The Professional Painter & Decorator – Winter 2024

Welcome to the winter edition, with advice, techniques, information for the professional decorator, and the roundup of the latest and updated products in our marketplace section.

We explore the key colours and design trends for 2025. Dulux invites decorators to incorporate yellow into projects with the optimism of True Joy™ selected as its Colour of the Year for 2025. Look out as customers may ask for ombre walls or double drenching to get the on-trend looks!

Knowledge is power, and helpfully, Brewers have a roundup of multi-surface paints, each with unique characteristics to deal with various challenges. Zinsser outlines its essential products, with paints and primers, that are designed to deal with the issues of problematic surfaces, such as knots, peeling paint, stubborn stains, or mould growth. In addition, Mathieu Nesme from 3M offers expert guidance on choosing the best masking tape for your project.

If you want to get organised, Andy Cummins, Senior Product Manager at Purdy, outlines some useful storage solutions specifically designed for professional decorators. We also look behind the scenes at how Hamilton Decorating Tools incorporates rigorous testing to continue to build on their legacy of producing top-notch decorating tools.

In one of his latest projects, professional decorator Gary Burton takes us through the methods and products he uses to restore original skirtings, architraves, doors, and unique spindles.

Don't hesitate to get in touch and share your own experiences and projects with us at ppdeditorial@saintpublicity.co.uk

We would love to hear from you!

Catherine Saint, Editor

National trade fair opens its doors soon

Too good to miss!

This year’s P&D Show on 19 and 20 November promises to be a cracking experience for decorators with hundreds of new products from around the globe, money-off deals that won’t be found elsewhere, and topline presentations from experts in law, safety and sustainability.

Amazing offers, prizes, samples

Major stockists will be tempting visitors with some amazing offers, and of course there will be goody bags, free samples and some fantastic prize draws worth literally thousands of pounds. It’s also a great way to network with fellow professionals and to be ahead of the game with all that’s new to the market.

You’ll find plenty this November to make your day offsite really worthwhile.

Business boosters

PAINTING AND DECORATING NATIONAL SHOW

The two in-hall Spotlight Theatres will feature presentations from suppliers demonstrating the practical advantages of their products, some entirely new to the market, plus bite-size sessions on business development including:

• Legal experts Merkel on how decorators can navigate employment law and the impact of changes in employment contracts.

• Going Green – does it make commercial sense for decorators? Mat Marek of Groni Ecological Decorators, will be explaining how embracing the green agenda works for him.

• Ladders – what are you buying? Looking at the availability of substandard and potentially dangerous ladders in the UK.

• Preparing, Painting and Sealing a Concrete Floor – There’s big business to be had in factories and industrial units and experts Watco look at the technicalities and methods.

• Spray Painting – what’s the latest? Ian Crump of PaintTech Training Academy will lift the veil!

3M promote safety from air borne particles

3M supported Cheltenham Paint Festival by donating health and safety products to ensure artists were appropriately protected from air borne particles while creating their artwork at the event. The festival saw more than 160 world-renowned street artists come together to transform 100 locations across the town by painting, spraying, or drawing murals to create an inspirational outdoor gallery.

Artists were provided with a range of professional equipment by 3M, including the new Quick Latch Respirator to protect them from the airborne particles associated with spray painting, brush and roller painting, and orbital and manual sanding, as well as 3M PRO masking tapes to help create their artwork.

Richard Davies at 3M said, “The Cheltenham Paint Festival is a fantastic event, but with all eyes on the impressive creations, we must remember the risks to the artists’ health from air borne particles

such as paint and dust if they’re not protected in the right way. We’re pleased we could work so closely with the event organisers to ensure respiratory protection is on the agenda for all artists, and hope they continue to prioritise it in their future projects.”

Andrew Davies, organiser of the Festival, said, “The artists all give their time for free,

to work on this significant and internationally cherished project. A key priority for us is always the artists’ health and safety, so to be able to provide them with such high-quality safety equipment, and tools that help bring their paintings to life, makes a huge difference to what we collectively achieve.”

www.3m.co.uk n

Bradite handpicked for orchard mural

BRADITE ONE CAN has been used to create an expressive mural at a Kent farm where a famous local tipple is produced. Nightingale Cider uses locally-grown apples to brew an impressive range of drinks that can be found in pubs, bars and restaurants around the UK.

Company boss Sam Nightingale agreed to a suggestion from neighbour, graphic artist Anthony Burrill, to use the side of a barn for an unashamedly positive message. Burrill enlisted the help of Many Hands Studio, and together they transformed the austere rural building with the message ‘YES!OK!’ in a double layer of six foot letters, using Bradite One Can.

“We chose One Can because of its durability and because it is water-based. It was also appropriate in what is basically an industrial setting,” said Many Hands Studio’s Luke James, “The tranquil setting is a stark contrast to the vast majority of our murals which are painted in urban environments.”

The mural forms part of the annual transformation from barnyard to tap room as Nightingale opens to the public for selected weekends during the Summer. To celebrate the artwork, Nightingale has produced a limited-edition cider can design. www.bradite.com n

The Paint Shed go Outrageously Orange

The Paint Shed ditched all the colours to Go Outrageously Orange for a week of fundraising for charity partner Maggie’s. Staff and customers raised an incredible £5,195 and The Paint shed matched this, to total an amazing £10,390.

Michael Rolland, Managing Director says, “Our goal was to raise awareness of the charity and allow colleagues to embrace and express what Maggie’s and cancer means to them as individuals. All colleagues really got behind the week showed great character and personality. I am delighted with how much we raised in such a short time and look forward to the event next year.”

Cristina Pouso at Maggie’s said, “We were thrilled with how much The Paint Shed managed to raise in such a short time. We rely on the kindness and generosity of our supporters to pay for the services we deliver.”

Find out more at www.maggies.org n

Dulux to offer ebike delivery

IN ITS UNWAVERING commitment to delivering exceptional service to its customers, Dulux Decorator Centre has expanded its delivery options. Building on the company’s already robust Rapid delivery service, and taking customer feedback on board, DDC is introducing an e-cargo bike service at two stores to provide London-based customers with a fast and efficient option that promises to deliver within just 90 minutes.

In partnership with Absolutely, a same day courier service, the new delivery service utilises e-cargo bikes to provide a practical solution for Londonbased professionals that are looking for speedy deliveries. The bikes can beat the London traffic and ensure decorators get the supplies they need quickly and conveniently, without having to leave a job.

The Absolutely e-cargo bikes also offer a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to traditional delivery vans, and are ideal for high-density, short-distance jobs, such as those found in the UK’s capital. ULEZ compliant, and with zero emissions, the e-cargo bikes ensure decorators and painting contractors can choose a more sustainable delivery option – helping them to meet their own sustainability goals, all while being able to complete jobs more efficiently.

Duncan Lochhead at DDC says: “We understand that fast and reliable delivery is crucial for decorators and contractors across the country. In busy city centres like London, it is important to source solutions that can beat the traffic and ensure supplies arrive quickly and conveniently, whilst avoiding the need for decorators to down tools.

“We also know that our customers are becoming increasingly environmentally concious, with many seeking more sustainable solutions for their operations. That’s why we are delighted to announce our new e-cargo bikes.”

www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk n

Supporting The Tarner Community Project

THE BREWERS FOUNDATION were delighted to be able to support The Tarner Community Project with the donation of Albany Masonry Paint and sundries for their public arts workshops and event mural projects which are held twice per year for the entire community.

Tarner Community Project is a charity based in Tarner Park, Brighton, dedicated to

supporting the local community and providing all year-round activities for children and young people. With OFSTED good accreditation, they offer a caring, inclusive service. Healthy living and wellbeing are at the heart of everything they do with an emphasis on physical and outdoor activities.

A major part of the community offer at The Tarner Community Project is to hold

two annual day events for the entire community. These intergenerational, public events are planned in full by their dedicated youth advisory board and regular young people alongside staff.

