrant multicoloured scheme. The task was undertaken in just a week, by decorators Cronin & Millward, based in Gillingham. The specification called for a quick-drying, water-based paint. With this in mind, One Can Matt by Bradite was selected. It is quick-drying and touch dry in 30 minutes making it re-coatable in just one hour. One Can is available in both eggshell and matt finishes and can be tinted in a full range of BS, RAL and NCS colours. Company Director of Cronin & Millward, Paul Cronin explained that the location created extra logistical planning, as Floral Street is rather narrow and is home to the stage door of the Royal Opera House, amongst several popular shops and residences. He commented, “This was challenging with working around the public safely and with a deadline of June the 1st. It was a tall order but thanks to the help of our team we got there in the end”. Paul said that Bradite’s One Can “went on very nicely” and has now put in a bid to re-paint the bollards when the time comes, about six months from now. www.bradite.com

F&B MACHINES NOW AT BREWERS YOU CAN NOW have Farrow & Ball tinted in-store at over 25 Brewers Decorator Centres across the country. The paint bases used for in-can tinting are created in the Farrow & Ball factory in Dorset and use the same balance of high-quality ingredients as ready-mixed F&B paints. In-can tinting allows you to create any combination of colour and finish you need (excluding Limewash and Soft Distemper), from the chalky matt of Estate Emulsion through to the ultra-durable weatherproof finish of exterior masonry, and all colours available the same day. The machines have been installed at Brewers Decorator Centres in Abingdon, Barking, Birkenhead, Bromley, Canterbury, Cardiff, Chelmsford, Chester, Chichester, Chiswick, Colindale, Croydon, Eastleigh, Edgware Road, Exeter, Hammersmith, Haslemere, Hillingdon, Horsham, Kidderminster, Lewisham, Maidenhead, Milton Keynes Bletchley, Putney, Stockport, Stratford upon Avon, Surbiton and Watford.

Dulux Decorator Centre is proud to partner with the Dulux Academy Dulux Decorator Centre and the Dulux Academy are offering you greater accessibility to training and development. We are creating purpose-built Dulux Academy spaces, to deliver face-to-face, industry-leading training courses.

To find your nearest Dulux Academy visit:

duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk/dulux-academy Dulux Decorator Centre Altrincham - Support centre WA14 5PG

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Dulux Decorator Centre Norwich

Dulux Decorator Centre Thurrock

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RM20 3AW

More information on the other venues to follow shortly.

SCAN HERE to download the full course prospectus

CASE STUDY

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In an English Country Garden

fter completing some interior decoration work at this country home near Wadhurst in East Sussex last year, Absolute Painting & Decorating were asked to return and freshen up the exterior of the property too. Alan Jones tells us all about the work that was involved... The clients had accepted that the exterior repainting would be a challenge due to the well established garden which surrounds the whole of the property. We began by erecting saffolding in order access every part safely, and to enable us to do a thorough job. We began preparation work by sanding down the woodwork, washing the guttering and some sections of the masonry. This wasn’t as straightforward as expected for an outside job in late April, as it snowed at 8am on day one, and a cold northeast wind continued every day we were there... At least there wasn’t any rain though!

Thankfully, the double garage block was not so obstructed by plants!

CASE STUDY “Alan took great care not to damage the many plants and shrubs we have growing up and by the walls, we were very pleased with the quality of his work and the finished result.”, Mr & Mrs Warran-Smith

Access was difficult even on the ground level, as large amounts of shrubs and plants were supported by a network of wires that had to be cut to enable access to the walls. We filled in any holes that were

mainly done using a deep pile roller, but in places it was really chunky where windows had been removed, bricked up and patched in. We applied two coats of Bedec Barn Paint in black to all the window trims, porch and trellis surround, and completed the job with two coats

highlighted, and cleaned the faded red tile cills. Once the preparation was complete, we then set about getting the first coat of Dulux Trade Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint on the roughcast render, which included the double garage block. This was

of Blackfriar Brick & Tile Paint in red to all the cills. Despite the challenges of the weather, we finished the project in the agred 20 days and on budget.

