The official journal of the Painting and Decorating Association • Spring 2026
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Hello everyone,
After a long and very wet winter, it is good to see signs of spring now appearing. Let’s hope some warmer weather is just around the corner. As ever, world events continue to impact our world of work. Currently, the war in Iran is a great cause for concern for all of us in business. It has now escalated into a full-scale conflict and has created significant global trade and economic instability through the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for 20% of global oil and gas. Consequently, this has caused a sharp spike in global oil prices, and members should anticipate continued pressure on fuel costs. The global stocks and shares market is currently very volatile, which in turn, can have a major impact on items such as private pensions. Additionally:
• Widespread disruptions in global shipping and aviation may lead to delays in the procurement of paints, coatings, and specialist decorative materials sourced internationally. Clearly, this is of significant concern for the UK painting and decorating industry.
• Many decorating products, including paints, varnishes, adhesives, and sealants, rely on petroleum derivatives. With crude oil prices recently spiking to over $100 per barrel, manufacturers are facing higher input costs for essential chemicals and resins.
Although these global events are beyond our control, the PDA remains committed to supporting your business. We recommend that members review their current contracts and pricing structures to account for fluctuating material and energy costs. We will endeavour to share any relevant updates from both our government and manufacturer contacts via our website latest news page and the regular e-newsletters.
On a brighter note, I recently enjoyed a visit to our member, G.BORG High Class Painting & Decorating from Ashton under Lyne, who were the winner of our ‘Early Bird’ payment prize draw, where I presented them with a Graco GX19 Airless Sprayer. Thanks go to all members took part in this draw, and we offer sincere thanks to Andy Bullock and Callum Merriman from Graco for their generous donation.
Our Clerks of Works judges are currently travelling around the country inspecting the shortlisted projects as part of this year’s Premier Trophy Awards – A total of 102 entries were received this year – and I’d like to wish everyone the best of luck. We are also pleased to announce that Brewers Decorator Centres are the main sponsor of the 2026 Awards, with the ceremony on Thursday 2 July, at Plasterers’ Hall in central London.
Our Apprentice of the Year competition has now recommenced. This year, I wanted to ensure that we cover all four home nations with six regional heats to be held in total. In February, we began in Belfast and by the time you read this letter, we will have completed the Scottish and Welsh heats, with the remaining taking place in Plymouth, Birmingham and Preston in April and May. The competition will culminate with the final in Doncaster on 4 June, and the winners will join me on stage in London at the awards event. Collectively, this year, we will have had 87 apprentices in the heats.
Thanks go to our main Apprentice competition sponsors, Purdy and CITB, along with Brewers, who provided the materials. A huge thank you goes to our external PDA partner, colleague and friend, Andrew Davis, a long-standing member of the APCT, for assisting with these events. Along with myself, he helps to host and judge the competitions over a two-day period at each event.
I hope you have or will be entering the monthly manufacturer prize draw that we are running each month throughout the whole of 2026. There are some great prizes up for grabs!
Finally, a reminder to those of you who are still to pay the 2026 subscriptions, please do this as soon as possible so we can deliver the services, benefits, and legal support to you.
If you have issues with paying, contact our Membership Services Manager Denice, who can discuss extended payment terms. You can call on 024 7635 3776, or get in touch via email denice@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk
The Decorator is published by Catherine Saint Publicity on behalf of the Painting & Decorating Association
PDA Editorial
Neil Ogilvie
Telephone: 07864 300 688
e-mail: neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk
Advertising and Editorial
Catherine Saint Publicity
Telephone: 07941 590 183
e-mail: catherine@the-decorator.co.uk
Artworking and Design empathicVisions
Telephone: 07789 725 074
e-mail: info@empathicvisions.co.uk
The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those held by the Association. Editorial items in this publication and the statements and opinions expressed thereon are published on the understanding that the author of the contribution is solely responsible for the opinions so expressed. Although every care is taken with advertising, no responsibility can be accepted by the published for their products, services and other matters advertised. The publisher will not be liable for any loss or damage consequential or otherwise occasioned by error, late publication or the failure of an advertisement to appear in any cause whatsoever.
takeNOTICE
The latest news and updates about the PDA and wider issues across our industry. If you have something to contrubite email info@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk
HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING FUNDS
From April, employers with between 1 and 249 employees will continue to access training support through Employer Networks with funding available at 50% match funding or at a fixed contribution for health and safety courses.
