The Professional Painter & Decorator – Summer 2024

Our Summer Edition of the Professional Painter and Decorator Magazine focuses on the exterior, with information on what wears well, rain or shine, from all the key brands.

Getting your business to flourish by keeping up-to-date with knowledge and techniques is the focus of Vickie Mather from Dulux Academy. On that note, around the corner is the Painting and Decorating Show on 21-22 November at the CBS Arena in Coventry. It’s open now for early registration.  We've got a full preview; with over 100 exhibitors, it’s the go-to event for those working in the sector.

Our Advice section includes Sarah Coussens at Hamilton Decorating Tools outlining the products and techniques to alleviate the stress and strain of decorating. Thinking about spray painting? Then take a read of the Brewers Guide to see why it makes sense for some projects. In our Technique Section, Gary Burton shares his expertise and passion for the trade with his first-class exterior project.

As always, we’ve collated new and updated products in the marketplace section. With a focus on the HMG Hydro Pro range of versatile, environmentally friendly products and what the new Maverick brush and roller range brings to the sector.

We hope you find inspiration and useful information in this magazine to help you with your decorating projects.

Don't hesitate to reach out and share your own experiences and projects with us at ppdeditorial@saintpublicity.co.uk –We would love to hear from you!

Catherine Saint, Editor

Quality finishing – advice from Valspar Trade

Ergonomic tools – Hamilton have solutions

The spray way – Brewers offer insights

them all with Zinsser

Make a date for Coventry!

National show gears up to welcome you

THE COUNTDOWN TO this year’s Show has begun, and the organisers are promising a cracking event with hundreds of new products from around the globe, special show-only offers that you just won’t find elsewhere, and topline presentations from experts in the field of business development.

Of course, goody bags bulging with samples and business gifts will be abound, making a great day out for the 3000-plus professionals who will make the easy trip to Coventry’s CBS Arena. The 100-plus exhibitors are busy planning their displays ready to tempt PP&D readers with some great deals.

First-time exhibitor Watco will have new paint products on show including Moisture Guard and Metal Paint, plus live demos of Concrex Carbon Fibre, a mouldable concrete epoxy repair mortar.

The big reveal from Flex will be their new carbon composite wall and ceiling sander, the lightest ever produced by the company, and Wagner will be giving away two FinishControl 4000 18V cordless paint sprayer kits. Everyone who attends the show gets entered into a draw.

Diamond show sponsor Ice Fusion is going all out this year to tempt visitors with some amazing deals!

Already confirmed for the ‘big one’...

Benjamin

Brewers Decorators Centres

Assoc. of Painting Craft Teachers

Maxvac

AJ Systems Europe

Axus Décor

Barrettine Products

Bedec Beissier SAS

Caparol Paint

Checkatrade Coleman Bros

Timbabuild

Clarendon Consultants

Juno Paints

Coo-Var

Coventry and Warwickshire Mind

Crown Paints

CT1

Decorators Accountants

Dulux Decorator Centre

Decorating Centre Online

Farrow & Ball

Fiddes

Fleetwood Paints

Flex

FrogTape and KipTape

Furniture Clinic

Glitter Walls UK

Go!Paint

HB42

Icon Protection EMEA Ltd

Indasa Abrasives

Isomat

Hamilton Decorating Tools

Bags o’ Goodies!

19- 20 November 2024

Many exhibitors will be piling in with products and useful gifts for the official show Goody Bag this year. Stuffed with tapes, brushes, roller sleeves, and many other items the bags are given to the first 1000 visitors each day.

So don’t be late – when they’re gone they’re gone!

Supplied by ProDec, Ice Fusion products will feature prominently alongside the exhibitor’s many tried and tested tools and accessories.

Another Diamond sponsor, OB1 will be showcasing their new crystal-clear universal sealant and adhesive, OB1 Diamond, featuring a crystal-clear aspect and high UV resistance, perfect for both interior and exterior applications without yellowing.

The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) is a Gold sponsor at this year’s Show, underlining its ‘complete focus ‘ on supporting the trade.

Ciret are repeating their Grand Prize Draw this year and every visitor has an equal chance of winning.

Over the next two pages, we have put together an exclusive peek at just a few of the things you can expect to see...

Demonstrations of new products feature prominently in the free-to-attend Spotlight Theatres, as well as business-boosting presentations on a wide range of commercial subjects including:

• How to avoid easy to fall into and expensive legal pitfalls

• The dangers of buying cheap uncertified access equipment

• Running a ‘Green’ business and gaining even more work

• Making your merchant supplier relationship work for you

• Expanding your skill-set into other lucrative P&D associated areas

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Win a £250 Ultrabundle

Be in with a chance to win Ultratape products worth over £250 – just drop your business card onto stand 112. The winner will get over 40 selected products from

Osmo presents its latest exterior opaque range, Country Shades, whilst launching their UK-wide Tinting System that can

Chill out with ProDec

Diamond sponsor of the Show, Ice Fusion is going all out this year to tempt visitors with some amazing deals! Supplied by ProDec, Ice Fusion products will feature prominently alongside the exhibitor’s many tried and tested tools and accessories.

Polyvine ‘green’ remover

Keep a look out for Polyvine’s new eco-friendly varnish and paint remover – hailed as a sustainable, safe and effective method of removing years of coating build-up.

Big prize bundles from Ciret

Ciret are repeating their Grand Prize Draw this year, and every visitor has a chance of winning! Each day of the show they will be handing out tool bundles worth £1000, £500 and £250. Just pick up an entry card when you arrive and stay to watch the draw live!

PDA: There for you

The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) is a Gold sponsor at this year’s National Painting and Decorating Show, underlining its ‘complete focus‘ on supporting the trade.

Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie said, “At last year’s show, one of the strongest points that members commented on was the value we bring in being available when help is needed... “Support and back-up is invaluable, when a member hits a problem and needs the best support to navigate through it.’

There will be a prize draw again this year on the Association’s stand, as well as give-aways from Partners.

Dustless discounts

Head to Stand 63a at the Show to grab 10% off all Restorate products along with ‘unbeatable’ deals on Mirka sanders, dust extractors, and Abranet Ace. And with free next day delivery on all orders, you won’t have to carry your purchases around the show.

Form an orderly Q

Blue Painters Masking Tape will be unveiled on the Q1 stand and discount vouchers can be won in an on-stand competition. Plus Andy Byron will be hosting a ‘technical corner’.

Get rolling with Okarno

Okarno (previously known as Artex) are offering the chance to get up close and personal with Dalapro Roll Nova ready mix roller filler.

The exhibitor comments, ‘Roll Nova allows contractors to get the job done quicker and, in many cases, being able to easily skim the wall or ceiling saves a huge amount of time on site. ‘

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

Board is temporary floor protection that is durable and flexible, making it easy to use and reuse. It is breathable, with a spill protection that guards surfaces from liquids and paint spills. Made from recycled materials, our Prep Board is also fully recyclable.

One for all

Every visitor will get the chance to win £500 worth of Bradite’s One Can, the water-based primer, stainblocker and professional finish. Just drop an entry form onto stand 91 where you can also pick up a free sample of this or Little Grene’s Intelligent Matt.

Hop on stand 17

You can prime and paint any surface with Little Greene’s upgraded Intelligent Paint Finishes, available in the company’s full palette of colours. Says Creative Director Ruth Mottershead, “This really is a big step forward in designing and decorating with colour.” – See the range on stand 91.

This year’s event is FrogTape’s launchpad for a new product that will “save you precious time”. Ideal not just for painting projects but for cleaning, sanding, mould remediation, asbestos removal and more.

Win a Wagner

Two lucky visitors to this year’s show will win a superb Wagner FinishControl sprayer which offers unrestricted freedom of movement for fine finish painting, worth £900! Smaller objects, repair and renovation work are a breeze with this unit. Included in the kit are a Fine Spray attachment and two Bosch batteries and charger.