Completely funded from grant giving organisations, they run a full programme of cultural, arts, music and sports activities all for free on both event days. These enriching days see a footfall of over one thousand people at each event and are the cornerstone and annual celebration of their offer to a diverse community.

These days allow Tarner to celebrate and support their local cultural, arts and sports organisations as well as offer unique learning and play based opportunities to one of the most deprived wards of Brighton. Here is just one of the murals created and it looks absolutely incredible! n

We are boosting sustainability by switching to eco-friendly materials in our products, without sacrificing performance or raising costs.

This innovation reduces environmental impact while maintaining the same trusted quality you rely on.

You can now choose products that not only perform perfectly but also contribute to a greener planet—sustainable solutions, no compromise.

certified paper

Recycled masking paper

Consumer Recycled content

Two years of Stepping Up

TWO YEARS ON from the launch of its Stepping Up to Safety campaign, Werner and BoSS, leading access equipment specialists, are marking the date by reminding professionals of the dangers of mixing and matching access tower components.

Launching in 2022, the Stepping up to Safety campaign offers professionals a series of safety guides and practical advice for working at height. In just two years, the campaign has reached thousands of professionals, with its main aim being to help tradespeople feel more confident when approaching jobs that require working at height.

Guides include: An Employer’s Guide to Working at Height; Choosing the Best Ladder for the Job; and How to Inspect your Ladders, with new additions being introduced this year to mark the two-year milestone. The new guides include A Guide to Ladder Terminology, A Guide to Tower Training and A Guide on the Dangers of Mixing and Matching Access Tower Components.

The European Product Standard for towers (EN1004 -1:2020) which confirms the safety requirements, materials, design loads and dimensions that mobile access towers should adhere to, states that it is not the components that are approved according to the standard but the overall tower structure, which is comprised of the components. Therefore, mixing component brands can lead to a non-compliant access structure.

Given that, fatalities in the workplace are up from 123 to 135, according to the Health and Safety Executive, it is essential that professionals adhere to best practice when building and using access towers, especially as 40 of those incidents were directly related to falls from height.

Justin White, Managing Director for ProDriven Global Brands UK (formerly WernerCo) parent company of Werner and BoSS, says, “Following research Werner conducted, we found that almost half of professionals had safety concerns when working at height. To help remedy this Werner introduced the Stepping Up to Ladder Safety campaign, two years on, we are pleased to see that this campaign continues to gain positive feedback.“

Once a common sight in British landscapes, disease has made Elm a rarity, but its scarcity and distinctive characteristics make it a highly sought-after material for decorative finishes.

While the heartwood of elm is often overlooked, its unique properties and historical significance warrant attention...

Go with t he gr ain

Elm is an extraordinary wood in its variety. Some of it could be compared to Ash and North American Elm is like Ash on drugs. British Elm tends to be delicate and a bit blurry at times… Sort of like wood that has been smudged. My reference for this piece was Wych Elm which originates from the woodlands of Scotland; renowned for its robust nature and beautifully curved branches, it has delicate figuring and a mix of gold, green, red and black tones as well as the normal browns.

Base Coat

I have used a very pale off white acrylic eggshell here, but you could use a richer tone such as BS 10B15 or even 08C35.

The nearer the basecoat is to the end colour, the less layers, so the less work you will have to do, but the less depth you will achieve… So I base my concept of what basecoat to use on the budget available.

Once the basecoat is dry, degrease it because even acrylic eggshell can be slightly greasy. I degreased using Fullers Earth powders but if you don’t have that to hand some washing up liquid will do.

Stage 1

This stage has been carried out in a beer glaze – using stale stout mixed 1:3 with water and I used gouache to colour it –a little raw sienna and burnt sienna. While there isn’t a super obvious fleck in Elm, there is some underlying texture so using a flogging brush I initially textured it and then using the badger swept up and out firmly. Using an overgrainer and a pencil writer I dipped into the coloured beer glaze I drew it over the surface to create a soft suggestion of grain. The beer glaze wets up with this process and gently softening in one direction (upward in this instance) leaves a hard edge and makes the grain distinct.

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

Stage 2

I now moved to an oil glaze. The oil glaze is a mix – first make a traditional oil gilp from 1 part raw linseed oil to 3 parts white spirit and add 10% terebine driers. To this mix add 30% Osmo Polyx Oil Varnish. Apply the clear oil glaze all over the panel – then I sketched in the shapes using artists oil colours. I used Burnt Umber. I then used a mottler to work through the darker sketched-in colour to create the movement and shape it before softening with a badger brush. Once the glaze had set up a little I used a gradiated rubber come to create the bottom heartwood and the side grain, and then used a pencil writer to draw in the key darker tones

Stage 3

The final stage is to overgrain. Once dry apply clear oil glaze all over and then tone the panel using colours Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, and also added a touch of Venetian Red. I used the mottler to soften it out and shape the glaze, so it followed my previous work and added depth. Once again, I used the overgrainer, dipped into the oil glaze to create some regular grain in the heartwood and the pencil writer to define my grain and and add in more detail like little knots. A final soften with the badger and I cut the tops grain lightly with a metal comb before finishing. Once dry I completed the work with a semi-gloss varnish. n

The term ‘ombre’ originates from the French word meaning ‘shaded’ or ‘graduated’, and it has become popular in various design and fashion contexts, including hair colouring, textiles, and interior design.

James Mellan-Matulewicz, Creative Director at design brand Bobbi Beck, shares his top tips when it comes to adding ombre to your walls.

An expert guide to Creating an

In the context of an ombre wall, the colours usually transition from light to dark or vice versa, creating a visually striking and aesthetically pleasing effect. The transition can be subtle or more dramatic, depending on your preferences and the specific design of the room. Ombre walls can add depth, dimension, and a unique focal point to your living space, making them a popular choice for accent walls, bedrooms, living rooms, and other interior areas.

as most would think and can be a bit more fun than putting up wallpaper. However, it can be limiting from a design perspective as it’s practically impossible to get smooth gradients and tricky to blend multiple colours. Paint is therefore recommended if you’re looking for a more rustic finish in a single hue.

Wallpaper on the other hand offers much greater variety when it comes to design. As the design is a nonrepeat, you would be buying a mural, which are typically made custom to your wall size and sold by the square metre or square foot. However, murals are relatively simple to install and don’t differ too much from installing standard rolls of wallpaper.

Styling tips for choosing an ombre wall

There are three main things to think about when choosing an ombre wall design; colour, direction and texture. From a colour perspective, the options are almost endless, but some ways to break it down are;

A single hue, with a gradient from light to dark. This is good for more minimalist schemes where you don’t want too many colours, but want something more interesting than just block colours on the wall. The gradient from dark to light could be subtle or dramatic depending on your preference.

Two hues blended together is a great way to integrate a coordinated colour scheme into a room in an interesting and unique way. The possibilities are endless with this so it’s just about choosing colours that compliment each other.

While most people think of one or two colours with ombre walls, there’s no reason you can’t go for even more colours. There will of course be a limit with how many colours would work well together, but if you’re looking for something more interesting, then why not go for a multicolour option.

When it comes to the direction of the gradient, the most popular option is to have it vertical. It’s more

common to have the darker shade on the bottom and the lighter shade on the top, but reversing this could offer something more interesting.

For something even more unique, you could have a horizontal ombre, with the colours blending from left to right or even a diagonal gradient. Vertical gradients can work well in rooms with low ceilings as it can help give the impression of extra height. Horizontal gradients help when you’re trying to encourage a sense of motion, like hallways, landings and walkways.

Finally, the last thing to consider is texture. While the focus for an ombre wall is colour, adding some texture or graphic detailing to the design can help take it to the next level.