To ensure support reaches as many employers as possible, the Employer Networks budget for 2026-27 has been set at £11.5 million, with caps in place by employer size:
• Micro employers (1–9 employees): cap of £1,500
• Small employers (10–49 employees): cap of £2,000
• Medium employers (50–249 employees): cap of £4,500
Large employers, those that directly employ 250 or more people, will no longer be able to access Employer Networks. Instead, a new Large Employer Fund is available for the 2026-27 financial year, while CITB work with large employers on a longer-term, strategic solution.
The fund provides up to £18,000 to spend on in-scope training of your choice. paid on a training plan or receipt of evidence of training.
Expressions of Interest can be submitted from 1 April 2026 up to 30 June 2026 by completing the Expression of Interest Form which will be available on the website from 1 April.
Regardless of employer size, businesses can continue to access a range of other financial support including the short course grants (plant, scaffolding, and other exempted standards), apprenticeship grant, Travel to Train, qualification grant, and the Industry Impact Fund. https://tinyurl.com/CITBHSFunds
GETTING TO THE SOURCE
CEO, NEIL OGILVIE met up with Crown Paints recently at their Material Source Studio in Manchester to discuss future plans for working together.
Huw Arthur, Channel Marketing Manager said, “It was great to welcome Neil to the Crown Paints space at the Material Source Studio in Manchester today. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to discuss our upcoming events, reaffirm our ongoing partnership, and explore some exciting future planning together. Having Neil on-site allowed us to share our latest initiatives and deepen the collaborative dialogue that continues to strengthen our relationship, particularly as we work to elevate and support the painting and decorating profession across the UK and Ireland.
“Crown Paints is proud to have a presence not only in Manchester but also within the Material Source Studios in Glasgow and London. These spaces enable us to connect with partners, interior designers, specifiers, and industry professionals across the UK and Ireland, helping to strengthen the world of painting and decorating, interior design, and specification. By nurturing these relationships and providing inspiring environments to showcase colour, innovation, and expertise, we continue to support the growth, creativity, and professionalism of our industry."
For more on Crown colour services email huw.arthur@crownpaints.co.uk or visit Material Source at www.materialsource.co.uk
The Painting and Decorating Show returns soon, and for the first time it will be held alongside InstallerSHOW at the NEC, Birmingham from 23 to 25 June. The P&D Show will once again offer an action-packed programme designed to bring the sector’s leading brands, skilled professionals and emerging talent under one roof, and the PDA will be there on Stand G34
We’re delighted to be part of this essential industry event, bringing together thousands of decorators actively sourcing new products, tools and solutions, alongside hundreds of leading brands.
CEO Neil Ogilvie, and Membership Services Manager Denice Harper will be there to discuss the benefits of PDA Membership and pick up any queries, along with the rest of the team from PDA Head Office.
We look forward to seeing you all there! www.paintshow.co.uk
NEW COMMITTEE FOR THE LAMD
By Michael Polston, President of the
I AM WRITING to all members of the PDA, as the newly elected President of the London Association of Master Decorators (LAMD), and I am pleased to announce the newly elected Committee members as follows: President
Michael Polston (Michael Polston Specialist Decorator) Vice President & Treasurer
Michael Wilson (Highly Decorated)
Secretary:
Karen Polston (Associate member)
Committee Members:
Des Cass (D Cass & Son)
Simon Martin (Rowe and Martin Decoration and Restoration)
Thomas Welch (Thomas Welch & Sons)
Frank Hogan (Frank Hogan Painting and Decorating)
Glen Bennett
On behalf of the committee, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Des Cass for all his hard work over the last 15 years as part of the LAMD committee. Des decided to stand down as Treasurer at the end of 2025, a role he has held since 2010.
At the AGM meeting on 5 December, he was presented with a Long Service Award (pictured below right) in recognition and appreciation of his meritorious services to the LAMD
What is the LAMD??
The objectives of the London Association of Master Decorators are to uphold and promote high-quality craftsmanship and to enhance the status and professional standards of its members, and the industry as a whole.
All members aim to work closely together to raise the profile of the contributions at meetings are welcome as the more the group put in, the more we will prosper. We have four meetings a year, and these aim to be useful and informative sessions, but we are also seeking ideas for making the meetings more productive and interesting. I have also set up a Group Chat where the committee can remain in contact between meetings.
Interested in becoming a member?