The clear choice

Diamond sponsor OB1 will be showcasing their new crystal-clear universal sealant and adhesive, a “ground-breaking product” which “has been lacking in the current market” claims the company.

Another new product is PlumbersPal, that can be applied directly to most substrates without the need for a primer. Or take a peek at the new Bio-Based range.

Organisers would like to say a BIG thank you the sponsors, who include Ice Fusion, OB1, Dulux Decorator Centre, Painting and Decorating Association, Mirka, Frogtape, Kip, Packexe and tesa, for all their invaluable support.

Hamilton protect

In addition to showcasing their new Protection range, Hamilton will also be celebrating and recognising some of the UK’s most talented decorators with a ‘unique’ campaign leading up to a live challenge at the show !

Come and Go!

Eleven-time exhibitor Go!Paint promise special show discounts, new and prototype products and “limited editions you wont want to miss out on”. Discover firsthand how Go!Paint's expanded product range and innovative solutions can enhance your painting projects.

Shining bright

Corona and Painter’s Pack products can be won in a super prize draw on the AJ Systems stand –and for ‘artisan decorators’ there will be two new Painter’s Pack ranges on show.

Bristol’s old magistrates court sentenced to a redecoration

DULUX DECORATOR CENTRE is helping to transform the Old Magistrates’ Courts in Bristol into a hub for young people in the local area, working with Creative Youth Network, a charity for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Built in 1879, Bristol’s Old Magistrates’ Courts have sat empty for a number of years. As a result, the Grade II listed building was in desperate need of a refresh to bring it back to its former glory and make it a useable space once again.

The refurbishment will see the old courts, which includes four courtrooms with ornate ceilings and original Victorian cells, transformed into a range of facilities including a café, hotdesking space and more, which will help young people on their way to a career in the creative industries.

Martin Hancock, Project Manager at Bray & Slaughter, explained, “This is a really exciting project, but also one that has posed a number of challenges. The building contains a mixture of substrates including plastered gypsum and lime plaster-based products. As a result, surfaces across the site require different paints and coatings.

“The external walls are all lime plaster based and require a breathable paint on the interior to ensure that moisture doesn’t become trapped and cause them to deteriorate. However, the internal walls that are made from plastered gypsum don’t require the same breathability and therefore need a different type of paint.”

To help, decorating contractor Optimum Combined Services Ltd called on the Dulux team to review the specification and ensure that the right paints and coatings were selected for the job.

Richard Morgan, Account Manager at DDC, said, “For the lime plaster walls I spoke to the team at Graphenstone, which has a range of products that are specifically designed for this type of application, and they recommended Grafclean Premium Matt. This is an ecological, breathable, mineral paint that has excellent opacity and coverage, as well as class one durability.”

In addition, to keep the exterior woodwork looking good for years to come, Richard recommended Dulux Trade Weathershield Gloss. It has been specifically developed to give long-lasting, high gloss protection and it provides up to eight-years of weathering durability. It also contains a fungicide to prevent mould growth and help the paint stay cleaner for longer.

George Stone, Assistant Quantity Surveyor at Optimum, said, “As a company, we have worked closely with the Dulux team for several years, and have used their products across countless projects. The paints are my personal preference thanks to their reliability and high quality, I trust that they will deliver.”

The colour of the paint was also crucial to delivering Creative Youth Network’s vision for the space, with products colour matched to the client’s preferred tones, including pinks, greens and neutrals. The Dulux team also arranged for samples to be sent to site, so that the client could see the colours on the walls prior to the application taking place.

George added, “It was a no brainer using Dulux Decorator Centre for the product supply on this project. The Bedminster store is under a mile away from the project site in Bristol and this made it exceptionally easy for deliveries.”

The project is due to be completed later this tear, opening its doors to the young people of Bristol and supporting them to become the creatives of the future.

To find out more about DDC and the specification support visit www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk/paint-specification n

Bradite a boon for café

BRADITE’S DONATION OF 50 litres of One Can paint has helped create a bright, airy and welcoming atmosphere in a South Croydon community venture. Boon Café Croydon was conceived as “a space for families to enjoy, a place for groups to meet and new friendships to form”, according to founder Georgina Arsalides.

“While putting together our vision for Boon, we saw Bradite One Can and were able to choose a beautiful sky blue colour in their RAL colour range.” says Georgina, “Bradite gifted the paint which we are so very grateful for, and the vision came to life.”

She adds, “The fact that the paint dries quickly and it was great that we didn't have an overpowering smell whilst painting, which made the process more enjoyable and comfortable!”

Boon Café provides a hub for community activity in addition to the drinks and tasty cakes, and the colour scheme has not gone unnoticed, “I have had so many compliments on the colour, people have been asking where it's from, as they want to redecorate their house in the sky blue!” www.bradite.com n

Fiddes expands to over 450 merchants

IN A SIGNIFICANT move that underscores the Company’s continual growth in the wood finishing sector, Fiddes has announced an expansion of its distribution network, now reaching over 450 distribution centres across the UK. This strategic expansion enhances the accessibility of Fiddes' range off wood and floor coatings, bringing premium quality and innovative solutions closer to consumers and professionals nationwide.

For over a century, Fiddes has been at the forefront of innovation, crafting products that combine traditional expertise with modern technology. Their wide array of wood finishes, from Hard Wax Oils and Wax Polishes through to technically advanced Water Based interior and exterior coatings, caters for professional woodworkers, Contractors, decorators and DIY enthusiasts.

The increased availability of Fiddes' products reflects the company’s dedication to meeting the growing demand for high-quality wood finishes.

Now available in-store at Brewers Decorator Centres, Crown Decorating Centres, Rabart Decorating Centres, and Paint Stop.

www.fiddes.co.uk n

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By Cait Whitson

Many who lived through the 80’s will groan at the suggestion of stencilling as part of an interior design scheme today. Nightmare flashbacks to kitsch borders featuring bunches of grapes and errant ivy meandering round every window and door, sponged onto woodchip and competing with swags and tails and mix and match Sanderson’s florals. No wonder it has left a bad memory and furthermore if you Google ‘the worst interior trends’, stencilling features in almost every list. However, stencils are the most versatile way to apply decoration to any interior surface and beyond...

Any surface that will take a coating some kind can be stencilled, from tiles to trainers, walls to wellies – they can be incredibly simple or extremely complex. Historically, stencilling in interiors was probably at its height in the Victorian era. Throughout the UK, stencilling can be seen preserved in Victorian Ecclesiastical and Civic buildings, such as the Church of St Michael and All Angels, Garton-on-the-Wolds as seen opposite. It was also seen in lots of homes although little of this remains. We were lucky enough to be invited to reinstate an historic painted ceiling that incorporated stencilling in Edinburgh and each stencil had to be hand cut.

Stencilling raised its head again in the Arts and Crafts movement, with the best known being the classic Rennie Mackintosh rose motif from The House for an Art Lover – Mackintosh was the master of taking a motif and carrying it through an entire scheme from the stained glass to the furniture and then to the walls; stencils are the ideal way to do this. Today the most popular stencil artist worldwide – Banksy!

Where to start

Stencils can be bought ready cut and while there are hundreds of outlets, our favourite is Stencil Library, the largest range of stencils designed by one person in the world. So vast is the choice that it’s hard to know where to start. But how best to use them?

Consider a single big motif such as clock face or a mandala as part of a feature wall, an all-over pattern

instead of wallpaper or what about a stencilled rug on the floor, or embellishment on furniture – carry detail over to a cushion or cabinet doors. You can create embossed stencils, use mixed media, like leaf or foil alongside paint. It is truly limitless.

Layering for depth

You will find single layer and multiple layer stencils of all shapes and sizes. A multiple layer stencil can add depth and detail but also it can lose the characteristic ‘bridges’ that separate sections of the design, making the finished work more like a printed design or mural than a stencilled design. An excellent example is Stencil Library’s Cormorant Fishing (pictured left) that comes in two parts.

Part of the ceiling that Cait completed in Edinburgh.