You don’t need to stop there. You could achieve an ombre effect while integrating a more literal design into the space, like a gradient forest or mountain mural. n

Bobbi Beck’s ombre wallpaper collection can be found at www.bobbibeck.com/wallpaper/ombre-wallpaper/

Dulux unveils its Colour of the Year

Dulux is asking decorators to embrace yellow and infuse a sense of optimism, pride and imagination into their projects. As a guiding light to introduce these bold, positive shades to clients, the paint manufacturer has announced True Joy™ as its Colour of the Year for 2025, which is complemented by three versatile ColourFutures™ palettes.

Over the last two decades, the Dulux Colour of the Year has been chosen through extensive trend research by Dulux colour experts and international design professionals. The 2025 selection, True Joy™, is a bright and positive yellow that reflects people’s desire to break free, reset, and create something new and exciting.

As well as embracing True Joy™, Dulux has created a Decorator Guide which includes mood boards that can be used to help clients to leap out of their comfort zone - and feel confident in doing so.

Dulux is also proud of its ongoing efforts to produce durable solutions in a more sustainable manner. By focusing on reducing carbon emissions and increasing the circular use of materials, Dulux ensures that products like True Joy™ not only enhance spaces aesthetically but also contribute to a greener future. Using up to 70% recycled content in packaging and developing paints with lower VOC content, Dulux is dedicated to helping professionals create beautiful, sustainable environments. n

True Joy™ can be used as a bold statement colour or an accent hue.

Bold Colour Story

Inspired by the thrill of adventure, these bold colours bring spontaneity and energy to any space. Bright blues and oranges contrast beautifully with yellow, making them ideal for education and office environments where inspiration and creativity are key. In the home, they are perfect for home offices or children’s play areas.

Human Colour Story

These shades are inspired by raw materials used in handmade processes, including wood and clay. These colours make people feel grounded and connected and can be used for both building interiors and exteriors alike. They add a touch of authenticity and warmth that is perfect for living spaces, as well as education and healthcare settings.

Proud Colour Story

Drawing inspiration from diverse cultures around the world, these deep, rich and earthy browns and greens celebrate the rich heritages that make us unique. Ideal for the hospitality and residential sectors, its deep blues and browns are perfect for creating a welcoming atmosphere throughout the home where everyone feels rooted.

Over the past couple of years, Little Greene has seen the Colour Drenching design trend being used to transform spaces, radically changing the way in which colour is used in the home.

Introducing Double Drenching

For some, Colour Drenching has been a big step change, moving away from a more typical, traditional use of colour in a design scheme.

This use of ‘drenching’ or enveloping a room with a single colour across walls, ceiling, woodwork and skirting has proven to be a real confidence booster, opening the door to new ways of using colour in the home.

Perhaps a bold but relatively easy step to take, Colour Drenching simply requires the choice of a colour you like, and the confidence to paint it everywhere. Occupying a more sophisticated space is a more nuanced approach, offering both a creative opportunity and a point of difference which is a natural progression, evolving the colour drench aesthetic and taking it further.

‘Double Drenching’ is the name Little Greene has given to dramatically transforming a space by painting two or more related colours on all available surfaces to achieve an even more accomplished ‘wow factor’ in a room.

This new approach is a way to confidently embrace and combine colours that might not typically be seen and used alongside one another in a single scheme.

Traditionally, tonal variations of a single colour are used to achieve a harmonious look, perhaps three strengths of a neutral shade being used across walls, woodwork and ceilings.

With ‘Double Drenching’, the variation is in hue rather than strength, so the colours might be as bold as each other and from the same family, but they carry different undertones.

FIDDES FULL STOP H2O Water/Acrylic based, anti-mould, stain-stopping primer sealer.

Permanently blocks stains and odours in just one coat

Seals porous surfaces, locks in odours, increases surface adhesion and accepts all oil, water based and acrylic top coats.

Greens at different ends of the spectrum, such as a bluish green used alongside a yellowish green on different planes within a space, for example.

Taking reference from colours that are near or next to one another on the Little Greene Colours of England Colour Card (rather than the tonal shades above or below), we see colours such as ‘Hopper’ juxtaposed with ‘Citrine’, ‘Mid Azure Green’ alongside ‘Deep Space Blue’, and ‘Tivoli’ with ‘Blue Verditer’ and ‘Woad’.

Because these new double-drenched schemes are built on strong shades, they offer the chance to embrace a stronger palette in other elements of the room, adding an unexpected feature colour on furniture, upholstery and accessories. This style of decorating is all about embracing the power of colour, there is no room for white ceilings or skirting here!

With Little Greene’s Intelligent Paints now being truly multi-surface finishes, ‘Colour Drenching’ and ‘Double Drenching’ are now even easier, and more economical, as it is now possible to paint almost any surface from a single tin without the need for primer.

Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director Little Greene says, “It’s always fascinating to see how colour confidence and the use of colour changes over time.

“The understanding of the effect of colour on the atmosphere of a space is something that has grown exponentially over the past few years.

“Since first introducing the ‘Colour Drenching’ approach back in 2021, we have seen customers move away from traditional schemes to embrace deep and mid-tone hues from floor to ceiling and everything in between, creating really engaging, inviting spaces.

“‘Double Drenching’ is an expansion of this colour confidence, taking the concept into a highly creative, sophisticated and nuanced approach to decoration.” n

Royal Navy™ 257. Smalt™ 255. Dock Blue™ 252. Hopper™ 297. Citrine™ 71. Dark Brunswick Green™ 88.

Bronze Red® 15. Arras™ 316. Mushroom™ w142.

The future is biodegradable

Allpack’s sustainable PaintGuard™ fitments

The painting and decorating industry is witnessing a significant shift towards sustainability, as consumers and businesses alike demand greener products and solutions. In response to this growing need, Allpack Packaging Ltd, a leader in innovative packaging, has introduced its Sustainable PaintGuard™ Fitments, an eco-friendly breakthrough designed to transform how paints and coatings are stored, protected, and transported. This advancement presents a powerful opportunity for the painting and decorating sector to adopt sustainable practices without compromising on product protection and quality.

The Challenge of Sustainability in Packaging

For decades, the painting and decorating industry has relied heavily on plastic packaging to secure and protect paints and other liquid coatings during transit. These materials, while effective, contribute to the escalating problem of plastic waste. With stringent environmental regulations and increasing consumer awareness of sustainability issues, there is a pressing need for alternatives that reduce the environmental footprint while maintaining reliable performance.

This is where Allpack's PaintGuard™ fitments and boxes come in. Made from 100% recyclable and biodegradable materials, these fitments represent a significant leap forward in packaging innovation for the industry.

What Are PaintGuard™ Fitments?

Allpack’s PaintGuard™ fitments are designed to protect paint containers during transportation and storage, ensuring that paints and coatings arrive in perfect condition, free from contamination or spillage. These sustainable options are fully recyclable and decompose more rapidly than conventional alternatives.

These fitments work seamlessly with a variety of container types, ensuring that both water-based and oil-based paints, primers, and varnishes remain intact and free from exposure to environmental elements that could degrade the quality of the product.

Key benefits for the sector

By switching to biodegradable and recyclable materials, the painting and decorating industry can significantly cut down on its contribution to landfill waste and lower its carbon footprint. This aligns with industry efforts to adopt greener practices and meet regulatory requirements focused on reducing environmental harm.

While sustainability is a top priority, the pulp fitments do not compromise on performance. They provide superior protection to traditional options, safeguarding paint products from damage during transit or storage. Whether protecting against leaks, contamination, or impact, these fitments ensure that your products reach their destination in pristine condition.

The new fitments are also designed to be lightweight, offering cost savings in terms of shipping and handling. Reduced weight means lower fuel consumption during transportation. The customisable fitment designs also allow for easy integration into existing packaging systems without significant cost increases.

By adopting PaintGuard™ fitments, businesses in the painting and decorating industry can ensure they are compliant with existing and upcoming regulations surrounding packaging waste, positioning themselves ahead of the curve, and actively communicate their commitment to the environment, helping to attract environmentally conscious consumers and partners.

