The News

The Brush Wash makes quick work of cleanup

T Designed by a seasoned pro, The Brush Wash makes cleaning dirty brushes quick and easy. Made from heavyduty plastic, the device connects to both a standard garden hose and a kitchen facet. Holding The Brush Wash over a bucket/sink, just turn on the hose/faucet and move your brush up and down as the compartment fills with water. The device features drain holes along the bottom for the dirty water to escape, and a built-in brush comb on the backside aids in the removal of dried, stubborn or thicker paint. Measuring just 8" tall x 5.5" wide x 3.5" deep, it accommodates brushes up to 4" and stores easily with other tools. Proudly made in the USA. TheBrushWash.com

Xtra-Deck for booms gets you in and out of tight spaces

T MEC Aerial Work Platforms recently introduced Xtra-Deck for Booms. With a 1-person 250-lb. capacity, Xtra-Deck provides an additional 20" of height and three telescopic guardrails so you can reach confined places without having to stand on mid-rails. The guardrails (featured on three sides), slide up and lock into place, and meet regulation height. This additional protection enables the operator to freely use both hands to complete tasks. When the job is done, the guardrails retract to their original position for storage. The Xtra-Deck can be field-fitted to any MEC Boom platform, regardless of size. MECawp.com

Work steady with the Scaffolding Stabilizer

T Never a fan of heights—especially shaky scaffolding—David Cook of D’Franco Finishes was determined to eliminate

the sway from 2- and 3-tier scaffolding and improve safety. With some help from his crew and family, he developed the Scaffolding Stabilizer. Each tier-set clips onto scaffolding in less than 90 seconds and reduces rocking motion by 75%. Proudly made in the USA, the Scaffolding Stabilizer reduces the fear factor of working at heights; increases productivity; improves safety—and ends arguments about who’ll be on the top tier. Works on most models of interior scaffolding. ScaffoldingStabilizer.com

Werner introduces aluminum LEANSAFE X3

T Werner recently extended its LEANSAFE line to include an aluminum model. Featuring the line’s versatile 3-in-1 design that lets you deploy it as a step ladder, straight ladder or leaning ladder, the new model weighs in at just 21 lbs but carries a Type 1A duty rating with a 300-lb. load capacity (combined weight of user and materials). It’s a solid combination of functionality and durability, all at a weight that’s easy to handle. WernerCo.com

Rack ’em up!

T PaintLine’s latest heavy-duty rack series provides up to 225' of mobile, horizontal space and 1,800-lb.

capacity. Dubbed the ProDryingRack EX Plus (PDREX Plus), the expandable rack has 15 removable shelves and can be configured with up to four towers. Each

tower sits above 5" locking casters with anti-torque

stabilizers that make it easy to move the rack, even when fully loaded, anywhere in your shop or jobsite. bit.ly/pdrex-plus

T In an effort to increase the number of skilled workers

in the painting and disaster restoration industries, a new training, placement and recruitment organization has been established. The Painting & Disaster Restoration Academy (PDRA) offers online training and certification in:

■ Core Curriculum (safety) ■ Tools for Success (level 1–3 commercial &

residential painting / level 1–2 industrial coatings)

■ Know Your Hazards

Founder and CEO Kimberly Oderkirk notes, “Currently, there is no source of training for individuals looking to pursue a career in disaster restoration, and in-depth training opportunities on this subject for paint professionals are very limited. Given the two industries work hand-in-hand, we’re happy to fill the void and ensure future pros have the skills necessary to perform the various tasks safely and responsibly.”

Both individuals and businesses can register to participate in PDRA programming and, once training is completed, the organization will serve to connect potential employers and certified candidates. Registration is not required to participate in the ‘Tools for Success’ and ‘Know Your Hazards’ education programs. PDR.academy

Paint and glass manufacturers partner to produce COVID-19killing paint

T Corning and PPG Paints are working together to produce a paint that incorporates Corning’s Guardiant glass-ceramic technology, which has proven effective at killing 99.9% of the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

The coating has also been proven to be effective against other bacteria and hard-to-kill noroviruses, and retains its antimicrobial effectiveness even after five-years’ worth of simulated scrubbing.

PPG plans to introduce COPPER ARMOR, an antiviral paint product utilizing the technology, following registration with the EPA, and aims to make the product available to customers in the U.S. later this year to help add an extra layer of protection against the spread of COVID-19.