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Cait Whitson is decorative painter working throughout UK and teaching from her studio in Perth, Scotland. You can see her work and connect with her on social media: Instagram @paintycait or Facebook /carteblanchedecorativepainters

Her training courses can be found at www.caitwhitson.com

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Lining stencils up, particularly when you have multiple layers or are creating an all-over pattern, requires the use of the registration marks.

Pinpoint registration marks are simple triangle or circular shapes cut into the stencil that you will mark onto your surface to help you line up the stencil perfectly to complete the design.

To avoid marking your surface, place small pieces of tape under the pinpoint registration marks and then use a pen or pencil to draw the shape of the triangle marks onto the tape.

Another tip is to use 3M ReMount, a repositional spray adhesive to adhere the stencil to your surface instead of masking tape, this keeps the stencil flat on the surface and won’t damage the surface either (unless you are too generous with it). I think we’ve tried every single repositional spray on the market and the only one that works and works consistently is 3M.

What happens when you cannot find a ready cut stencil that suits the project? Or the customer has a specific element from their wallpaper that they want repeating somewhere..

We cut our stencils from Mylar Stencil Film, available from Stencil Library, in 125 micron thickness for standard stencils and 250 micron for use with textures and plasters. They have the best quality material that can be cleaned with solvents as well as water and you can, if need be, use very hot water without it distorting.

There are complex ways to do this or there are simple ways, I’m just going to show you the simplest most commercial way possible to create a stencil and restricted the project to half-an-hour to complete.

We could have added a lot more detail or done a second stencil to add in details like veins to the leaves, but I wanted to show what could be done in less than 30 minutes with very little investment that could really elevate a project.

Stage 1

Take your source and scale it to size if necessary, a photocopier at a printshop can be an easy way to do this. Then just get tracing your pattern! If it is quite a complex design, then you may want to start with tracing paper as it allows you to fiddle about with bridges before transferring it to the Mylar, however in this case we have gone straight to tracing onto Mylar using a permanent marker.

Stage 2

Move the Mylar to a cutting surface – glass or a cutting mat. We fix the Mylar with masking tape onto glass, to keep it firmly in place and use a hot pen to cut as it is very quick and easier on the wrists, but takes a little practice. If you are working with a scalpel always cut towards yourself, and on organic shapes it is more effective to manoeuvre the film around the knife, not the other way round.

Stage 3

All pieces successfully cut out, you can now see the full design. Place on a dark background to double check you haven’t missed anything, and neaten up any rough areas... You can even overlay the new stencil over the original tracing source, just to make sure! n

Olympics inspires Regency Revival

Bobbi Beck

01209 440 089

www.bobbibeck.com

The timeless allure of Regency-style vintage wallpapers is poised to grow in 2024 with Regency-inspired designs are captivating the hearts of homeowners and interior enthusiasts. According to one design expert there is also potential for an exciting new twist on the style inspired by the Paris Olympics.

“We’re expecting to see an increase in design inspired by the past, especially the 18th and 19th Centuries. A key part of the trend will see homeowners adorning their walls with designs and patterns that were popular during these periods”, says James Mellan-Matulewicz, Creative Director at wallpaper brand Bobbi Beck.

Designs during this time were commonly hand-painted and inspired by global exploration and natural sciences, often featuring murals of exotic landscapes, plants and animals. The period also saw a lot of Oriental-inspired themes like chinoiserie and toile de jouy, which were born from trading relationships between the east and the west.

A key part is that during these periods, wallpapers like this would have only been affordable to the upper classes and landed gentry, so were typically used as backdrops in large estates, manors and palaces.

James says, “TV shows are a factor in the rising popularity of the Regency aesthetic, but on a deeper level, it’s a trend that is set to grow as we look to keep a connection with heritage and craft when life feels more and more digital by the day. With Paris hosting the 2024 Olympics we expect to see a French twist, likely inspired by Marie Antoinette, think regal aesthetics in sugary pastel tones and you’re probably on the right track.” n

In the ever-shifting world of decorating, staying informed is key to achieving success for yourself and your clients.

Vickie Mather at AkzoNobel explains why continuous learning is so important for professional decorators' skills...

How continuous learning can help you flourish

For professional decorators, time is money so achieving quality results as efficiently as possible is key. Training is therefore a valuable asset for decorators at every stage of their career. As well as those just starting out in the industry, learning opportunities are key for seasoned professionals to keep themselves up to date on industry developments, improve on site efficiency using the latest innovations and techniques, and upskill to provide additional services for customers.

Training can be used to learn new application techniques that can improve on site efficiencies, such as spray application. Often used to cover large areas quickly, spray application is highly efficient, but it requires a specific set of skills to achieve a professional standard finish. Training courses can therefore ensure decorators know how to correctly use the equipment, deliver a quality service and ensure top-class results for their customers.

In addition, with customers experiencing a spending squeeze, many are looking at ways to upgrade aspects of their home, rather than replace them. Spraying uPVC windows and doors is therefore becoming a popular choice for those looking to cost effectively revive their home’s exterior.

This provides a great opportunity for decorators, and attending a training course on uPVC spray application will add another string to your bow - and enable you to offer a new service that meets customer demand.

As well as learning the skills needed on site, training can also help decorators to promote themselves and their business effectively. Improved understanding of business skills, like marketing, and having the right tools to use social media effectively, will help build your profile and bring in more opportunities.

Benefitting customers

Training will also have a knock-on effect for the customer. For many homeowners, colour and product selection can be a daunting task. However, with the right training, decorators can confidently advise homeowners, build trust and ensure top results at the same time.

Knowledge of colour theory and current trends is vital for decorators as it will help educate customers on the importance of choosing the right tone for the space, whilst also factoring in their personal preferences. Decorators can also use training to upsell to premium products that they trust will deliver the quality colour and long-lasting finish their customer is looking for – which, in turn, could lead to repeat business and positive word of mouth.

Choosing the right partner

When researching training opportunities, decorators should look to a partner that can continually support them with guidance from knowledgeable trade experts, at every stage of their career. As well as detailed in-person courses, online options that can be fitted into the workday are also worth exploring.

For example, Dulux Academy offers a wide range of full day courses that cover an array of topics and techniques including spray application, uPVC spray, colour theory and more.

Once decorators have attended an in-person course, they are then given access to The HUB which is an on-demand online platform where decorators can access their own personalised learning and networking. Decorators can also be added to the Dulux Academy Facebook group which offers tips, tricks and advice from the Dulux Academy experts, as well as updates on upcoming courses.

To find out more about Dulux Academy – where skills flourish - and to book a place on a course, visit https://academy.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk

In a recent report, 71% of professional decorators said their clients now regularly request sustainable paint. To help the trade meet this demand, Dulux Decorator Centre is dedicated to ensuring they have the products and services needed to improve sustainable practices. Duncan Lochhead, shares insights on how decorators can enhance sustainability with some small, yet effective strategies...

Sustainable Solutions: Transforming the Decorating Industry

The built environment accounts for a significant 25% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions, which are produced throughout the construction cycle, from material production to construction and demolition. It is therefore crucial for companies across the supply chain to work together to ensure all projects are focused on sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

Advancements in paint

One pressing environmental issue in the decorating industry is the impact that solvents have on indoor air quality. Solvents are used in paints to aid the application and drying processes, but they also emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemicals that evaporate into the air at room temperature and react with nitrogen oxides to form greenhouse gases. They create a distinctive chemical smell and prolonged exposure to elevated levels can cause irritation, headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions.

Swapping to lower VOC products for walls and trim can make a significant difference to the VOC levels emitted. Today’s water-based products deliver the easy application, quick drying times and professional finish decorators require, but with the added benefit of improved sustainability and indoor air quality.

Thanks to innovations in paint technology, there are now products on the market that are 99.9% VOC free and offer the same or even better performance than solvent-based alternatives. For example, Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt offers great opacity, excellent coverage, a smooth flow and a

quality finish, and Dulux Trade Diamond Matt delivers outstanding durability, as well as sustainability benefits.