Customisation for diverse needs

Every business has unique requirements, and Allpack recognises this. Whether you are dealing with large-scale paint supplies for industrial use or smaller quantities for retail consumers, Allpack’s sustainable solutions are flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of packaging formats.

Contact Allpack to discuss how the PaintGuard™ fitment system and boxes can enhance your packaging process and help reduce in-transit damages and returns by calling 01543 396888 or email sales@allpack.uk.com www.allpack.uk.com/paintguard n

As well as looking for a paint that applies easily, looks great and stands the test of time, colour is also key. But what is the secret behind a vibrant and long-lasting colour? Dillon Cilliers at Valspar Trade, explains all…

THE SECRET OF PERFECT COLOURS

As well as being nice to look at, colour can have a very real impact on our mood, emotions and well-being, influencing how we feel and use a space. Used correctly, it can enhance the mood of a room and even make a smaller space appear larger.

Whether your customer desires a bright and bold look or a calmer, more neutral effect, colour is an opportunity to reflect their personality and create their own individual interior scheme. As a result, it’s important to get the colour just right!

Vibrant and long-lasting colour

There are four components that make up all paint formulations, with the pigment being the key to achieving a bright and true colour. A finely ground particle, it is the pigment that provides the whiteness, colour, coverage and bulk of paint.

There are two main types of pigment: prime and extender. Prime pigment gives the paint its colour or whiteness. One of the most valuable examples is Titanium Dioxide, the predominant white pigment in high quality paints.

It disperses light efficiently and so provides exceptional whiteness, as well as a high level of opacity. Due to it being one of the most expensive pigments available, while 90% of paint products will contain it, cheaper paints will often have lower proportions to keep costs down.

Extender pigments, such as clay, silica, calcium carbonate and zinc oxide, help to control the level

of gloss and affect performance characteristics, such as scrubbability.

As well as the pigment volume concentration (PVC) being key, it’s also about the quality of pigments used. At Valspar Trade, the pigments we use are cleaner and finer, creating a truer colour and allowing for easier application

Ensuring a perfect colour match

When it comes to colour matching, it’s all about the technology, spectrometer and database used, as well as the strength of the colourants.

As well as 2,000 pre-selected colours, Valspar Trade offer colour matching technology that can match a sample as small as your fingernail, with 2.2 million shades on our database and 16 super-strength colourants in TradePoint’s mixing machines.

What do Valspar Trade offer?

With a dedicated research and development team, we’re proud to offer a game-changing range of high-quality trade essentials, expertly formulated to make achieving the perfect finish easy. A key part of this is the colour.

We only use the highest quality colourants and our colour-matching and mixing equipment is the best in class, resulting in a truer and purer colour match that is 99% accurate.

M u l t i Surface Paints

Multi surface paints are designed for those difficult jobs where time is of the essence, and each has its own unique set of characteristics to make sure you get the very best results. All water-based, and although primarily used for exterior use, many can be used for interior use as well. All options come in a range of ready mixed colours and can also be tinted in your local Brewers Decorator Centre to a wide range of colours.

Bradite OneCan

• Self-priming and stain blocking.

• Can be applied to wood, metal and plastic.

• Can be applied to previously painted surfaces.

• Can be applied to stains such as water damage, knots, smoke, tannin bleed, rust and nicotine.

• Low VOCs.

Zinsser AllCoat

• Self-priming.

• Can be applied to wood, metal, plastic, masonry and concrete.

• Can be applied to previously painted surfaces.

• Resists cracking, blistering and flaking.

• Contains a biocide.

Bedec MSP

• Self-priming.

• Can be applied to wood, metal, plastic, masonry, and concrete.

• Flexible micro-porous coating.

• Can be applied to previously painted surfaces.

• Resists cracking and flaking.

Bedec Barn Paint

• Can be applied to wood, metal, plastic, masonry and concrete.

• A flexible, micro-porous coating.

• Can be applied to previously painted surfaces.

• Resists cracking, blistering and flaking.

• Fast drying.

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.

Tackle any decorating problem

Knots, peeling paint, stubborn stains and mould growth are just a handful of decorating challenges professionals can face on a job. When decorating difficult interior surfaces, it’s essential to carry out proper prep work and have the right, high-quality product that’s up to the task.

The Zinsser range is a decorator’s tool kit, with paints and primers designed specifically to combat any decorating nightmares, so you can rest assured that you have the best specialist product to tackle the problem head on.

Features & benefits of B-I-N® AQUA

• A full surface interior and exterior primer

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

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

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

• Offers excellent adhesion

– without the need to sand first

• 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

Which problem-solver do I need?

• Knots and tannin bleed

– primer-sealer, stain-killer, odour blocker B-I-N® AQUA

• Flaking and peeling paint

– flexible bridging sealer Peel Stop

• Water, smoke, nicotine and other stains

– stain-killing primer-sealer Cover Stain

• Mould and mildew

– mould-resistant paint PermaWhite

Knots and tannin bleed

When painting wood with knots, it’s important to seal the knots and sap streaks properly, as these natural imperfections can cause issues if not properly treated. Found in common types of wood such as pine, cedar, and redwood, dense and resinous knots can lead to staining, bleeding and uneven paint adhesion, so it’s crucial to seal them with a reliable primer.

Primer, sealer, stain-killer B-I-N® AQUA is a groundbreaking, water-based alternative to Zinsser’s staple product B-I-N®, and is 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 surfaces such as building boards, door frames and uPVC. >

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Peeling walls and ceilings

Flaking paint can be a common problem when renovating a bathroom or kitchen, as high levels of moisture, humidity and poor ventilation can cause paint to quickly deteriorate. Applying paint over soap scum can also cause problems with paint adhesion too, which is why proper preparation before applying any paint product in these areas is essential.

The ultimate primer for peeling, flaking, dusting or chalking paint, Peel Stop is a clear, bridging and stabilising sealer that tightly bonds old paint and problem areas, forming a sound surface for new paint. The tough acrylic paint film stays flexible to prevent peeling, which allows moisture to escape. Simply sand the surface to remove any loose or flaking paint, and wipe away leftover dust, before spot priming the scraped or sanded areas with Peel Stop.

Suitable for a variety of surfaces such as previously painted drywall, plaster, baseboards and trims, Peel Stop is water-based for easy soap and water clean-up while offering a fast recoat time of just two-hours.

Features & benefits of Peel Stop

• Binds peeling, flaking, or chalking paint

• Glues down cracks and gaps under edges of old paint

• Extends the life of problem surfaces

Mould and mildew

Mould growth is a widespread problem which not only damages buildings but can cause serious health effects such as asthma attacks, allergic reactions and respiratory infections. Caused by excess moisture and poor ventilation, mould is especially common in areas with persistent high humidity, frequent temperature changes and poor air circulation.

Zinsser’s range of top-notch, mould-resistant products combine to form the ultimate solution for stopping mould in its tracks. First, simply clean the area with Zinsser Universal Degreaser and Cleaner, get rid of existing mould with the Mould Killer and Remover and allow to

dry. Next prime with water-based, primer-sealer B-I-N® AQUA, to expertly block water, mould and mildew stains and provide a barrier against all types of odours. Allow two hours drying time before decorating with a topcoat of Zinsser PermaWhite.

PermaWhite is the perfect choice for high humidity areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms as it’s mould-resistant and contains a biocide to protect the paint film from fungal degradation. The specialist formula is scrubbable, moisture-resistant and designed to resist cracking, peeling and blistering for up to seven-years, saving both time and money in the long run. n

• Dries in 1 hour, recoatable in 2 hours

• One coat application on most substrates

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

Features & benefits of PermaWhite

• Self-priming, mould-resistant formula

• Biocide protects against fungal degradation

• Resists cracking, peeling and blistering for up to seven-years

• For interior use on new or previously painted plaster, drywall, cement and more

• Scrubabble, moisture-resistant finish

• Water-based, low-odour and trace VOCs

• Tintable to any BC, NCS or RAL colour

To key to great organisation

For those who constantly move from site to site, having an easy means of organising and transporting your tools is the key to hassle free jobs. Andy Cummins, Senior Product Manager at Purdy, takes a look at some useful storage solutions, specifically designed for professional decorators.