The LAMD comprises decorating companies and sole traders with a proven track record of high-quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service, who operate in the London area, defined by the boundaries of the M25.
Membership is also available to those decorators in the South East but still carry out work within the M25 orbital, with LAMD members being entitled to display the Registered Trademark (shown above!).
• Members may be self-employed, a partnership or an incorporated company. In circumstances where an applicant’s business is not principally engaged in the painting and decorating sector, admission of membership will be subject to the discretion of the LAMD Committee whose decision shall be final.
• Self employed trades persons and at least one member of a partnership must have a recognised industry qualification (e.g. NVQ2 & CSCS Card) or has worked as a painter and decorator for a minimum of five years. At least one director or senior manager of an incorporated business must be similarly qualified.
• Applicant must have traded as the same business entity under the same business name for a period of not less than one year. If the entity has traded for the relevant period but has changed its name during that time, satisfactory evidence of the reason for the name change must be provided to the LAMD Committee whose decision as to the waiver of this requirement shall be final.
• Provide not less than four separate references from recent customers.
• Abide by the LAMD Constitution and Rules of the Association and the Painting and Decorating Association Code of Practice.
If you are interested in becoming a Member of the LAMD or have any questions or want to chat, please contact the PDA Head Office on 024 7635 3776 or email info@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk
London Association of Master Decorators
Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 WHAT PAINTERS AND DECORATORS ACTUALLY NEED TO KNOW(andwhatyou
IF YOU RUN a painting and decorating business, hearing about ‘new data legislation’ might make your heart sink. Or alternatively, it might sound like something for banks and big tech, not someone quoting for a hallway repaint and managing a diary.
The good news is that for most self-employed individuals and small firms, the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA) is not a massive rewrite of what you already do under UK GDPR. It is more of a tidy up and targeted set of changes that (in places) aims to make compliance a bit more practical, while also giving the regulator, the Information Commissioner (ICO) stronger tools in some areas.
In reality, if you already do the data protection basics properly you should be able to take this in your stride. The ICO has pulled together a dedicated DUAA area, including what it means for organisations and how it will regulate as the Act is phased in – https://tinyurl.com/DUAAatICO
What is changing, and when?
The DUAA became law on 19 June 2025 (Royal Assent), but it is being switched on in stages. The bulk of the data protection changes came into force on 5 February 2026, including changes touching UK GDPR, Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) (cookies and marketing rules), and aspects of the ICO’s enforcement powers. another important date to is 19 June 2026, when (among other things) a new complaints handling requirement is due to bite. Nothing here suggests you need to stop what you are doing and rewrite everything overnight. The sensible approach is a light touch review of the handful of areas that might affect you.
Why does this matter to decorators?
Like any business, you almost certainly handle personal information every week, for example:
• Before and after photos (often of someone’s home; sometimes with people in shot)
• Notes about access arrangements, alarm codes, key safe details (highly sensitive in practice)
• Invoices, bank details, payment references
• Staff or subcontractor data (contact details, NI numbers, right to work documents)
Most of that is straightforward ‘bread and butter’ data protection. The DUAA does not remove those obligations; it just adjusts parts of the framework and clarifies some areas.
The changes most likely to matter
Subject access requests
A subject access request (SAR) is when someone asks for the personal information you hold about them. For a decorator, that might be ‘send me everything you have about my job’, including emails, messages, notes and photos.
The DUAA clarifies that when responding you only need to carry out a reasonable and proportionate search. That aligns with the direction of existing ICO practice and is meant to reduce pointless digging through every old device or archive if it is not sensible.
The existing law stated that you must respond to a SAR within 1 month, the DUAA allows you to stop the clock where you genuinely need more information from the requester before you can locate the right data. So, if someone’s request is unclear and you ask them to narrow it down, the response time can pause while you wait.
If you keep customer information organised (job folders, named photo albums, clear email subjects, simple CRM records), SARs are usually manageable anyway. The DUAA makes it explicit that the law is not asking you to perform a forensic trawl through every scrap of history where that would be disproportionate.
Complaints
handling (from June 2026)
From 19 June 2026, the DUAA introduces a new right for individuals to complain to the data controller first, before going to the ICO. If you don’t have one already, you will need a complaints handling process, including acknowledging the complaint within 30 days and responding appropriately. The policy does not need to be fancy, and simple written process is enough:
probablydon’t)
1 Log the complaint
2 Acknowledge it promptly
3 Investigate
4 Reply clearly
5 Keep a short record
You no doubt already deal with customer issues professionally, this is just a case of documenting the procedure you follow.