Based in East Sussex, Absolute Painting & Decorating are Members of the PDA and Dulux Select Decorators. Call them on 01323 671836 or 07801 230745, and find them online at www.absolutepaint.co.uk

CASE STUDY

ituated in the Scottish countryside of Perth and Kinross, Crieff Hydro Hotel is a leading family resort set in 900 acres of grounds. The hotel dates back to 1868, has a rich history and is now owned by the fifth generation of Leckies. With 215 bedrooms, 55 self-catering cabins, ® lodges and cottages, the resort caters for families of all shapes and sizes. Professional

Scandivanian protection for Scottish resort Keeping the resort well maintained is a key priority for the owners and it was recently the job of PDA Member firm Borthwick Decorators Ltd to update the accommodation using products from the GORI range by

GORI

PPG, which has recently been made available across the UK and Ireland. David Borthwick, managing director at Borthwick Decorators Ltd said,

Striving for the best

“Many of the cabins are finished with a colourful exterior coating, but the

Crieff Hydro Hotel hasn’t remained a desirable holiday destination for

management noticed that they were starting to look a bit dull and tired.

over 150 years by being complacent. The owners strive for high quality

They got in touch with us to help give the cabins a well-needed refresh.”

and every aspect of the resort must meet these standards, including the

David and the team opted to use GORI 99 Extreme Opaque Wood Finish.

timber lodges. Outdoor cabins may traditionally be associated with rustic

The coating penetrates deep into the wood for robust and durable

living, but the lodges at Crieff Hydro Hotel are far from shabby-chic –

protection against mould, fungus growth and blue stain for up to

they are premium, self-contained properties that come in a range of sizes

15 years, as well as being extremely opaque and having micro porous

and styles to suit any guest requirement.

properties that ensure the wood can move and breathe.

GORI is available at Johnstone’s Decorating Centre, to find your nearest visit www.johnstonesdc.com

CASE STUDY

To protect the cabins against the unpredictable nature of the Scottish

David explained, “When we first started working with GORI products,

weather, GORI 99 Extreme Opaque Wood Finish is also UV-resisting and

we were blown away by the performance and finish. The products are

water-repellent, reducing the risk of water damage.

easy to work with and have allowed us to provide our customers with a

As well as being highly durable, products in the GORI range are

professional look and outstanding durability. GORI has become our go-

available in thousands of colours, which made it the perfect choice for

to exterior coatings range so there was no question that we’d be using it

the lodges at the Crieff Hydro Hotel. The Borthwick team used blues,

to give the cabins at the Crieff Hydro Hotel a new lease of life.”

greens, reds and browns to help ensure the cabins are not only practical, but beautiful to look at too.

Fiona Leckie, head of interiors and retail at Crieff Hydro Hotel said, “Quality is at the very heart of everything we do at the hotel. We constantly strive to meet and exceed the high standards of our customers, which

Making the investment last

means that every part of our resort must look its best at all times.

Borthwick Decorators Ltd has been using products from the GORI range

Thanks to the team at Borthwick Decorators Ltd, our

for several years. Initially impressed by the range’s high quality and ease

popular cabins will be looking smart and inviting to

of use, GORI is now their preferred wood coating.

customers for many years to come.”

Borthwick Decorators Ltd are Members of the PDA and have branches across southern Scotland. You can visit their website at www.borthwickdecorators.co.uk or call them on 0800 772 3973

CASE STUDY

A perfect partnership

ohn Lewis in Kingston has revamped its store using Dulux Trade Scuffshield Matt to ensure long lasting scuff protection in their busy retail space.

The Scuff Resistant Technology is perfect to guard against the potential damage from bags, shoes and other items that bump against the walls, all too inevitable in a crowded store. After attending an online launch webinar in July 2020, Nicola Bover, Partner & Design Interiors at John Lewis, felt that Dulux Trade Scuffshield Matt would be ideal for the upcoming work planned at the Kingston store.

provide the ultimate in scuff resistance, offering performance up to

Nicola said, “The new Scuffshield Matt paint is perfect for our stores.

six times better than standard matt wall paint and up to three times

Not only does the redesign make our interiors more interesting and

better than a standard durable matt, meaning maintenance cycles can

appealing to our customers, but the resilience of the paint means that it

be extended, helping drive down costs in the long-term.

will last longer in our stores.” The team at Dulux listened carefully to what was needed from a visual point of view, and how John Lewis wanted their store to operate.

Jayne Roughan at Dulux recommended Scuffshield Matt for this project, “Using the correct paint for high traffic areas of the store is vital. Customers want to be in an environment that feels clean and luxurious,

The team chose a striking shade of blue, Heritage Deep Ultramarine, to

and ensuring the finish consistently gives this impression is crucial.

enhance the link bridge between two internal sides of the Kingston store.