Extend maintenance cycles

For decorators working on small commercial buildings, it is important to use solutions that can extend the lifecycle of a space and reduce the need for regular redecoration. Paints that easily damage or lose colour need more frequent maintenance, leading to increased disruption and emissions over a building’s lifetime. However, choosing durable paints and coatings that protect surfaces for longer will help minimise maintenance requirements, saving costs and conserving resources. For busy environments requiring frequent cleaning, scuff-resistant paints with colour hold technology, like Dulux Trade Diamond Matt, offer an ideal solution.

Reduce waste through recycling

Waste is also a significant challenge for the construction industry, costing an estimated £11 billion annually. In the decorating trade, it is important to reduce waste by recycling paint cans, responsibly disposing of leftover paint and using more sustainable products and accessories.

Dulux Decorator Centre’s free recycling scheme, in partnership with Veolia, provides a sustainable way for decorators and customers to dispose of any empty paint cans, reducing waste to landfill. Empty cans from any brand can be taken into store, or arrange for collection from site during a scheduled delivery. The scheme is focused on helping customers to recycle as may cans as possible. Dulux Decorator Centre has also committed to tripling the number of empty cans it recycles by the end of 2025, demonstrating a focus on tackling the waste issue.

Decorators can also donate partially full paint cans in a usable condition, to sustainable charities like Community RePaint, a UK-wide paint reuse network sponsored by Dulux. This network collects leftover paint and redistributes it at an affordable cost.

Another option is using paint like Dulux Trade Evolve Matt, which contains 35% recycled paint content and has lower embodied carbon than the standard equivalent. It addresses both waste reduction and carbon emissions, while providing excellent coverage and a high-quality finish.

Dulux Decorator Centre also offers a range of paint brushes and rollers from LickTools that are durable, reusable and made from sustainably sources materials.

Achieving sustainability in the decorating trade can be done through these small, decisive actions. Choosing low VOC paints, opting for durable products that extend maintenance cycles, and recycling used empty paint cans can reduce the negative environmental impact of the sector and contribute to wider global sustainability goals. These steps will not only improve your business’s sustainability credentials but also display best practices and help win new business.

To learn more about how Dulux Decorator Centre can support businesses in improving sustainability at www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk/our-sustainability-story

Waste plastic and the P&D industry

The UK decorative coatings industry turns an estimated 28,000 tonnes of plastic and metal into paint packaging annually. Unfortunately, it is estimated that the industry gets back less than 5% of metal going into the market, and with plastic, virtually nothing is recycled. Likely less than 1%.

The Problem with Plastic

Plastic waste poses challenges due to its slow degradation and release of carbon dioxide, methane, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Micro and nano-plastics contaminate soil and find their way into waterways and oceans. Incineration emits toxic gases and Greenhouse gases.

Greenpeace state that for every tonne of dense plastic burned, more than two tonnes of CO2 are released. The British Plastics Federation report carbon emission savings of 30% to 80% by using recycled plastic as opposed to virgin plastic, so whenever we don’t use recycled material in containers we are exacerbating that environmental impact.

The outlook isn’t all Rubbish

The UK Government is implementing Extended Producer Responsibility and Plastic Taxation to compel industries like ours to address recycling inefficiencies. These legislations hold companies financially responsible for disposal of their branded products and apply charges to products using less than 30% recycled plastic. The objective is more proactive waste collection and increased reuse of material.

Manufacturers have stepped up with customer facing recycling initiatives.

Plastic chips from shredded paint cans can be melted and extruded into new pellets.

Challenges persist in reaching the domestic DIY market, though BCF’s PaintCare recycling program aims to address this issue with a nationally visible campaign. The scheme will collect packaging from hundreds of sites nationwide, utilising household recycling centres and national retailers, in addition to decorating centres.

Circular Solutions: PacktoPack

Dulux report that over 94% of their packs by volume have 50% or more recycled plastic, and believe that plastic could be the most sustainable packaging material for certain paints if it was more widely recyclable. Crown had also been leading the UK market, producing products with near enough 100% recycled plastics since 2018.

Crown pioneered Can Back in 2013, collaborating with in house recycler NIMTECH, accepting container returns from any brand. They have seen a notable increase in participation, receiving approximately 1.4 million cans in 2023, a 40% increase since 2021. The recent decision to also accept any can any brand at their Dulux Decorators Centres has similarly seen an upturn in returned volume.

These recycling networks have streamlined how tradespeople can dispose of their used containers sustainably at no cost. Nationally, Bagnalls reported a rapid increase in container recycling over the past two years, doubling to around 44.5 tonnes in 2023.

The optimal solution is to reuse our own waste streams. Berry Global, in partnership with Paint360, recently demonstrated a proof of concept for the UK's first pack-to-pack recycling process. Recovering paint product and packaging materials within a closed-loop, would boost carbon reduction ambitions across the industry. The BCF think that by recycling old plastic containers into new plastic containers, a 59% carbon reduction could be expected.

Playing our part

Initiatives like PaintCare offer hope for a less polluting decorative coatings industry, and there’s belief it can become, not just European leading, but world leading. But we cannot just wait for this silver bullet to materialise. We must utilise the existing decorator centre collection points which already feed waste into recycling streams. Increasing container returns helps make the case for the huge investment required to advance, scale-up and evolve the UK coatings sector. n

Schemes mentioned in this article: www.coatings.org.uk/page/PaintCare www.crowndecoratingcentres.co.uk/advice/blogs/canback www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk/can-recycling

Plastic cans are cleaned out and then shredded as shown above..

Crown supportsMaterial Source Studio

Crown Paints has provided a specification service for the design of Material Source Studio, the Glasgow-based hub for architects and designers, as part of its involvement as a partner at the studio.

The latest Material Source Studio is only the second of its kind in the UK, offering a dedicated space in the heart of the Scottish city, designed specifically to support the region’s architecture, design, and property communities.

Material Source Studio Glasgow has over 25 partners, all leading commercial interiors suppliers whose products are displayed.

Visitors from the architecture, design and property communities can collect samples, create mood boards, and work from the studios’ Hub, as well as attend events in the 80-seat Theatre, with kitchen and state of

the art screen and sound system. The Workshop, with its horseshoe seating, creates a more relaxed presentation environment.

The expert colour studio team at Crown Trade worked with Material Source co-founder and creative director, Darren Clanford, to bring the comprehensive colour scheme to life through product specification featuring Crown Trade Clean Extreme Clean Air and Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt products.

Vibrant colours including a striking brick red, bold green and deep navy were paired with a neutral stone <

Zinsser’s range of problem-solving primers prepare even the toughest substrates, ensuring optimal adhesion for any paint project.

tannin bleed or priming problematic surfaces, Zinsser® has the ultimate product to get the job done.

The Zinsser® range offers tried and trusted primer-sealers for any interior or exterior surface, with the added convenience of lightning-fast drying times.

For more information visit www.zinsseruk.com or follow us @zinsseruk.

shade to promote a warm and welcoming environment, whilst also upholding the vibrancy and social nature of the professional hub.

Crown’s flagship Clean Extreme Clean Air was chosen for its sustainable properties. The BREAAM and LEED compliant paint removes 45% of the formaldehyde present from the air, helping to ensure the building was fit for purpose from the very start of the project.

Meanwhile, the highly durable Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt was used in high traffic areas, helping to extend the building’s maintenance cycle, and ensure the perfect finish stands the test of time.

Marie Hosie, Architectural & Design Consultant at Crown Paints, commented: “We’ve been delighted to

supply our products to bring to life the latest Material Source Studio.

“The studios are vital spaces for architects and designers to come together, and contributing to these environments allows us to play our role in supporting this community, as well as the next generation of creative talent.”

Darren Clanford, Co-founder and Creative Director at Material Source, said: “Our latest Studio has been crafted to support the entirety of Scotland’s built environment community, and Crown’s expertise has been invaluable in helping us bring our vision to life whilst delivering a long-lasting and reliable finish.