Cookies and simple websites
Many tradespeople now have a website, maybe with basic analytics. Cookies and similar technologies sit under PECR. The ICO’s existing guidance is that you must tell users about storage and access technologies, explain what they do, and obtain consent unless an exception applies. This should all be set out in your privacy statement/notice, there is free privacy notice generator on the ICO website at https://tinyurl.com/NoticeGenerator
The DUAA allows you to set some types of cookies without having to get consent, such as those you may use to collect information for statistical purposes and improve the functionality of your website. But you should still assume:
• advertising and tracking cookies need consent
• your banner and cookie information must be clear
• rejecting cookies should be as easy as accepting
Automated decision making
The DUAA introduces a modernised framework for automated decision making, alongside safeguards and evolving guidance. Unless you are using software to make significant decisions about people with no meaningful human involvement (for example, automated credit decisions or automated hiring filtering), this is unlikely to affect you day to day. For most in the sector, it is ‘good to be aware’ rather than ‘urgent action’.
Legitimate interests
You have to have a lawful basis to process personal data. Processing includes doing anything with data, from obtaining it, to storing it, to sharing it, to deleting it. Most decorators rely on one of these lawful bases:
• contract (it’s necessary to do the job and get paid)
• legal obligation (for tax and accounting records)
• legitimate interests (running the business, preventing fraud, basic marketing to existing customers where appropriate – this always needs to be in circumstances whereby the customer would not be surprised that you were doing this)
• consent (particularly marketing, where appropriate)
The DUAA adds more structure around legitimate interests, and introduces a new concept of ‘recognised legitimate interests’ and examples of activities that may qualify as legitimate interests. However, it is not a blanket permission slip for ordinary commercial uses.
In terms of your lawful basis you should keep relying on contract for job delivery and legitimate interests where appropriate, but document your thinking in plain English. If you are doing direct marketing by email or text, remember PECR rules still matter as well as UK GDPR.
So, is this a huge change?
For most painting and decorating businesses, the answer is a simple no. The DUAA is important, and some provisions are now live, but it mainly:
• clarifies and streamlines certain processes
• introduces a formal complaints handling step for data rights complaints
• tweaks cookies rules and increases focus on PECR compliance
• updates some higher level areas
The simple message when it comes to data protection is to do the basics well, and you will be most of the way there.
1. Know what personal data you hold, and why
A simple list is enough, of customers, prospects, suppliers, staff, photos, invoices, and so on. If possible, keep customer data in one place.
2. Have clear privacy information
Even a one-page notice is better than nothing. Explain what you collect, why, how long you keep it, and who you share it with. The ICO interactive tool can generate one for you at https://tinyurl.com/NoticeGenerator
3. Keep it secure
Use passcodes, do not share logins, and be careful with WhatsApp photos and shared devices. Access codes and key safe info should be treated as sensitive, and check your phone security and cloud backups.
4. Do not keep everything forever
Set retention habits: keep quotes for a sensible period, keep invoices for accounting requirements, delete old access notes and photos when no longer needed.
5. Be sensible about marketing
You can usually only send marketing emails or texts to people who have agreed to receive them, and every message must clearly tell them how to opt out. Cold marketing by email or text is generally not allowed, and for phone marketing you must respect ‘do not call’ preferences and stop immediately if someone says no.
6. Be careful about cookies on your website (if any) If you have a website, and If you use cookies, which most do, make sure you have clear and prominent information about these and obtain valid consent to these being used.
To access the Law Hub where PDA Members will find additional practical DIY templates and guidance around topics such as employment and health and safety law, get a token code from the PDA office and sign up for free on www.markellaw.co.uk/registration
7. Do not share personal data without a lawful basis
The ones that you might commonly use are that you have a legitimate interest in doing so and the customer would not be surprised by this sharing, as a necessity to fulfil the contract or that you have consent (often in relation to marketing). The ICO has a very useful tool for this – https://tinyurl.com/DUAALawfulBasis
8. Have a simple SAR and complaints process
Have a written procedure (even one page) for SARs and, from June 2026, data rights complaints.
9. Register if necessary
It’s an offence not to register with the ICO if you have to, and many businesses do need to register. For example, if you have CCTV in the workplace, you need to be registered, and there is a fee to do so. Again the ICO has a useful tool for this.