Dulux Trade Scuffshield Matt provided a new, additional option for this

The flagship Dulux Trade product has been precision-engineered to

retail space because it is so robust and can take knocks in its stride”.

For more information visit www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/content/scuffshield

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Features & Benefits

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Most of my work is high-end interiors, however, quite a few clients have invested in buy-to-let properties and to freshen up these properties, speed is the key requirement. These paint guards from Bucket Tools are made from quality thin Aluminum in three sizes and have saved me quite a lot of time and mess. If you spray, roll or brush paint, it’s going to be a handy addition to your kit. I mostly use the various sizes on rental jobs as it allows me to fly around with them quickly, simply placing it on the skirting tops and other areas to eliminate overspray and splatter from my 18in roller when painting walls. BUCKETEDGE has many other uses, from carrying around a messy roller to acting as an improptu dustpan! See the growing list at www.buckettoolsllc.com

Fiddes

Supreme Wax Polish @fiddes_woodfinishes www.fiddes.co.uk Wax has been used for centuries to protect, nourish and polish wood. I recently restored a beautiful Art Deco apartment in Norwich, and the client commissioned a brand new solid oak front door which I helped design. Fiddes & Sons have four generations of rich history of manufacturing fine wood finishes in the UK, and I specified Fiddes Supreme Wax Polish in Clear/Light.

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It’s incredibly easy to apply, I used two coats and buffed to the required sheen. It’s virtually odour free and is made with environmentally friendly blended waxes that truly beautifies wood! Fiddes Supreme Wax Polish

Features & Benefits

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Coral

Shurglide Professional Scissors @coraltools

www.coral-tools.com

As you all will be aware, wallpaper is firmly back on-trend and the popularity of digital feature walls has exploded! Owning the best tools when installing wall coverings is a no brainer. Coral Tools Shurglide Scissors for wallpaper hit the sweet spot for me, or should I say the sharp spot! Available in both 12” and 10”, these premium coated stainless steel cutting tools are top class. A unique black coating is applied to make them resistant to adhesive, and also helps with their durability. These precision ground long-bladed scissors are incredibly sharp right to the tip. Soft grip yellow handles are very comfortable when using, which is essential for larger paper hanging jobs.

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Brush Mate

Brush Bucket @brush_mate

www.brushmate.co.uk

As one of the very early users of the original Brush Mate Trade 20, I can say it is the number one #gamechanger kit in my 43-year painting and decorating career. It revolutionised wet paintbrush storage forever when using oil-based products. The system saved me a fortune on rusty brushes, brush cleaner and white spirit, plus the hours spent cleaning! Previously, I stored them in a kettle of water, which lead to trapped water leaching out when glossing and finishing something. Some brushes would go hard, and other brushes would be contaminated from the paint on other brushes. We’ve all been there! Brush Mate has produced a new addition to the range, the Brush Bucket. I do feel they have listened to feedback and implemented some of this into the design. The lightweight Brush Bucket officially holds 12 brushes. However, there are 26 brush clip spaces, so depending on which size brush you choose, more can be stored, simply purchase additional brush clips. The underside of the lid

Features & Benefits

rim has a rubber type gasket seal which paired with

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I like the removable steel frame which holds the

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entire brush storage system, including the 250ml fluid bottle. It allows for easier maintenance, such as cleaning the interior and replacing the vaporizing panel.

Draper Expert

450mm Oscillating Industrial Fan @draper_tools www.drapertools.com For the last 25 years, I have always thought outside the box regarding my working methods and processes. I have been using large fans to keep the air moving on my job sites and speed up the drying of both paints and fillers, so when my most recent fan came to an end, I did some research and found the Draper Expert Oscillating Industrial Fan in the same size but with many

Features & Benefits

more incredible features.

‘ 120° tilt and safety cage

This lightweight floor standing fan has a three-speed motor, allowing me to create a huge blast of air or a subtle breeze. A switchable internal oscillation feature is impressive, as I can

Features & Benefits ‘ Premium coated stainless steel

‘ Adhesive resistant precision ground blades ‘ 12” (30cm) and 10” (25cm) versions ‘ Soft grip handles

You can find Wayne on...

‘ Oscillating three speed motor ‘ Carry handle and Rubber feet ‘ Power cable management

place the fan in one position but get wider air circulation, leaving me to get on with my work and not move the fan so much. It’s built on a sturdy frame fitted with a pair of rubber feet to ensure the fan is not dancing around when in use, and the 120° tilt feature offers even more directable airflow, great for pointing up to the ceiling. I am thrilled that these fans have a built-in power cable management area for transporting or storage, and the plastic-coated metal carry handle is very comfortable.