“The importance of designing around what we are given is becoming even more crucial in the world of architecture and design, and utilising existing fixtures in the original building was an integral part of the design process for this project. We exceeded our original target of maintaining 50% of the building’s original fittings, and used quality products to bolster the interiors. This included selecting confident colour choices from Crown’s portfolio.”

The collaboration comes after the success of the Material Source Studio Manchester launch in 2021, which saw Crown’s products transform a vacant Grade II listed building into an inspirational hub for the region’s designers. n

To find out more about Crown’s specification services, visit www.crownpaintsprofessional.com/specification-services

To read more about Material Source Studio, visit www.materialsource.co.uk/studio/about

Ennedi Khaki

In the second of our Q&A series, Dillon Cilliers at Valspar Trade talk all about lasting durability and achieving a high-quality finish...

ACHIEVING THAT QUALITY FINISH

What goes in to a quality finish?

As a professional, you’ll want to achieve the perfect finish for your customers, every time, first time. A key part of this is choosing the right paint for the job; one that delivers a high-quality, consistent and smooth finish, without patches or lap marks. Opacity is also a key consideration, especially in the current economic climate – two coats should be all that is needed.

For more information visit www.valspartrade.co.uk

How is superior covering power achieved?

Paint formulations are generally made up of three main elements: the binder, pigment, and extenders which can influence the opacity, sheen and whiteness of a paint. When formulating for superior covering power, our technical teams will consider the level of extenders used in the formula and the transfer of paint from the roller or brush to the substrate. Obliteration testing is carried out in laboratory conditions at a set thickness according to ISO 6504-3:2019, part of a multi-series of international standards on paints and varnishes. This looks specifically at the hiding power of paints for both interior and exterior usage across multiple surfaces.

What about the spreading rate?

Just as important as the paint’s hiding power, is its spreading rate. Defined by ISO as the surface area that can be covered by a given quantity of coating material, resulting in a dried film of requisite thickness, the spreading rate is integral to determining the hiding power or coverage ratio.

Additives can help the paint to spread and self-level when applied to the substrate, eliminating unsightly brush strokes and enabling the paint to go even further.

What about picture framing?

Commonly known as picture framing, lap marks occur when cutting in, due to both the difference in applicator (i.e. switching from brush to roller) and drying times, with the existing paint coat difficult to manipulate and blend with the new wet layer.

With lap marks being particularly tricky and time-consuming to remedy, it is best to opt for a paint that is formulated with an extended wet edge time. This can provide you with a longer window of opportunity to finish an entire surface, repair any irregularities and help to deliver that perfect finish.

What assurances can I offer customers regarding durability?

There’s nothing quite like a freshly painted interior. However, life can often get in the way, especially in a busy home, where the potential for spills, knocks and scuff marks are everywhere. While such incidents are perhaps unavoidable, they can be countered by using a paint that is both stain resistant and scrubbable, making it able to stand up to the test of time.

Scrubbability, or the measure for resistance to mechanical abrasion, is broken down into five classes according to EN 13300, with Class 1 having the highest wet-abrasion resistance. Hence, a Class 1 Scrub.

What do Valspar Trade offer?

At Valspar Trade, our focus is on making life easier for you. With a dedicated and experienced research and development team, we offer a game-changing and expertly formulated range of high-quality trade essentials. Our Tough Matt and Vinyl Matt products have undergone extensive ISO testing to ensure they stand up to your expectations, delivering on opacity, covering power, durability, scrubbability and ease of application. n

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Designed for wellbeing: Tools that offer more than a perfect finish

As decorators strive for perfection in their craft, they need tools which don't just elevate their work, but which also safeguard their wellbeing. Sarah Coussens at Hamilton Decorating Tools explores some of the ways to reduce the strain, for a high-quality finish that doesn't compromise on decorator health... short-term impact on productivity and job completions, failure to consider RSI can also shorten careers, leaving many in a difficult position before they can retire.

So much focus in the decorating industry is on the end product, delivering a finish to be proud of and that the customer is pleased with. However, with so many factors contributing to the job – from tools and paint, to preparation and the work environment – one of the elements often overlooked is the wellbeing of decorators.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is one of the most common complaints, with painting and decorating often listed as one of the most ‘at-risk’ careers. Completing repetitive tasks - often at awkward angles and up ladders - can take its toll, and it is easy to see the impact of ill health, particularly for self-employed decorators. Apart from the

Alleviating pressure

There are ways for decorators to mitigate the risk and the potential impact by reducing the strain as they work. It largely comes down to tool choice, with a number of practical steps that tradespeople can take. Extension poles are a simple way to help ensure an even distribution and alleviate pressure. DIYers may often just ‘get on with it’ rather than getting the right tools for the job, but professionals understand that cutting corners could cause long-term damage.

Ergonomically designed rollers also support the wrist, such as Hamilton’s Prestige Goliath frame, which has a 90° angle in the wire to help evenly distribute pressure. A good quality double-arm frame roller has the same effect, distributing pressure to both sides of the tool. Any repetitive movements with a brush or roller are liable to cause injury over a long period of time, so it is important to understand how different tools can affect users too.

Stubby handled brushes are designed for cutting-in, while sash and angled brushes have longer handles to aid precision painting and reach. Decorators should make sure they are using the right brush for each specific job because a flicky brush, or one that is too long or too soft, could cause pain. Some brushes can also be very heavy, and when there is in-balance (for example a heavy head of filaments with a light handle) it can lead to overcompensation during paint application. <

Innovation in products and testing

Of course, manufacturers are aware of these challenges and Hamilton places a huge amount of focus on product testing and development to further support decorators.

There’s a lot more that goes into designing a new premium paintbrush than many may consider. That’s why Hamilton has its own cutting-edge research and development base and laboratory facilities based in the UK and Sweden. We also work closely with decorators when designing products, making sure that they are tested extensively in real life situations, from the initial prototype stage through to final product design.

Handle type is one of the biggest areas in which we can reduce pressure for decorators. This will always come down to preference and it is impossible to have something that suits all, but Hamilton’s Perfection range has a varnished handle made from FSC® Certified wood that is traditionally shaped, offering excellent control and comfortable use.

Like all of our tools, they are tested on the job by decorators, over an extended time period, with a variety of paints. This level of in-person testing is vital to gather feedback from real life situations and help shape development.

Other wellbeing considerations

Of course, RSI is not the only wellbeing consideration for decorators and it is important to keep raising the issue of mental wellbeing in particular. One study commissioned for Mental Health Awareness Week last year by Ironmongery Direct and ElectricalDirect showed that 72% of UK painters and decorators experience mental health problems due to work. Decorators should also mitigate respiratory risks from dust, debris and paint fumes, and take action against the threat of slips, trips and falls. Simple steps such as using a paint kettle instead of stepping up and down the ladder will help to reduce risks, as will careful use of knives and blades.

Through awareness, education and by taking practical steps to reduce risks and alleviate pressure, decorators can undoubtedly make progress to support their wellbeing in the workplace. Manufacturers will continue to support too, with product development, testing and advice. Our advice is simple; take time to understand the issues, choose premium tools that are fit for the job and reduce your risks. n

Spray Machines have taken the decorating world by storm in recent years, with many decorators choosing to down their traditional tools in favour of something that sets their decorating apart from the rest… But what is all the fuss about?

Rise of the Sprayer

Redefining efficiency

It’s no secret that with a paint sprayer, you can cover a much larger area than a traditional brush or roller in a fraction of the time. This allows you to cover extensive areas with ease including large domestic properties or even larger commercial premises.

Paint sprayers evenly distribute paint as well, reducing the need to spend time creating an even coat with a brush or roller. What could take hours with a brush would take a paint sprayer minutes to achieve.

This is also likely to attract customers. Knowing that they can enjoy a refreshed space in a fraction of the time would greatly increase the likelihood of a new client.