Having to transport all your gear back and forth from the van is not only time consuming but also tiring. A well designed storage solution will not only reduce this wasted time, but ensure you’ve got everything you need and that it’s easily accessible, as well as providing a great first impression when arriving at a customer’s house.

A go-to for many is the trusty toolbox. Not only can you transfer all of your tools in one go, but they normally include allocated sections to keep everything neat and tidy. Previously, there weren’t any storage boxes designed specifically with professional decorators in mind, with most only having space allocated for small brushes and accessories; however there are now larger stackable options available with space for paint cans, roller sleeves and power tools.

Toolboxes such as the Purdy Painter’s Storage Box have allocated spaces for all your tools, plus useful features such as a wet brush and roller cover bin, unique brush storage hanging bars and two extension pole holders. It also navigates stairs and other obstacles effortlessly and is IP65 rated to keep the content clean and dry on dirty sites. For smaller jobs, decorating backpacks are also available, designed with weather resistant fabric to store and protect professional painting tools, whilst being easy and comfortable to carry to and from site. Purdy Painter’s Backpack features storage spaces for prep tools,

extension poles, roller frames, sleeves and brushes. It also includes a removeable no-mess wet pouch for transporting wet tools, and an external USB connector. Good discipline on site isn’t just about keeping your tools organised. Taking proper care of your brushes and rollers also pays dividends.

Check the manufacturer’s guidance on how to clean and store brushes and rollers. Ideally after applying water-based coatings, brushes and rollers should be washed immediately with soap and warm water, however for dried up paint, hot soapy water should be used. It is important to never soak the brushes or let water seep into the base of the filament to avoid damage.

Using a brush cleaner allows you to work quickly and efficiently to get all the paint out of the brush, to maintain its quality. It is best to look for a brush cleaner with a comb incorporated, to work into the bristles and remove all the product. The Purdy Brush and Roller Cleaner also includes a scraper, so you can remove the excess product from roller sleeves and put it back in the paint tin, in turn saving money and being more sustainable. n

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More and more decorators are relying on masking tape to achieve crisp lines, save time on cutting in, and reduce touch-ups. But not all masking tapes are the same, and selecting the right one can make a big difference in the quality of the final outcome.

Mathieu Nesme at 3M offers expert guidance on how to choose the best masking tape for your project...

Picking the perfect tape

The first step in choosing the right masking tape is understanding the substrate. Rough surfaces need tapes with stronger adhesion, while smoother or newly painted surfaces require lower-adhesion tapes to avoid damage during removal.

Top manufacturers provide a wide selection of masking tapes tailored to different surfaces. However, one key point to remember is that tape colours can vary between brands—green in one brand might not have the same properties as green in another. Always check the packaging to ensure you're using the correct tape for your specific needs.

Tape choice matters... Buy a tape specifically suited to the substrate.

laminate. They can also be applied externally on materials such as brick or metal trims, ensuring a precise finish in tougher conditions.

Achieving a quality finish

The finish and complexity of the project should also guide your tape selection. For high-contrast colours or areas where sharp, defined lines are needed, precision tapes are the go-to. Made from thin washi paper, these tapes provide razor-sharp lines on smooth or lightly textured surfaces without causing paint bleed.

It’s also helpful to have a versatile, multi-surface tape on hand. This type of tape is ideal for general indoor or outdoor projects where precision isn’t as critical. Choosing the right tape is only part of the process; applying and removing it correctly is just as important for a flawless result. When applying the tape, press firmly along the edges to prevent paint from bleeding underneath. After painting, remove the tape slowly and at a 45 to 90-degree angle, pulling in the direction of the tape to minimise the chance of lifting the paint or damaging the surface. A slow, steady removal is crucial to avoid pulling off materials like plaster.

For smoother or recently painted surfaces, delicate surface tapes are ideal. These tapes offer just enough adhesion to create a clean edge without harming the paint underneath. They're safe for use on materials like painted plasterboard, walls, wood floors, vinyl-coated wallpaper, veneers, and cabinets—sometimes after as little as two hours of drying.

For rough, porous, or uneven surfaces, rough-surface tapes are a better choice. These are designed for both indoor and outdoor use on substrates like unfinished hardwood, carpet, marble, slate, stone, cement, and

If you notice that paint is pulling up with the tape, or cracking along the paint line as you remove the tape, score along the edge of the tape with a razor blade before removing. This breaks the seal between paint and tape, ensuring a cleaner line and easier removal. n

Green and blue for THE ORANGE TREE

An independent restaurant group has opened the doors to The Orange Tree in Congleton, with an eye-catching colour scheme made possible using Crown Trade.

Parogon Group launched their tenth new restaurant on West Road in the former Cheshire Tavern, complete with a deep, rich colour palette in keeping with the period property, thanks to Crown Trade and Interior Designer’s IMD & Associates Ltd.

Lisa Power and her team at IMD worked closely with the expert commercial colour studio team at Crown to transform the historic Grade 2 Listed Building in Congleton into a stunning contemporary venue, whilst maintaining its classic character.

The colour scheme for the project breathes new life to the iconic space with Georgian glamour created by deep, rich blue and emerald green shades for the walls in the main rooms. Strong white was used for ceilings, doors and window reveals to contrast against the deeper tones and accentuate the original features. >

A blush tone in the leather and fabric furnishings is also used, and together with the timber parquet floors, bringing a beautiful balance of cool and warmer shades in the scheme. Set over two floors, the design for the 4500 sq ft space maximises its potential, creating a sophisticated, vibrant and unique setting for customers to relax and socialise.

Due to the high traffic environment of the venue, Crown Trade Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt was specified. A stain resident paint that can withstand regular and rigorous cleaning whilst offering a high colour saturation, it was ideal to give the finish needed, with the confidence that it would stand the test of time.

Kathryn Lloyd, Colour Consultant at Crown Paints said: “We worked closely with Lisa to create a striking colour palette that brought the restaurant to life, whilst maintaining the building’s fabulous character.

“With thousands of paint colours in our portfolio –we could easily match the perfect shades that would embrace the venue’s Georgian charm – and they were all applied in our highly durable Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt to extend the maintenance cycle.”

Lisa Power, from IMD & Associates said: “This was a really special project to work on. The Orange Tree oozes style and sophistication, so the colour scheme needed to perfectly compliment the iconic location.

“It was key that we were able to find the perfect shades of blue and green to reflect the brand’s unique vision – working with the Crown Trade team allowed me to do this with ease thanks to the vast array of colour choice.” n

www.crownpaintsprofessional.com

For my final article of the year, I thought we could look at a project undertaken at a Victorian semi-detached house in South London, where I was commissioned to redecorate the hall, stairs and landings. A real pleasure to work on...

Peeling back the years

Project / — Masterclass

By Gary Burton from GRB Interiors

When quoting for the work, I noticed the original ornate mouldings on the ground floor, and having recently stripped back a ceiling rose on a previous project, I offered my client the option to have theirs restored, too. This was then added to the scope of the work.

I used Peel Away 7 to remove the paint layers, then picked out the final details with my clay pottery tools, the same way I demonstrated in the Spring 2024 issue of Professional Painter & Decorator. This was completed before I started the preparation work for the hallway itself.

This project is exactly the type of job I love to work on. Restoring beautiful original skirtings, architraves, doors and unique spindles and the finished in a spray finish with Farrow & Ball Dead Flat chosen to be used on the walls.

Each spindle was sanded back by hand using Gold Flex sanding pads, and slight imperfections were filled using Toupret ready-mix wood filler.