@ToolTalk1

@ToolTalk1 39

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Multiple Purpose Indoor Masking Tape @Q1_painting_solutions

www.q1tapes.com

Choosing the correct masking tape for the task in hand used to be a headache, but now colour coding means ease of use and ensures good results for each job... Q1 Multiple Purpose Indoor Masking Tape, like all their tapes, are trade quality. This bright yellow semi-crepe masking tape is suitable for indoor painting and renovation work and comes with seven-day clean removal. I’ve found no bleed through on multiple surfaces, such as architraves, skirting and window sills, walls, and general wood and metal. It’s a great tape to have around. I’ve found it very easy to tear and use, it’s suitable for smooth and uneven surfaces, and great

Features & Benefits ‘ Multiple purpose interior semi-crepe masking tape

‘ 25mm, 38mm and 50mm widths ‘ Up to seven-day clean removal

‘ Easy tear – strong tape ‘ No bleed-through

for holding both paper and protective film up without any issues. My old school tip is to keep the opened masking tape in a zip bag. That way, it will keep the edges clean from dust and debris. Or, if you have one, use a Q1 Systainer to store and organize your masking tapes, masking papers and Washi pre-taped films. Available in 25mm, 38mm and 50mm rolls.

One of each item reviewed in this edition of Tooltalk are available to one lucky PDA Member! il to tooltalk@the-decorator.co.uk For your chance to win, send an ema . Jamie Wakeford of J W Decorating Well done to our most recent winner,

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V12 Footwear

V1950 Velocity IGS @v12footwear

www.v12footwear.com

When it comes to safety footwear, I am as particular to what I wear on my feet as I am with my tools. Gone are the days when footwear was heavy, dull and bland! These anti-static V12 Velocity Safety Trainers contain no metal and are vegan-friendly (leather-free). Being incredibly lightweight

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‘ Anti-static with Anti-shock insoles

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at 566g helps reduce fatigue caused by wearing heavy footwear for 10 hours a day. Styling is in a combination of trendy colours of cobalt blue, black, orange and light grey. Comfort is as important as safety, the V1950 use heat reducing dual comfort insoles with anti-shock foam pads to the heel and ball of the foot. The lining is both double wicking and exceptionally breathable. Their safety features make them perfect on a job site. Flexible, woven composite material midsoles provide 1100N pierce resistance. The fronts have the latest low-profile nano-composite non-sparking toe caps, thermal insulated and impact tested to 200 joules. The Intelligent Grip Safety sole (IGS) is a unique hexagonal tread pattern that provides outstanding traction with an improved designed heel strike than can dissipate water. The ladder grips under the foot’s arch are also a welcome addition. Highly durable soles are heat-resistant to approximately 300°C, non-marking and acid, diesel, and alkali resistant.

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Quick fill, quick quick fill @toupretuk

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Toupret has improved its Quick Fill collection with a new interior filler that is ready-to-

off the shelf Make light work of sanding with the Mirka Starter Kit, on offer in August at Brewers for just £649.38 ex VAT (£779.26 inc VAT). Featuring a 230V Deros Deco sander with an integrated vibration sensor and Bluetooth low energy technology. Its small with an ergonomic design and maintains a constant speed thanks to the brushless motor, even under a heavy load. Its low vibration and

paint in just 30 minutes. The interior and exterior Quick Fill products are lightweight, ready mixed and provide a quality that professionals can rely on from a brand with over 80 years of expertise. The new interior Quick Fill can be filled to any depth with no shrinkage or slumping, with no need to spot prime before painting over it as it will not flash or grin through the paintwork. There is no limit on working time, ensuring a versatile solution for many types of job. For outside repairs, the Exterior Quick Fill can be applied to cement, concrete, and masonry as well as plaster and old painted surfaces, with no depth limit, and no shrinking or slumping, plus it’s rich in resin for extra strength.

unique symmetrical design is designed to be used for longer periods without fatigue. This model has a 150mm (6”) pad and 5mm oscillation and comes with fifty P120 Mirka Abranet 150mm discs. The kit also contains a Mirka 1230 Class L Push and Clean 230V Dust Extractor. This professional dust extractor has a highperformance motor and turbine, and features an AutoStart function which increases the lifetime of the motor and reduces noise. The extractor can be used for both wet

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collection consists of the following eight professional painter’s and masking tapes, as well as two high quality masking films. • Ultimate Painter’s Tape – Higher tack for irregular surfaces • Superior Painter’s Tape – For clean & crisp flat edges

OB1, the multi-purpose construction and adhesive sealant is endlessly versatile.