Let’s Talk Money

Time equals money, so if you’re saving time with a paint sprayer, you’re also keeping costs down. An efficient application process allows for more jobs to be completed, which in turn increases your revenue.

With everybody feeling the pinch in today’s climate, the money you can save with paint spraying can be passed onto your customers, giving you a competitive edge with even more earning potential.

But isn’t paint spraying costly?

Yes, it is an investment that’s for sure. However, paint sprayers have been designed to stand the test of time, using durable materials and cutting-edge technology to ensure you only buy once.

Head into your local Brewers Decorator Centre or get in touch with one of their dedicated team on 01323 576101 to find out how they can support you and your business.

When calculating return on investment, you need to consider how much you save in time and labour costs as well as the scope of jobs you can now take on with spraying equipment. You might find that the machine pays for itself in just a few jobs.

You can also help increase the longevity of your machine with regular maintenance. Machines should be professionally serviced at least once a year (much like a car) to maintain operational performance. Speak to your local Brewers store for more details.

Masking up and spraying

It’s true that you do have to spend more time masking up, but this will reduce once you become more confident with a paint sprayer. There is also a fantastic range of masking products on the market that will make the process 10x easier.

Becoming ‘the gold standard’

As a nation, we love great service. Don’t underestimate the value great service can add to your business and how this service can be enhanced when using spray machines. They can mean less time spent on site, noise reduction, odour reduction and avoids the general upheaval decorating can cause clients.

If you have a spray machine, turn this into a unique selling point for your business, highlighting the benefits of spray to your customers and allow them to see the incredible service you can provide them.

Take on any exterior decorating challenge

Exteriors can cause a lot of decorating headaches, often facing peeling and flaking surfaces or mould and mildew stains. It’s important to ensure that essential prep work is undertaken before painting outdoors, not to mention dealing with the great British weather.

The Zinsser range includes high-quality, tried and trusted paint products specifically designed to solve any exterior decorating problem, so you can be assured that you have exactly the right product to get the job done.

Features & benefits of B-I-N® AQUA

• A full surface exterior primer

• For use on wood, brick, concrete, aluminium, uPVC and more

• Water-based, low-odour and trace VOCs (<0.1%)

• Kinder to your brush, easy soap and water clean-up

• Offers excellent adhesion – without the need to sand

• Touch dry in 25 minutes, recoatable in 45 minutes (2-hours for stain blocking)

• Perfect for priming previously stained or varnished timber and coating old gloss

• Tintable to pastel and mid tone colours

What makes a high-quality exterior paint?

• Reliability, saving both time and money in the long run

• Durability, a product that will endure come rain or shine

• Weather-resistant paint that stands up to unpredictable British weather

• Longevity, so there’s no need to keep returning to the job

Primed for perfection

The essential first step of any exterior decorating project, finding the perfect primer will provide you with a longerlasting, better protected surface and overall stronger paint adhesion. Primer, sealer, stain-killer B-I-N® AQUA is a groundbreaking, water-based alternative to Zinsser’s staple product: B-I-N®. However, unlike its shellacbased counterpart, B-I-N® AQUA is not limited to spot application outdoors and is a full-surface, exterior primer.

“As B-I-N® AQUA is fully water-based, it’s a lot kinder on your tools than the original version,” says Mike Gregory, of

Decorators Forum UK, “flow is brilliant, as is opacity, so less coats are needed. This, along with its rapid drying time, means Zinsser B-I-N® AQUA really speeds the job up.”

The only full surface, knot blocking primer in the Zinsser range, B-I-N® AQUA aids adhesion, blocks tannins and stops knot bleed, working brilliantly on cedar and redwood, as well as other exterior surfaces such as brick, concrete and uPVC. When working outside requires a stain blocker and adhesion primer in one, B-I-N® AQUA fits the bill perfectly. >

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Stop peeling paint. Fast.

Peeling or flaking paint can be an absolute nightmare, especially on wood, as it can expose the bare timber and cause the surface to degrade even further.

The ultimate primer for peeling paint, Peel Stop is a clear, bridging and stabilising sealer that offers the perfect solution for flaking, dusting or chalking surfaces. Peel Stop forms a flexible and breathable acrylic film over

Features & benefits of AllCoat Exterior

• Offers supreme protection to all exterior surfaces

• For use on wood, metal, masonry, plastic, concrete, cladding and more

• Excellent colour retention

• Resistant to mould and severe weather

• Long lasting finish—up to 15 years

• Recoatable in just 1 hour

• Tintable to any BC, NCS or RAL colour through the appropriate tint base

Features & benefits of Peel Stop

masonry, timber, plasterboard and more, sinks into faulted substrates and sticks down the edges of the paint to prevent further peeling.

As an added bonus, Peel Stop also acts as a primer for bare masonry, wood and plaster too.

Peel Stop has a unique water-base that gives it a lightning-fast drying and recoat time, while offering easy soap and water clean-up that’s kinder on your brushes.

• Binds peeling, flaking, dusting or chalking paint

• Glues down cracks and gaps under edges of old paint

• Extends the life of problem surfaces

• Dries in 1 hour, recoatable in 2 hours

• One coat application on most substrates

• Water-based formula for easy application and soap & water clean-up

Keep mould at bay

Due to the typical British weather, excess levels of moisture can easily cause mould to form on exterior walls, as algae thrives in damp conditions. Other than looking unsightly, mould is a serious problem that not only poses health risks but can even damage a building’s structure.

AllCoat Exterior is a multi-surface, mould-resistant paint that flows effortlessly, provides great adhesion and offers excellent resistance against

cracking, blistering and flaking. For use on outdoor surfaces such as wood, metal, plastic, concrete, masonry and more, the ultra-durable finish is specifically designed to stand up to severe weather and contains a biocide to protect against fungal degradation*.

Simply get rid of existing mould with a suitable mould killer, then apply two coats of AllCoat Exterior to stop mould taking hold and keep surfaces looking brand-new.

* Once dried the paint film is classed as a treated article and contains the surface biocide 2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one 0.06%, Diuron 0.15% & Zinc Pyrithione 0.06% by weight.

Choosing a complete roller system

Having the right tools and accessories will help professional decorators maximise their productivity as well as create a high-quality finish. Here, Andy Cummins at Purdy, explains the benefits of a complete roller system and what to look for when choosing this essential bit of kit.

While it may be tempting to mix and match different products, such as using roller sleeves and frames from different manufacturers, there are advantages to investing in a complete roller system that has been designed to work together. This includes sleeves and frames for different applications, extension poles, paint buckets and trays. Products that have been designed to work hand in hand will make work easier and more streamlined, in turn improving productivity. However, it is important to look carefully at the system to choose the right one, as each element can make a difference to the overall productivity. Firstly, professionals should look for a brand with a range of high-quality roller sleeves designed to meet different needs. A knitted sleeve with a longer nap length will pick up and release more paint meaning the roller needs to be reloaded less often and the job will be completed quicker. Where the smoothest finish is needed, a high-quality woven sleeve is ideal. It is always worth looking for a brand that offers the same sleeve constructions in different sizes to allow a uniform finish across the whole area. For example, Purdy Colossus and White Dove sleeves are available in 4.5- and 6.5-inch versions for intricate areas, as well as in 9-, 12- and 18-inch options for covering large walls and ceilings.

The right roller frames and extension poles can also improve productivity. There are adjustable frames available that allow a range of different roller sizes to be used. This makes switching between roller sleeves quicker and easier, which will boost productivity, especially on large scale jobs. In addition, choosing a system that includes lightweight frames makes handling the roller easier, especially when connected to an extension pole. Extension poles is another area where not all products are alike. While it might seem like a small issue, a connection mechanism that allows the roller to be swiftly attached and removed from the pole will help minimise wasted time. Across a large job, this small time saving soon adds up. Also, with the right complete roller system, the extension pole will be compatible with all frames from the smallest to the largest.