I’m particularly keen on this filler as it sands down effortlessly and is very user-friendly. The skirtings and architraves all needed the paint removed back to the bare wood to reveal the submerged details and grooves to be admired once again.

Here, at the bottom of the stairs on the ground floor, there was a repair that required resin to be applied once the woodwork was prepared. I used Dry Flex 4 from Repair Care to rebuild where the skirting and stair stringer joined together.

The original colour scheme was very similar, but years of coatings obscured small details on the staircase.

As shown in the ‘before’ picture (left), the spindles demonstrate how heavily they were coated in years of oil-based paint.

There were many cracks in the walls running up the stairs, which I raked out and filled the deeper voids with a combination of procedures using expanding foam, scrim tape, Fill-Flex from Toupret and Joint and Skim filler also from Toupret.

As standard practice, all of the walls and ceilings were sanded fully prior to decorating, followed by a good clean using my Dust Eater from Wooster, which attaches to the end of any roller pole with a screw thread at the end.

This was my first time using Farrow & Ball Dead Flat, and I have to say that I was highly impressed with the opacity and coverage of the paint. The colours my client chose were ‘Selvedge’ below the dado rail and ‘Dimpse’ above the dado rail – which would provide a classic and timeless look.

On the ceilings and ornate mouldings, I applied Anti Reflex 2 from Tikkurlia, and lastly, on the woodwork, I used Scuff-X from Benjamin Moore tinted in ‘Super White’ Satin Wood applied with an HVLP sprayer.

Once again, I’m thankful to my clients who appreciate detailed work, this is a project I thoroughly enjoyed. 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

Mirka DEROS II 750

Mirka UK is introducing the DEROS II 750 orbital sander incorporating a 175mm sanding pad to enable quicker and flatter sanding of large surfaces. It has a 400W motor and variable speed control from 6,000 to 9,000 visible with LED indicators. The DEROS II 750 is supplied with an edge protector, designed to fit easily and will prolong the lifetime of the backing pad as it helps prevent damage to the periphery of the pad.

Pete Sartain, the national sales manager for Mirka UK’s Industrial division, remarks, “Mirka® DEROS II represents the latest advancement in our line of orbital sanders, which are engineered to enhance tool performance across multiple industries. Despite being engineered for more extensive surfaces, this sander maintains the original DEROS’s hallmark features of being lightweight, ergonomic, and easy to handle.” www.mirka.com/en-gb/

Coo-var

Suregrip Aqua

Coo-var are introducing a new formula for their Suregrip® line of anti-slip floor paint. Suregrip Aqua maintains the exceptional anti-slip properties and durability of the original Suregrip while offering the added benefits of being quick drying, having low odour and low VOC Emissions. Perfect for those seeking both safety and efficiency in their floor coatings, the new Suregrip ensures a highperformance, durable finish with reduced environmental impact.

www.coo-var.co.uk

Wallpaperdirect Timothy Wilman Home

Wallpaper Direct have launched Timothy Wilman Home, an exclusive collaboration that brings sophisticated and timeless wallpaper designs to your space. The five exclusive collections bring stripes and plaids, damasks and florals with an American flare and a British sense of home.

Creative Director and Founder of SkentchTwenty3, Tim Wilman, has over four decades of experience within the luxury interiors market and has truly honed his craft as shown through the creation of the brand. Tim’s love for the industry began and grew as an apprentice specialising in hand painted wallpaper, continuing his career through the Parisienne luxury industry. Here Tim worked alongside top design houses along the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, supplying lavish artworks to the most exclusive companies that provide designs for the likes of YSL and Christian Dior. Tim’s passion for quality design and craftsmanship is apparent in the details of the wallpaper designs within the five new collections.

www.wallpaperdirect.com

GEAR GUIDE

Festool SYS-AIR Air Purifier

The new Festool SYS-AIR uses a powerful, two-stage filter system to comprehensively clean the air. This means that the smallest dust particles and other pollutants end up in the air purifier, and not in the lungs. This results in less cleaning effort, a cleaner environment and, ultimately, better air quality.

A special main TripleV filter is available in dust class M and H, and creates a particularly large filter surface. This means the filter takes longer to become clogged, and therefore lasts longer.

A flexible, six-metre-long hose can be positioned directly at the dust source for targeted collection, reducing the dispersion of dust particles.

www.festool.co.uk

Painter’s Pack™

Artisan

range

The new Artisan range from Painter’s Pack has been developed with tradespeople that require consistent quality products, that will not disappoint, at competitive prices. Designed to be different and easily RECOGNISABLE. Developed and tested in the UK using paints, stains, and varnishes available here. The Artisan Long Handled, Angular Semi ovals are again, developed in the UK, and fills a needed spot within our ranges. Special LAUNCH DEALS at P&D Show on Stand 30 – see you there!

www.ajsystemseurope.co.uk

PaintGuard™ Ultimate Paint Protection Range

PaintGuard™ is the new and secure way to despatch your tins and tubs of liquids.

Allpack guarantees the product is ‘UK Courier Approved’ to have no damages/ breakages/spillages or dented products during transit*.

Scan to visit the full PaintGuard™ range

*Terms & conditions apply.

Available for next day delivery

Mirka UK is expanding its extractor range with the introduction of the new M class DEXOS dust extractor, blending power and versatility to ensure users have a dust-free work environment.

Mirka DEXOS dust extractor

The Mirka® DEXOS 1217 M AFC is powered by a 1200 watt brushless electric motor, designed by the R&D team to be durable and to ensure dust is quickly and efficiently extracted. Alongside the power, the new extractor is versatile because it can handle both wet and dry applications as well as being compatible with multiple tool types. It also comes with two sockets with auto start capabilities. This feature ensures the dust extraction system activates simultaneously with the power tool, so any dust and debris is captured by the extractor as soon as the tool is in use.

To ensure the DEXOS can work for long periods without a break, it has automatic filter cleaning capabilities, which ensure consistent suction from the first use to the last. In addition, there is an integrated airflow sensor that provides users with real-time feedback on its performance via the MyMirka app, so they are aware of any deviations from the optimal flow rates of the tool.

The extractor’s ergonomic design makes it easy to handle and manoeuvre around job sites and its built-in storage space accommodates the 4 metre hose. It is also compatible with the Mirka case and toolbox as well as existing Mirka hoses. This enables users to have everything they require in one place. In addition, it has an easy-to-clean construction that ensures hassle-free maintenance as and when required.

One of the DEXOS’ innovative features is the Bluetooth-enabled remote control (sold separately) that is strapped around the dust hose and senses tool vibrations to start the extractor and offers the user two operating modes: auto sense and manual.

The extractor’s bluetooth connectivity also enables it to connect to the MyMirka app. Via the app, the user will be able to access numerous insights from air flow indication to a running time display and a hot PCB alarm. These insights provide the user with comprehensive monitoring of the tool, so it can perform at optimal level and users are aware of any issues.

www.mirka.com/en-gb/

SCANGRIP CONNECT

Compatible with leading power tool brands, SCANGRIP CONNECT worklights seamlessly integrate into your workflow, delivering powerful illumination for any painting task. With the latest CONNECT range, professional painters can now use SCANGRIP’s innovative and high-quality work lights even if they prefer a specific power tool brand.

The SCANGRIP CONNECT range is compatible with the Metabo CAS battery system and all other 18/20V battery packs from leading power tool brands by using a SCANGRIP CONNECTOR.

A unique CONNECTOR is available for each individual power tool brand, with built-in safety system to protect the battery pack and make it safe to use. The safety system features automatic discharge protection, overload protection and temperature surveillance which means you can use your battery pack again and again without it being damaged.