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It contains no solvents or isocyanates resulting in an A+ rating for air quality. It is

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domestic and industrial applications. It's also weather resistant, paintable, flexible

• 7 Day, 3 Day & 24 Hour Tape – Smooth tape for flat edges

and does not shrink making it a great product for the trade toolkit.

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PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Extra shades for the garden @makeitrustoleum www.rustoleumcolours.co.uk Rust-Oleum Garden Paint is a breath of fresh air for garden furniture, fences and walls, with 110 shades to choose from. Renovating or transforming wood, brick, stone, plaster or any suitably-primed rigid surface is a walk in the park. One coat will give exceptional coverage for just about anything... The smooth matt finish is washable and scrubbable, water-resistant and a biocide protects against mould and algae. Designed to resist cracking, peeling and blistering for up to six years before first maintenance, it will last through many seasons, come rain or shine.

@rustinsltd

www.rustins.co.uk

Rustins is launching a new Grey colour to their successful Advanced Wood Preserver range, which is already available in Clear, Medium Brown, Dark Brown and Green. Rustins Advanced Wood Preserver is water based and therefore low odour and non-flammable. It works on nanotechnology that gives deep penetration into the wood, allowing you to re-coat whilst the wood is damp, and gives long lasting protection against dry rot, wet rot, fungi, wood boring insects and their larvae.

The colour of summer skies

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Keep up to date with what’s available for the modern decorator

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

@paintandpaperlibrary

www.paintandpaperlibrary.com

Pure. Flat. Emulsion. With the lowest sheen level of 2% created using premium base ingredients, Pure Flat Emulsion is the flattest emulsion available. Drying to a wonderfully chalky finish in just four hours, so projects can be completed quickly without compromising on quality and coverage, Pure Flat Emulsion covers 15m2 per litre with high pigmentation, giving a beautifully profound depth of colour. Available in Paint & Paper Library’s full palette of 190 unique colours, elegant and understated Pure Flat Emulsion looks especially sophisticated when used in darker velvety shades such as Copper Beech, Plum Brandy and Kigali. Designed for use by interior decorators, architects, specifiers and discerning homeowners, Pure Flat Emulsion is suitable for use on interior walls and is perfect for ceilings and low traffic areas. It is gently wipeable with a microporous quality that allows the fabric of a building to breathe which is a key consideration for historic buildings. Available in 5l, 2.5l, 750ml, 250ml and 125ml sample pots, Pure Flat Emulsion has low odour and minimal VOC’s. This environmentally-friendly emulsion is water-based meaning that brushes and other paint tools can simply be washed with water rather than using strong chemicals for cleaning. Paint & Paper Library works to minimise its impact on both the environment and health. All Paint & Paper Library paints are traditionally manufactured in the UK to exceptionally high standards, using the highest quality ecofriendly ingredients and meeting all global regulations on VOC solvents: formulated to make an impact on your walls, not on the environment.

Providing inspiration, colour expertise and design ideas for interior decorators, architects, specifiers and discerning homeowners worldwide, Paint & Paper Library is credited with an unrivalled understanding of colour balance, mood and light in contemporary interiors. Formulated to the highest standard, with an incredible quality of finishes, and the mattest emulsion paint on the market, Paint & Paper Library offer a distinguished curated palette of 180 unique colours alongside complementary contemporary wallpaper collections.

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Innovation from prep-to-finish @axusdecor