It is also worth considering other accessories that can help maximise productivity. Large volume, dual roll off paint buckets for example, allow two people to work efficiently using the same paint. Liners designed specifically to fit the bucket can also help you switch quickly between colours if necessary, and choosing a bucket with a compatible lid means paint can be kept in the bucket overnight or between coats, eliminating the time-consuming process of decanting and refilling.

The simplicity and efficiency provided by a complete roller system from a leading brand will minimise wasted time and help professionals get the job done quicker. n

Time is money

Zego, specialists in van insurance, conducted a poll to determine the average commute time for 10 high-demand trades in the UK. By comparing this commute time with the average salary of each trade, they unveiled the monetary value of time spent on travel.

The poll found that the average tradesperson in the UK travels 65.91 minutes

every working day, meaning it could cost up to £5,045 annually in their time.

For those who travel long distances between jobs, that cost could be much higher. This is particularly important when considering that many tradespeople don’t receive payment for their time until they have got to and completed the job.

Six tips to save thousands

1. Look for affordable van insurance

If you travel up and down the country, this will protect you if you are involved in an accident or even if your van is damaged or stolen on those trips. In some cases, accidents are unavoidable and often not your fault. However, claims-free driving does help to accumulate discounts. One year of no claims is around a 30% discount with this increasing the longer you drive claim-free.

2. Do the daily inspection

Before you set off, walk around your van and give it the once over:

• Ensure all doors are properly shut when leaving it unattended

• Check the tyres are at the correct pressure (do this when filling up if you are unable to do this daily) and there aren’t any visible signs of damage on your tyres

• Make sure anything in or attached to the van is secure

You should also do similar checks when in the van. If you notice anything at all, book it in to be seen as soon as possible to avoid any further risk. A recent report found that the average repair bill for an unexpected fix is around £600. This could be saved by your daily checklists and ensuring nothing goes unnoticed and, if you spot something, get it checked immediately.

3. Don’t skip a service

It’s tempting to miss a service, especially if you are busy, but as your van is your livelihood, it’s important to give it the care it needs. That means ensuring everything is running as it should, at least once a year.

Travelling between jobs could cost a decorator up to £4,895 every year - proving time is money on the busy roads.

Traffic is part and parcel of the job but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to cut costs with your van where possible and even improve your driving when stuck in traffic to avoid any costly fixes.

Costing upwards of £150, that one service could still potentially save you hundreds more by ensuring any issues are dealt with early.

If for some reason your van does need to go in for a repair, as part of Zego’s van insurance extras, you can get a replacement while yours is being repaired so you can keep working.

4. Keep it clean

Cleaning your van is essential for showing the branding on your van clearly, but also preventing the likes of rust.

If you are travelling each day, a good practice is to clean your van, at least, fortnightly.

5. Check your tyres

As mentioned earlier, you should check tyres daily and certainly before long distances, look for any bulges or splits or noticeable wear.

Check your tyres meet the minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, placing a 20p coin in the tyre grooves. If the outer band of the coin can be seen, your tread depth may not be at the legal minimum, and you could be fined a staggering £2,500 per tyre and receive three points on your licence.

6. Don’t run your fuel down

Keep your tank around halfway or just above a quarter to prevent any damage to the fuel pump. The cost of replacing one can hit over £1,000, depending on the model and age. Continually runing your fuel down, increases the likelihood of this needing to be replaced. n

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I have been decorating on my own for the last ten years, and since starting GRB Interiors, I've been on a mission to expand my knowledge and skills to learn the most effective ways to achieve high standards of painting and decorating, and my passion for the trade continues to grow.

The project I'd like to introduce you to here is an exterior restoration project I completed in south west London...

Project / — Masterclass

The details matter

This was my first exterior job of 2024, and despite the unpredictable weather that can hinder any exterior work, I managed to time the work well and complete it without delays. Unless I can’t help it, I much prefer working on a safe and secure scaffolding platform to working off a ladder. This is safer and enables you to work more efficiently, as everything needed can be taken up and is within reach whenever it’s required. Experience has taught me to plan my exterior projects carefully, for example, keeping sheltered areas such as well-covered front doors, enclosed porches etc, in reserve just in case the weather should turn.

Above:

With scaffolding providing a safe and stable working platform, all surfaces then were thoroughly prepared by raking out cracks and any loose stone.

By Gary Burton from GRB Interiors

This Victorian semi-detached property was in much need of attention. The paint on the masonry window sills had failed, which I removed in preparation for filling. There were several cracks in the joint of the sill where I used Metoset Concrete Repair. The product comes in a 2-in-1 tube, or two separate containers to be mixed as instructed. I then used a combination of Zinsser Peel Stop and Toupret Touprelith F Masonry Repair Filler to skim the cill.

Once filler is sanded down, I personally like to use two coats of Peel Stop to prime due to its breathable, binding properties, prior to applying any paint.

Right:

The incredibly poor original state of the window surrounds, broken profiles and large joint gaps.

Below:

Cracks were filled, and repairs made using Metoset and Toupret fillers. Everything was sanded down before applying two coats of Zinsser Peel Stop and finally Johnstone’s Trade Stormshield for a superb, smooth finish.

Using the other mouldings as a guide, lost details were recreated using using two different Toupret fillers.

Much of the masonry profiles had fallen away and failed due to the period of time left since it was last redecorated. Once I removed the defective masonry and vacuumed the area to be dust-free, I built the foundation of the repair with a Toupret Rock Solid Exterior Filler, followed by Touprelith F Masonry Repair Filler on top to achieve the final profile to match the existing original areas. I use this as my final filler, as it is very user-friendly and easily sands down.

Once fully cured, the ‘new’ corbel was protected with Johnstone’s Trade StormShield.

As shown in the panel above, the detail on the decorative corbel above the front door to the left-hand side had crumbled away. This also required rebuilding to match the remaining profile using the combination of fillers.

I used the Rock Solid to build up the general shape of the repair, applying it by hand and shaping it using a variety of clay pottery sculpting tools.

The final coat of Touprelith F was smoothed out with a damp paintbrush. This was quite a time-consuming process to get right, but once it was completed, I was happy with the outcome.

The key to most repairs when attempting to match original shapes and features is to ensure it remains in keeping without standing out, or looking ‘too new’. Blending in unnoticed is the desired goal.

The brickwork was redecorated using Dulux Trade Weathershield and Johnstone’s StormShield in brilliant white on the other masonry work and profiles.

After the door was repaired using Repair Care Dry Flex 4. It was then redecorated in Farrow & Ball ‘BlackJack’, with Sikkens Satura white finishing the door frame and surround, and finally all the furniture was replaced with new to complete the full renovation. n

Gary Burton is passionate about painting and decorating, is always on the lookout for tools and products, and increasing his skill and knowledge. See more of his work on Instagram @grb_interiors or X/Twitter @TheOfficialGRB Or visit his website www.grb-interiors.co.uk

Cleared of previous paint layers, it was evident that many of the details had been lost.

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HMG Paints

HydroPro online

HMG Paints Ltd are updating and relaunching its performance coatings with the launch of its new HydroPro range of products, the first of which are available on its easy to use online shop.

Aimed at professional painters and decorators HMG HydroPro has been designed with the trade in mind. The water-based range features easy application, quick dry and overcoat times combined with superior opacity and coverage all formulated using HMG’s unique colourant and base system.

The range of HydroPro products is to include Garden Paint, All Purpose Pro, Floor Paint, and Masonry with others to follow. Full information on products including preparation, application, and pricing is available online. Ordering is straight forward, orders placed before midday UK delivery timeframes of 3 - 5 working days. Basic information for each product, including coverage, drying and recoat time and available finishes accompany each item, plus there’s helpful additional advice for the professional user readily available via the site’s knowledge base or online live chat.

Mirka

DEROS II and DEOS II

Mirka is upgrading its DEROS and DEOS orbital sanders with a long-life electric motor that delivers 20 per cent more sanding power to make light work of demanding jobs and heavy applications.