Conclusion
The DUAA is not a reason to panic. The law is evolving, but the direction is towards clearer, more practical rules in some areas, and the biggest day to day risk for most business in our sector is still the same as it was last year - losing a phone, oversharing photos, sloppy access details, or sending marketing messages without the right controls. If you already treat customer information with common sense and have the basics in place, you should be able to take these reforms in your stride.
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Welcome TO THE ASSOCIATION...
FLEETWOOD PAINTS IS a family-owned paint manufacturer founded in Dublin in 1950 by Andrew Doyle and his sons, Conor and Brian. What began as a small workshop producing ferrules and brushes behind the family home in the Dublin suburbs quickly grew into one of Ireland’s most respected decorating supply businesses.
From those early days supplying artists’ brushes and decorating tools, the company expanded rapidly, opening workshops and factories across Dublin before establishing its main manufacturing facility in Virginia, County Cavan in 1970. Fleetwood entered paint manufacturing in 1979, when the first can of Fleetwood emulsion rolled off the production line in Virginia, marking the beginning of a coatings business that has continued to grow ever since.
Today Fleetwood is widely recognised as Ireland’s leading home-grown paint manufacturer and a trusted partner to professional decorators and contractors across
Freddie Fleetwood has been part of the brand identity since the 1950’s.
the country. The brand has built its reputation through consistent performance on site, high-quality finishes, and strong relationships with the trade.
Fleetwood products are used across residential, commercial and heritage projects throughout Ireland, with notable applications including landmark buildings such as The Shelbourne Hotel, the Royal College of Surgeons and the famous black gates of the Guinness brewery.
Continuous investment in research, product development and colour technology has allowed Fleetwood to develop coatings that combine durability, coverage and ease of application with industry-leading colour matching capabilities.
Fleetwood has also developed a strong international presence over the decades, exporting products across multiple markets and building long-term relationships with distributors and professional users worldwide. The company continues to manufacture its paints in Ireland
while investing in new technologies, colour systems and product innovation to meet the evolving needs of professional decorators. A family business across three generations, Fleetwood combines traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing, maintaining a strong focus on service, reliability and supporting the trade.
In 2025 Fleetwood began an important new chapter with the launch of the brand into the UK market. This expansion is being led by two experienced industry professionals: Patrick Byrnes, Strategic Development, and Robert Webb, UK National Sales Manager, who are focused on building strong partnerships with decorators’ merchants and professional painters across the country. The first UK decorator merchants are now established with Concept Decor in Derby and Ripon Decorating Centre, marking the beginning of Fleetwood’s distribution network in England.
To support this growth, Fleetwood is also investing in dedicated UK infrastructure. A new distribution centre in Wellesbourne is scheduled to open before summer this year, creating a central logistics hub to support efficient nationwide supply to merchants and trade customers.
With a strong manufacturing heritage, proven performance across decades, and a growing presence in the UK market, Fleetwood Paints is bringing a trusted Irish brand and trade-focused range to professional decorators throughout Britain.
PIONEERS
HOLDERS OF A Royal Warrant since 2006 and multiaward-winning PDA member, P & S Timbrell Decorators Ltd was among the first businesses to join the Paint Green initiative when it was announced in 2023.
Combining traditional and heritage expertise with quality workmanship and high environmental standards, the business has measured its carbon footprint via Planet Mark since 2020 as part of a long-standing commitment to integrating environmental considerations into business decision-making.
With its roots in the 1960s, when Peter Timbrell launched his business as a sole painter and decorator, P & S Timbrell Decorators Ltd began trading in 1992 when Stephen joined forces with his father. The family business welcomed Stephen ’s son Josh into the fold in 2018.
Now, with five full-time decorators and Carolyn Timbrell managing the office, the business has kept a sharp focus on skills including paperhanging, paint effects and broken colour work, gilding and spray work, and on developing expertise in heritage finishes, including limewash and distemper.
Stephen Timbrell, partner, said, “Paint Green is a great initiative by the PDA to encourage our industry to think more about the environmental impact of painting and offer an easy way to make a real difference.
“Becoming a member of the Paint Green scheme demonstrates to our customers that we are serious about
the disposal of our used tins and waste recycling. You can also use the logo to promote your business and stand out from the competition.
Alongside signing up to Paint Green, P & S Timbrell Decorators Ltd takes steps to minimise environmental impacts by promoting best practice, suggesting environmentally friendly materials to clients, maximising energy efficiency, and publishing an annual report.