www.axusdecor.com

Axus Decor products cover every stage of decorating, with some stand-out innovations in each category, built upon feedback from thousands of decorators. Dress for the occasion with the S-Tex range of shorts, trousers (pictured left) and jackets. Garments include up to 19 utility pockets, triple-stitching in areas commonly prone to ripping, and extra comfort features such as elasticated waists. Protect your work area with the Gekoe Floor Gripping Paint Barrier Sheet (also pictured left), its rubberembossed bottom layer holds the sheet firmly in place whilst an impermeable top layer stops paint from passing through. It's easy to wipe down and get ready for the next job. Prepare the job and wash surfaces down with the dirt-collecting Trapp sponge, and then sand old coatings with Arystox ceramic abrasives. Ceramic grain has a microcrystalline ‘self-sharpening’ structure, so it cuts the surface rapidly and lasts an extremely long time. Any wall damage can be permanently repaired with the tough, lasting Q3 Filler for interiors or Marmaron for exteriors. While there are many brushes and rollers on the market, Axus Decor has two notably unique products. The first is their lime series Wood Finishing mini roller that will deliver as close to a sprayfinish as you can get by hand. The second is the Captain Chunk roller, which can hold twice the paint and get into rough exterior surfaces with ease. If wallpaper hanging is your thing, the Wallpaper Press and Perfect Tip Scissors are certainly worth looking at.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

For professional painters and decorators, utilising high-quality sustainable products is a natural progression in light of current environmental issues and legislation. Here, Andy Cummins, Senior Product Manager at Geocel highlights how switching filler products can not only increase reputation but also reduce landfill costs.

Sealing Sustainably In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the changes that we can make in order to reduce our own environmental impact. For the painting and decorating sector, these changes extend to the products used by the profession every day. While there will always be a series of trends in the industry that come and go, the topic of sustainability is here to stay. Therefore, it is beneficial for trade professionals to remain up to date on the modern methods they can adopt to boost their environmental credentials to customers.

With a growing number of consumers looking closely at the environmental impact of their purchases, it is increasingly likely that this will play a role in

Unfortunately, one area that the construction sector continues to fall

their decision-making process when it comes to requiring home renovations.

short on is its plastic waste consumption. With construction activities

In fact, almost half of people under the age of 24 say that they actively avoid

generating a significant amount of waste material, which often can’t be

products or purchases which result in a negative environmental impact.

recycled, the industry finds itself ranked amongst the least sustainable.

Therefore, as this new generation grow older and purchase homes,

In fact, 23% of all plastic produced in the UK is consumed by the

decorators that do not analyse their practices may find themselves being

construction sector, with an estimated 50,000 tonnes of plastic

left behind as customers look to select more sustainable solutions.

packaging waste generated every year. That includes over 100 million

With this in mind, manufacturers are increasingly investing in ways to offer

plastic cartridges sent to landfill each year.

more sustainable solutions to limit the industry’s environmental impact.

For larger refurbishment projects, limiting the amount of plastic

One such example is Geocel’s ecoSEAL system. With a reusable sleeve, the

packaging used will not only help combat the trade’s environmental

system enables the use of trade favourite sealants such as the brand’s

impact, but also help to reduce waste disposal expenses. The costs

Painters Mate acrylic filler in more environmentally friendly foils. Each sleeve

associated with the disposal of onsite waste, particularly waste that must

can be used an average of 75 times before being recycled when empty,

be sent to landfill, has been growing in recent years – due mainly to

while the foils are eight times smaller than traditional sealant cartridges

landfill tax which has more than trebled since 2008 to a current cost of

meaning decorators can significantly reduce the extent of their plastic waste.

£96.70 per tonne of waste. In addition, from April 2022 the UK

After taking the ecoSEAL Challenge, Geocel’s latest initiative designed

government is due to introduce a further tax on companies who produce

to encourage the trade to limit its plastic waste by trialling the ecoSEAL

or import plastic packaging with insufficient recycled content, which will in

system for free, painter and decorator Justin Bailly commented, “If we all

turn cause product prices to rise. As such, selecting alternative products

make a small change and switch to foils as much as possible, we can

that do not carry the same level of plastic packaging has the potential to

make a big difference. We can continue to use flexible acrylic fillers like

save the trade a significant amount in both purchase and disposal costs.

Painters Mate, but in a more environmentally friendly way.”

Furthermore, by adopting more sustainable product solutions, painters and decorators will not only see a monetary benefit but

The shift to more sustainable solutions offers a series of benefits for painters and decorators. Not only will adopting

will also be able to demonstrate their environmental

environmentally friendly practices attract new

credentials to customers.

customers who are more conscious about their impact on the world around them, but also help to reduce the increasing costs associated with sending plastic waste to landfill.

To register for the ecoSEAL Challenge to receive a FREE ecoSEAL sleeve and foil of your choice

www.geocel.co.uk/will-you-take-the-ecoseal-challenge 46

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The Decorator – August-September 2021

Articles inside

What is YOUR brand?

When payment never comes

Letter from PDA CEO, Neil Ogilvie