The Mirka® DEROS II and DEOS II feature a new visible LED indicator that makes it even easier for the operator to adjust the sanding speed and there’s a new on/off button and lockable speed function.

Operator comfort continues at a high standard, as the brushless electric motor is smooth-running with a low noise level, reducing stress when sanding for longer periods. For monitoring vibration levels, the smart, user-friendly tools are compatible with the myMirka app through Bluetooth® technology.

As well as ergonomics and ease of use, the hallmark of the Mirka sander range is compatibility with dust-free sanding. Combine the DEROS II or DEOS II with a Mirka dust extractor and start sanding with dust-free abrasives for a safer and healthier working process thanks to efficient on-tool dust extraction.

www.mirka.co.uk

Dulux Trade Stain Block Matt

Dulux Trade Stain Block Matt has recently been reformulated to offer improved opacity, whiteness and a matter finish. The upgraded 2-in-1 primer and topcoat will allow decorators to achieve even better results for their customers, now with same time-saving benefits and valued Dulux Trade quality.

Stain Block Matt can effectively treat stains caused by water-based and solvent-based inks, crayon, biro, coffee, grease, scuff marks, water and nicotine. As well as preventing stains from spreading, it also helps to seal and bind friable, dry and powdery surfaces such as plaster, brick and distemper. It also retains its sustainability credentials by being 99.9% VOC free. This means that it has a reduced impact on indoor air quality and a lower carbon footprint, helping meet customer demands for more sustainable solutions.

www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk

GEAR GUIDE

BoSS QuickPod

WernerCo has launched BoSS QuickPod, the UK’s most compact and lightest low-level mobile podium for a range of applications. The foldable podium has been developed in line with customer feedback and designed with easeof-use at the fore. Not only does the new design allow for the removal of parts making the podium quick to set up and easy to fold and close, but its compactness, at a weight of just 28kg, also makes it a great choice for those looking for a podium that is quick to transport on and off site.

Both designed and manufactured in the UK in premium quality aluminium, BoSS QuickPod, is certified to the latest BS8620 standard and offers a range of features that prioritise the user’s comfort and safety, such as a self-closing safety gate and guardrail, and doublebraked wheels. The podium delivers a durable, hard-wearing solution suitable for use in a variety of applications.

Boasting folded dimensions of 1.94m x 0.85m x 0.27m for ultimate compactness, the podium also offers a platform dimension of 0.55 x 0.59 and a standard working load of 150kg.

www.bossaccesstowers.com/uk

FLEX Giraffe GE 6 R

The new FLEX GE6R carbon composite wall and ceiling sander is the lightest Giraffe of all time from FLEX. Making easy work of even the toughest sanding tasks, the unique, lightweight GE6R has been developed by professionals to guarantee perfect surface sanding results. At just 2.8kg, its new inline design ensures it is perfectly balanced, with unparalleled ergonomics for fatigue-free ease of use over extended working periods.

The specially designed sanding head has a 160-degree pivoting range, giving great flexibility and adjustment, and features an innovative backing pad, adapting to each surface to deliver excellent operational feel.

The GE6R offers smooth, quiet and vibration-free running. An electronic speed control allows for the incremental adjustment of the advanced brushless motor, and with the extension accessory, the device can extend to a full 50 centimetres, reaching even very high ceilings or walls.

www.flex-tools.com/en-gb

Maverick Series X and S

As the boundaries dividing tools for the qualified and the unqualified decorator blur more than ever before, the nation’s best decorators have good reason to feel disillusioned and yearn for better. Born from a need to protect the profession, Maverick delivers exceptional work solutions to every pro driven to perform at their best. Limits are the enemy.

Maverick’s launch was marked with the recent release of the revolutionary Headlock Pro® Roller System and accompanying Series V roller covers.

Headlock Pro’s patented cartridge technology maximises productivity and reduces mess by locking roller covers securely to its frames and cleaning attachment during use and features rapid pinch release. Enhancing application speed and finish, Series V’s compatible covers boast durable polyamide microfibre pile for long-lasting performance.

Now, Maverick is upping the game once again with its latest two launches: the iconic Series X and Series S brush ranges. Advanced in every way, Series X is for decorators committed to being the best of the best.

Its sleek, ergonomic design features a matt black oval aluminium ferrule bonded to a contoured beechwood handle.

Suddenly, all other brushes look very ordinary. At the performance end, Memex® advanced filaments

Maverick Headlock Pro Roller System

Maverick V Series Roller Covers

> retain form longer, maximise productivity, and taper further for the finest finish. Series X goes beyond perfection and puts ultimate all-round performance in the palm of your hand.

Series S pushes limits, answering the call of decorators who value their time and work to a higher standard. Series S features patented Twista® filament technology. Unlike all other filaments, Twista filaments have a helictical ridge profile for greater paint pick-up and a more gradual release. Form meets function with a refined black stainless steel ferrule and a

longer beechwood handle. Series S works for you with class-leading productivity and finesse.

Maverick is sold by leading retailers faithful to supplying the best decorators. Distributed in the UK by Coral Tools Ltd., Commercial Director Tyrone Rigg says: “The greatest athletes don’t compete using mediocre equipment, they insist on superior tools that help them perform at their best. Maverick embraces this competitive spirit and puts serious tools in the hands of pro decorators”.

Maverick is more than outstanding decorators’ tools. It’s a mindset. Choose to gain a significant advantage; follow @beamaverickpro on social and learn more at the website.

maverickpro.com

20 Dulux Select Decorators were consulted during development and gave their verdicts:

“Lovely product, well built. I can see the product lasting a long time.” - Alan Kingscott of award-winning Royal Warrant holder P&S Timbrell Decorators

“Cutting-in was a real pleasure. The pick-up and release of paint was exceptional.” – Georgie Baker

“The brush performed very well in all aspects of applying materials.” - Scott Oliver

“Cuts into ceiling line and wall corners with emulsion superbly.” - Steven Luxford

Maverick Series S

Maverick Headlock Pro Roller Cleaner

Maverick Series X

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Manchester-based paint manufacturer HMG Paints Ltd is one firm whose products literally cover everything, although people may not be fully aware of just how prolific their coating ranges are...

HMG Paints HydroPro range

Widely used in the industrial, defence, automotive, agricultural and hobby sectors – everything from trucks to tanks and buses to containers – although not so well-known, HMG Paints Ltd also produce a wide range of decorative products.

HMG’s own technical department have been working to produce a range of superior products designed and formulated predominantly for the trade, using their own unique colourants and base system to offer excellent coverage and obliteration. These are to be soft launched over the next few months under the HydroPro name.

The first of these, HydroPro Garden Paint, made its debut last month, providing the market with a superior product formulated to penetrate and protect while allowing the natural grain and texture of timber to show through on fences, sheds, and other garden structures along with application to terracotta pots, concrete and cement.

Aimed at the professional

But the word from HMG Paints’ Manchester HQ is definitely ‘watch this space’ with other HydroPro products being launched over the next few months, including All Purpose Pro, Floor paint; Masonry paint; to name just a few in what is clearly an impressive menu of decorative products to come.

“We are planning to introduce these throughout 2024 and inviting professional applicators to try them out,” says HMGs James Burton, “we are also looking to expand our decorative distribution and think the HydroPro range will prove an ideal introduction to HMG Paints.”

Initial launch will be through HMGs own website, where products are showcased with full product information and you can order in a range of popular colours.

Online Advice

Online advice will also be beefed up with a series of video Q&A opportunities for the professional painter and decorator.

With all its products HMG Paints has been keen to emphasise the company’s green credentials. Packaging is derived from recycled materials and customers are urged to take advantage of the fact that, once finished with, the packaging should be recycled again.

https://shop.hmgpaint.com

HM Paints is a family firm that has been in the paints business for 90 years. It has grown from humble beginnings to become the UK’s largest independent paint manufacturer with outlets across the country and product sold around the world. All the company’s products are manufactured in Manchester and are Made in Britain accredited.

Superior protection in a great range of colours.