Stephen added, “lt is crucially important for all businesses, regardless of their size to play their part in combatting climate change and reducing the impact they have on our planet.
“We all make decisions every day, whether it’s the choice of an oil-based or water-based product, or in choosing between a recognised ‘green’ option or a ‘plastic paint’, and each time we should consider not just the price and convenience but also the environmental impact it may have. All these small changes can add up and make a big difference.
“For many years, we have had a company ‘environmental policy’ and published it on our website. In doing so, we have set ourselves targets and stated our
Stephen Timbrell collects the Decorative Category Award at the 2022 PDA Premier Trophy Awards.
intention to reduce our ‘carbon footprint’ through initiatives like the Paint Green scheme.
Stephen said, “In December 2006, we were honoured to be awarded a Royal Warrant for painting and decorating to HRH The Prince of Wales in recognition of our high-quality service. We have successfully renewed this every five years since and now hold a Royal Warrant to HM The King!”
At this property,P & S Timbrell mixed and applied a lime wash from raw ingredients. www.pandstimbrelldecorators.co.uk
Launched in November 2022, the Paint Green campaign is a sustainability initiative which encourages PDA members to commit to drive down waste paint and paint containers, those who take the Paint Green pledge can display the Paint Green logo on their online platforms, stationery and vehicles. The initiative aims to dovetail with existing paint and container reuse and recycle schemes and help customers identify painters and decorators who are committed to protecting the planet.
For more about the scheme, head online to https://tinyurl.com/PDAGreen
BUIL Respirator atch T TO PERFO LT L RM
A PPRENTICE OF THE Y EAR C OMPETITION
Sponsored by
Glasgow welcomed an impressive 23 competitors.
FLYING START FOR APPRENTICE HEATS
THE PDA APPRENTICE of the Year competition has got off to a flying start in 2026. As the magazine goes to print, three of the heats have already taken place, promising another exciting year.
This year, for the first time, the PDA hosted a competition heat in Northern Ireland. During the event at Workforce Training Services, 11 apprentices faced the gruelling six-hour challenge to map out, scale up, and precisely paint an intricate image designed to test their stamina and skill.
A big thank you to Workforce Training Services for hosting the event and making everyone feel very welcome in the wonderful city of Belfast.
The second heat took place at City of Glasgow College, the judges were thrilled to see 23 apprentice painters and decorators from colleges across Scotland gather at the college for the Scottish regional heat.
A huge thank you to City of Glasgow College for hosting the event, and to everyone supporting the competition.
The Apprentice of the Year competition continued in Wales on 19 March, where the third heat of this year’s contest took place at Y Coleg Merthyr Tudful / The College Merthyr Tydfil, with 10 talented apprentices taking part, who showcased their skills and abilities.
Again the PDA extends its thanks to the college and to everyone supporting the competition.
Heats are still to take place in Plymouth, Birmingham and Preston. The top scorers from all the heats will battle it out in a Grand Final round at the Hub in Doncaster, with those awarded the PDA Apprentice of the Year title receiving their prizes at the Association’s prestigious Premier Trophy Awards ceremony at Plaisterers’ Hall London in July.
PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie said, “Painting and decorating is a skilled craft, and our competition events are designed to test the precision, knowledge and flair of apprentices, as well as giving them a chance to connect with like-minded people.
“And to be in with a chance to take home the coveted title, it’s a truly special occasion for the apprentice painters and decorators who get to that stage. There is real value for them in being able to add PDA Apprentice of the Year 2026 to their CV.”
The Apprentice competition’s main sponsor is Purdy Professional Painting Tools, and each participant receives a set of Purdy paintbrushes. As the main sponsor of the PDA’s Premier Trophy Awards, Brewers Decorator Centres supply Albany paint and materials for the contest. The competition is also sponsored by CITB
The PDA extends its thanks to the sponsors; it is with their support that the competition can take place.
The judging, which assesses skill, accuracy and professionalism, is undertaken by Andrew Davis from the Association of Painting Craft Teachers (APCT) and PDA Chief Executive, Neil Ogilvie.
https://tinyurl.com/pdaayc
Competitors from the heat in Wales, with Neil Ogilvie and Andrew Davis on the left.
The inaugral Northern Ireland heat.