Simply mount the CONNECTOR to the CONNECT work light, attach your battery and you are ready to work.

www.scangrip.com/en-gb

AREA 6 CONNECT provides 360° illumination with a diffused and uniform light up to 6000 lumen, which is ideal for the painter who requires efficient illumination of the entire work area. This makes it possible for more people to work in the same room without the need for more than one lamp. Due to the compact and lightweight design, AREA 6 CONNECT is portable and easy to carry around. It is also supplied with a hook for flexible positioning and can be mounted directly on the SCANGRIP TRIPOD.

VEGA 4 CONNECT

The VEGA 4 CONNECT is a powerful LED floodlight designed for the professional user providing up to 4000 lumen. The LEDs produce a diffused and pleasant, non-blinding, uniform work light, with a large dispersion, perfect for painting and installation work where it is important to be able to see details.

It comes with an integrated carrying handle and a stand for tripod mounting which make it very convenient and easy to position the light where it is needed. The robust housing of the VEGA 4 CONNECT is made of a highly shock-resistant plastic material, perfect for a harsh working environment. It is also waterproof (IP54) and since the LEDs do not produce heat, there is no fire hazard when using the floodlight.

Visiting manufacturers and seeing firsthand how things are developed, tested, and brought to market is always an exciting experience for the curious. In July, Hamilton opened their doors for a site tour and we were there to get some insight to the development and manufacturing process...

Hamilton Commitment to quality

Hamilton Decorating Tools is a well-known British company that makes top-quality painting and decorating tools. With over 270 years of history, Hamilton is a trusted name in the professional decorating industry.

The company started in 1746 as Hamilton Decorating Tools and quickly established itself on innovations. Early patents for improving ferrules and fixings paved the way to establishing modern brush designs. Hamilton is now part of Orkla House Care UK and remains dedicated to quality, continuously adapting their products to match advancements in paint technology.

So, with water-based formulations, their range now adapts to the consistency of the paint flow. Clean Edge now replaces natural bristles to ensure smooth application and coverage, especially with thicker paint. While Max Stroke provides controlled paint release and a perfect finish, ideal for thinner paints.

We got to see firsthand the rigorous testing that ensures the quality of each brush measures up when using different paint formulations, alongside

experienced decorating professionals who got to try out the brushes and check how they performed. Although trade brand secrecy prevents us from revealing everything, we can confirm that their testing regime is rigorous!

On-site, they also manufacture the much loved ‘hammy’ roller, which definitely rolls off the production line with 50,000 manufactured per day. Every batch undergoes thorough quality checks at various production stages before being labelled and prepared for delivery. All this happens each and every working day from their premises in Bromsgrove.

Just a few of the 50,000 ‘hammy green’ sleeves that roll off the line each day, being manually checked for consistent quality.

It’s great to see a British brand with such a heritage and experience in manufacturing decorating tools. Every employee is dedicated to fostering innovation and ensuring the production of high-quality decorating tools.

So, Hamilton Decorating Tools continues to build on its rich history. At the core is their dedication to the values of quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction that have stood the test of time.

Hamilton Decorating Tools remains committed to excellence and customer satisfaction. Their legacy of producing top-notch decorating tools is a testament to their unwavering dedication to quality.

www.hamiltondecoratingtools.co.uk

Perfection range fulfils the needs of discerning painting and decorating professionals. It's a comprehensive portfolio of brushes, rollers, and tools for all applications, surfaces, and paints. For brushes, alongside traditional natural bristle, Hamilton developed innovative synthetic filaments designed for perfect finishes with today's paints. Their best-selling rollers use high-quality manufacturing processes, with fabrics chosen based on extensive testing. They're thermobonded to prevent unwinding, offer minimal spatter, and are easy to clean. Hamiltons highest quality decorating tools are built to last, aiding in surface preparation, protection, finish, and clean-up.

Prestige range allows painters and decorators to select from a distinctive range of great quality tools. This selection of brushes, rollers, tools, and accessories fulfils all decorating needs, allowing users to stock up their toolkits. Brushes combine the best materials with quality manufacturing, design innovation, and comfort, ensuring great pick-up, release, and a top-quality finish. Roller fabrics are thermobonded to the core, preventing unwinding, with minimal spatter, easy cleaning, and great coverage. This selection of decorating tools and accessories combines high quality, practicality, and comfortable use, featuring soft-grip handles, heavy-duty protection, and paint sundries.

Following extensive research into today's users, Hamilton discovered a large sector of multi-skilled trades seeking readily available, high-quality decorating tools. With 90% naming Hamilton as an aspirational, trusted brand, we've made dreams reality.

Hamilton For the Trade offers a simple range providing easy choice, including brushes, sleeves, frames, roller sets, tools, surface protection, and accessories. Brushes combine fine-tipped synthetic filaments and comfortable handles, while rollers give minimal spatter, great coverage, and remain easy to clean. A selection of tools, accessories, and surface protection complete this range, based on much-loved Hamilton know-how.

Stairway to heaven?...

Why put yourself or your workforce atrisk?

Exhaustively tested and approved for use by British Gas, innovative new StairRods

lock in position to ensure dust sheets stay put … making any work above stairs extremely safe every step of the way! FOR

Help protect carpets, runners and floors 14 easily extended rods per set

All rods lock in position for safety

The stair rods have a working range from 28” to 40”

Yorkshire-based Bartoline, the well-known decorating essentials company, has expanded its existing over the counter trade range, 1876 The Professional Range by a further 27 products, following its incarnation in 2022.

Bartoline 1876 The Professional Range

Continuing the same application in product development and reformulating competitively priced trade products, Bartoline’s supplementary launch focuses on repairs to exterior and interior surfaces, including coverage of extensive broad walls.

Tailored for decorators and the building trade, 1876 The Professional Range now broadens to 59 products, covering interior and exterior fillers, both powdered and ready-mix, white spirits, plaster skim, wallpaper adhesives, caulk and sanitary and frame sealants. Following demand, the expanded range also sees extra pack sizes added to existing products.

Bartoline will introduce two broad wall repair products – a leveller for small imperfections up to 2mm, and a smoother for surfaces with deeper imperfections up to 5mm. The pair will be quick and easy to use smoothing solutions and in effect, targeted for decorators without the requirement of sourcing a plasterer.

Commenting on the 1876 additions, Trade Account Director Rebecca Airey said, “Professional decorators and over the counter trade sales remain the target market for Bartoline’s 1876

trade range. For the builders’ merchant, 1876 The Professional Range establishes Bartoline as a single source for a comprehensive range of decorating supplies with all the efficiencies that provides.”

“We’re delighted to bring to market further choice with our new interior and exterior fillers. We initially launched with a core decorative offer for professionals. However, these additions offer another credible option when the shopper is seeking wall repair products that achieves high quality results.”

She believes the breadth and quality of the 1876 Range, along with Bartoline’s “competitive pricing, short supply chain, and ability to meet short lead times” will make the trade range expansion a continued success on the marketplace.

Newly appointed MD, Peter Sutcliffe added, “We have some really exciting innovations to bring through the Trade and DIY market over the next 18 months and we endeavour to continue answering demand and provide trusted results the end-user can rely on.”

www.bartoline.co.uk

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GO!PAINT is thrilled to announce their eleventh time at the P&D Show in Coventry on 19 and 20 November. This event is an excellent opportunity experience their latest innovations and expanded product range.

Go!Paint Experience the innovations

GO!PAINT has significantly expanded its range of professional painting tools to meet the evolving needs of the industry. GO!PAINT are always looking to improve their products in an innovative, sustainable way in collaboration with professional painters. One of which is the new 5-litre paint bucket, designed to increase efficiency and convenience on the job. They’ll also be showing new products and prototypes ready for feedback.

A comprehensive selection of scuttles and buckets are made of 100% recycled plastic. They help professional painters work faster, better and cleaner, and are available in Economy (5, 8 and 12 litres), and Professional Roll & Go lines (6, 10, 15 litres), including private labeling options, providing solutions for both budget-conscious and premium-seeking customers.