PAINTING A NEW FUTURE
For too long, millions of litres of leftover paint have been left sitting unused in sheds and garages across the UK. Primarily this is because, for the majority of the population, there has been no simple and accessible way to reuse or recycle it responsibly. At the same time, consumer and trade demand for practical, effective sustainability solutions has never been higher.
PAINT BRANDS PILOT NEW PAINT RETURN SCHEME
PEOPLE WANT TO do the right thing, but they need systems that make it easy. For the first time, leading UK paint manufacturers and retailers are coming together to trial a new, industry-led solution designed to fundamentally improve what happens to paint at the end of its life.
PaintCare UK, a voluntary, industry-funded take-back scheme run by the British Coatings Federation (BCF) on behalf of UK paint manufacturers, is being trialled in the West Midlands Combined Authority . The pilot will allow consumers and tradespeople to return leftover decorative paint and empty packaging to selected participating retailers, helping to unlock reuse and recycling at scale.
The PaintCare pilot brings together major paint brands Dulux, Johnstone’s Paint, Crown Paints, Craig & Rose, Valspar and Little Greene, working in collaboration with retail partners including B&Q, Brewers Decorator Centres, Dulux Decorator Centres and Johnstone’s Decorating Centres. Together, they aim to test a practical, scalable
model that could help transform the paint category towards a more circular, sustainable future.
The time-limited regional pilot will run into June 2026 and is designed to test and evaluate:
• Consumer participation and convenience
• In-store collection models
• Logistics and treatment solutions
• Opportunities for reuse and packaging recycling
PaintCare is working with waste and recycling partner Biffa to manage the safe collection, transport and treatment of returned paint and packaging. Around half a million pounds has been invested in the trial, underlining the paint industry’s commitment to delivering real, system-level change rather than incremental fixes.
Return areas will be signposted in participating stores.
Paint and empty packaging must be handed directly to a member of staff. Accepted paint types and conditions are available in store and at www.paintcare.org.uk.
To see the most up-to-date list of participating trial sites, please visit www.paintcare.org.uk/drop-off-points/
Collections began in February with a phased introduction across participating stores through March 2026. PaintCare intends to use the lessons learned from the trial to inform a planned national rollout in mid-2027.
Independent modelling undertaken by sustainability consultancy Resource Futures indicates that, when fully operational, PaintCare has the potential to deliver significant environmental and social benefits.
Based on current assumptions, the scheme is expected to reduce carbon emissions associated with the take-back and treatment of leftover paint by around 50% compared to current disposal routes, while also supporting job creation and volunteering opportunities.
The trial represents an important step towards a long-term ambition to reuse or recycle 75% of leftover paint by 2032, compared with an estimated 2% today, and to significantly improve the recycling of paint packaging across the UK.
BCF and PaintCare will work closely with government and relevant agencies throughout the trial, sharing insights on what works well and where regulatory or practical barriers may need to be addressed to enable a viable national scheme.
Commenting on the launch, Tom Bowtell, CEO of the British Coatings Federation, said, “For too long, it has been too difficult for people to do the right thing with leftover paint. This trial marks a major step forward, not just for our industry, but for consumers and tradespeople who want simple, practical ways to reduce waste.
“What makes PaintCare particularly powerful is the level of collaboration across brands and retailers. By working together, we can test solutions at a scale that would not be possible individually and use real evidence from this trial to help shape a system that works nationally.”
From left to right; Director of PaintCare Dr Stephen Snaith, Tom Bowtell CEO of the BCF, and Ben McClelland, Operations Manager of PaintCare.
Photo: B&Q / Ian Tuttle Photography
Photo: B&Q / Ian Tuttle Photography
Crafted
to stand the test of time.
Hale Navy HC-154, Regal® Select, Matte
For many painters and decorators, being selfemployed is a huge part of the appeal. You manage your own schedule, choose the work you take on and build a reputation that reflects your own standards.
A SUPPORT SYSTEM THAT REALLY MATTERS THE POWER BEHIND THE PAINTER
WORKING INDEPENDENTLY BRINGS pressures that aren’t always visible: long hours on your own, unpredictable workloads, tight deadlines and the challenge of balancing work with everyday life.
Research shows that 64% of solo workers experience psychological distress, far higher than those working in team environments. Solo working can quickly become overwhelming. It’s easy to forget that safety nets exist.