A superior painting experience

GO!PAINT liners are designed in collaboration with professional painters to help you achieve a faster, better, and cleaner painting process, ultimately saving you time and improving the quality of your work.

The steep liners have a perfect fit, prevent flaking and can be reused up to four times, even with different colours. GO!PAINT’s liners allow professionals to focus more on their craft and less on the cleanup, making them an indispensable part of any painter's toolkit.

Brushcare Solutions

In line with their commitment to sustainability, GO!PAINT is proud to highlight their biobased gel, which is rapidly gaining popularity as a perfect solution for environmentally conscious professionals. With this biobased gel you can quickly store your used brushes and keep them for months. Just simply wipe them off before using them again with the same colour paint. You no longer have to rinse your brushes and pollute water with micro plastics. GO!PAINT gel supports environmentally friendly practices, allowing painters to work more sustainably without compromising on quality.

www.go-paint.com

Visit GO!PAINT on stand 8 at the Painting and Decorating Show to discover how their expanded product range and innovative solutions can enhance your painting projects. Their experts will be on hand to demonstrate GO!PAINT products and answer any questions you may have, plus special show offers and limited editions that you don’t want to miss!

Three generations have ensured the Corona brand has become synonymous with top quality tools. Skilled craftsmen pay attention to all details of our brushes, to make them right for the very best of finishes. Taking pride in what we create, guaranteeing the finest tools for our customers.

“For hand painting kitchens, I always use Corona for a flawless, smooth finish.” Russ Pike, Hand Painted Kitchens

Brewers Graphenstone collaboration @

Graphenstone Paints have announced their recent new collaboration with Brewers Decorator Centres, to showcase its standard range of 96 ‘House’ colours and The Treasured Collection, a range of 16 colours inspired by artefacts from the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford.

As part of this partnership, Brewers are the first of Graphenstone’s distributors to launch the revolutionary new peel-and-stick patches. The new patches are made using 30% recycled materials and, by using tiny suction cups rather than adhesive on the backs, they are also 100% reusable and recyclable.

Each patch features a unique QR code, which, when scanned, provides the trade professional or customer with a full-colour explanation, recommendations for finishes, and additional application advice.

The new patches will make it easy for anyone to check what colour they want without having to buy expensive and messy sample pots.

Exeter, Lincoln, Leicester Freeman Common, Maidenhead, Putney, Surbiton, Trowbridge, and York, with a further branch-wide rollout planned.

This initiative will vastly reduce the amount of paint and packaging that is wasted. They will be available initially from Brewers in Abingdon, Barnstable, Cambridge North,

As part of its on-going business strategy, Graphenstone has also pledged to plant a tree for every peel-and-stick paint patch sold in a separate partnership with Switch2Zero, a leading company in sustainable technology solutions.

This innovative new store concept offers a, convenient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution for paint sampling in line with Brewers own sustainability pledges to decarbonise, consume less and eliminate waste across their organisation.

Graphenstone founder Patrick Folkes says, “Innovation has always been at the heart of our company ethos, and these new peel-and-stick swatches are nothing short of genius. Not only will it make life easy for anyone wishing to check what colour they want without having to buy lots of expensive and messy sample pots, but it will vastly reduce the amount of waste paint and packaging, and the stockist will save valuable storage space. It’s a win for the environment, a win for customers and a win for Brewers.”

Graphenstone has become one of the paint industry’s most certified sustainable brands. Its Purifying Paint ranges fuse traditional raw materials such as lime, calcium carbonates, and natural minerals with graphene, one of the planet's most robust inert carbon fibres. This combination results in a natural mineral-based coating with Class 1 durability – the ultimate in material innovation. Its unique formulations actively help to ‘purify’ the air by absorbing CO2 as they cure, with the majority absorbed within the first 30 days following application.

www.graphenstone.co.uk

www.brewers.co.uk/search?q=Graphenstone

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New products and a new look at P&D Show

Visitors to this year’s National Painting & Decorating Show are invited to Libéron’s stand to find out about how the company is investing in the brand and the whole woodcare category in general.

Professional painters and decorators have relied on the woodcare expert for many years in order to be sure of achieving the highquality results they want. Indeed, Libéron’s expertise dates back to when the company first began in 1912. Libéron is renowned for excellence in products such as dyes, waxes, oils and varnishes.

Now, a big advantage of the new packaging for end-users is the fact that each product area is newly colour-coded, which makes finding the products in stockists easier.

In addition, Libéron has expanded its range of formulations for outdoor application, investing in this part of the market in order to help drive it forwards with a comprehensive woodcare offer.

The company has also developed a new-look website, which is easier to navigate, and carries inspirational tips and advice alongside useful product information.

Libéron’s UK Head of Marketing, Richard Bradley, says, “The new branding helps to revitalise our woodcare offering, bringing the company’s image firmly into the 21st century.

It's been really important to us that we don't lose any of the trade appeal that we have garnered over the years. Trade users are still looking for the products they know and trust. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to our stand at the show so that we can show them the new-look Libéron brand and introduce them to our new exterior products.”

So far, investment in exterior woodcare has seen the launch of two new products, Superior Protection Woodstain and Superior Decking Stain. Both offer users genuine benefits that differentiate them from other available products. They join Libéron’s flagship decking oil.

Libéron’s new Superior Protection Woodstain requires only two coats with the first one dry after just three hours and ready for the second application. So, unlike most other comparable woodstains, the job can be completed in one day, which is good news for time management and therefore profitability. With an eight-year guarantee for outstanding protection it is ideal for outdoor cladding, window frames or doors.

With a quick-drying satin finish that enhances exterior timber, the new woodstain is smooth and simple to apply. Whilst being water-repellent, it nevertheless has a formulation that makes it microporous once dry, which allows wood to breathe.

With a non-drip formulation, the woodstain is suitable for most woods, hard and soft, new or old, and can be applied over most existing woodstains. Its formulation makes it flexible with wood movement. This great quality woodstain has UV filters, making it ideal for outdoor woods that are exposed to bad weather conditions or lots of sun. It is available in six colours.

Libéron’s new Superior Decking Stain is water-repellent, protects against damage from sunlight, looks fabulous and has a ‘biosourced’ formula. The biosourced formula, which includes vegetable oils and modified bio-based resins, reduces environmental impact but still maintains superior performance. Its protection against moisture and sunlight is long-lasting, the stain's water-based formulation includes anti-slip properties, it is easy to apply thanks to an excellent spreading rate compared to other available options, is quick-drying, and it produces a natural, semi-transparent finish once dry. It is offered in six colours.

www.liberon.co.uk

Albany AF1 Super Flat Matt Ceiling Paint

New from Albany paints is AF1 Ceiling Paint, a finish specifically designed for the ‘5th wall’ in the home. With this brand-new finish from Albany, you will be able to hold your head up high when painting ceilings thanks to its super flat matt finish and anti-flashing characteristics.

AF1 is a water-based coating for interior ceilings. The ceiling paint contains matting agents to help hide imperfections as well as brush or roller marks, giving ceilings a consistent, flawless appearance! It is available as a super flat matt with an ultra-low sheen and non-reflective properties to avoid any signs of flashing for the perfect finish.

The ultimate anti-flashing paint

Flashing is where, in certain lighting conditions or from certain angles, a painted surface appears to have patches of high sheen, producing an inconsistent finish. The non-reflective properties of Albany AF1 Ceiling Paint hides these patches by creating a super flat matt finish with no sheen whatsoever!

Perfectly suited for spraying

Spray decorating is the fastest way to create the perfect ceiling, and the larger tub size of Albany AF1 Ceiling Paint makes it ideal for thinning and spraying.

Features:

• Can be applied by brush, roller or spray.

• Covers up to 9m2 per litre

• Touch dry in 30 minutes

• Recoatable after 4-6 hours

• Clean with water

• Class 2 scrub rating

• Super flat matt finish

• Ultra-low sheen with non-reflective properties

Introducing A yanlb Floor Paint