Simple steps that steady the working day
In the painting and decorating trade, these pressures often build quietly. A typical day can start early with prepping a job, and end late as you finalise quotes or organise materials for the following morning. The work itself may involve hours of concentration without much conversation, which can be productive but also isolating. When every decision, every adjustment and every customer conversation sits with one person, it’s easy to see how the mental load of working solo can build over time.
Parallels can be seen in individual sports, where performance also depends heavily on selfmotivation and personal resilience. Snooker is a strong example: long hours of practice, moments of high pressure and long periods spent away from home are all part of the job.
World no.2 snooker player, Kyren Wilson (pictured left) spoke openly about this reality during the Paint the Whole Picture event hosted in collaboration with World Snooker Tour (WST), Johnstone’s Paints, and mental health charity Mind, “The hardest part for me is leaving home. I’ve got two young boys and a loving wife who ride the wave with me, and those sacrifices aren’t easy. I’ve always wanted to use my platform in a positive way, if I can help even one person, that’s mission accomplished.”
Kyren also recognises how closely snooker mirrors the trade, “In many
ways, snooker and the painting & decorating trade share the same qualities: precision, patience, and attention to detail. Both also involve long hours working alone, often away from family and friends, which can take its toll.”
The people and places that form your support network: family who understand the demands of the job, friends who offer perspective, fellow decorators who share advice, and community spaces that bring familiarity, all help reinforce the reminder that while the work may be independent, you don’t have to carry the experience alone.
Working independently doesn’t mean working without support. In a trade built on detail and dedication, these moments of connection are just as vital as the tools in your van. Looking after your network - and letting it look after you - strengthens not only your own wellbeing, but the wider painting and decorating community as well.
Tim Hope, Johnstone’s Paint Technical Manager, added, “We hear the same thing from painters and decorators that Kyren described, long days solo, a lot of time away from family and friends, and not much chance to talk it through with peers who can relate to you.
“That’s why we’ve introduced Cue the Conversation, donating hundreds of special blue cues to local community snooker halls. These cues signal that the person holding one is open to a chat.”
For painters and decorators, support often shows up in small, practical habits that make the realities of solo working feel more manageable. These don’t need to be big changes, just actions that naturally fit into the rhythm of the job:
• Check in with another decorator: a twominute call to talk through a tricky brief or share a quick update can break up long stretches of working alone and make problems feel lighter.
• Use familiar trade hubs to reset: stopping by your regular merchant or supplier can offer a moment of routine and a sense of connection on busy or unpredictable days.
• Take proper breaks: stepping away from the job, eating at regular times and giving yourself space to reset improves focus and reduces stress over the course of a day.
• Keep simple routines in place: small patterns, whether it’s how you set up a workspace or how you start your morning, help bring stability when workloads vary.
• Talk openly with others in the trade: sharing honest conversations about workload, wellbeing or the typical ups and downs of selfemployment can make challenging weeks far more manageable.
P&Dnews
FRAME-ING CONVERSATION AROUND MENTAL WELLBEING
JOHNSTONE’S PAINT PARTNERED with World Snooker Tour (WST) and national mental health charity Mind to deliver a new event and community initiative aimed at tackling the mental wellbeing challenges faced by those who often work alone.
Paint the Whole Picture took place at Alexandra Palace in London, hosted by snooker and sports broadcaster Rob Walker. The event brought together world number two Kyren Wilson and his wife, Sophie, painter and decorator ambassador, Mike Cupit, Tim Hope from Johnstone’s Paints and Andrew Berrie from Mind
The group took to the stage to deliver a talk which shone a spotlight on the importance of conversation and community within the decorating and snooker industries, both of which involve many hours of perfecting skills and practicing, often in isolation. Without the support of a team, professionals in these fields frequently face the
pressure of problem-solving alone and managing challenges without immediate backup, making connection and peer support even more vital.
To ensure this message lives beyond the event, Johnstone’s Paint unveiled its new Cue to Conversation initiative by donating hundreds of special blue cues to local community snooker halls. These cues signal that the person holding one is open to a chat.
Kyren Wilson said, “The hardest part for me is leaving home. I’ve got two young boys and a loving wife who ride the wave with me, and those sacrifices aren’t easy. I’ve always wanted to use my platform in a positive way. If I can help even one person, that’s mission accomplished.”
“In many ways, snooker and the painting and decorating trade share the same qualities; precision, patience, and attention to detail. Both also involve long hours working alone, often away from family and friends,
which can take its toll. That’s why the Paint the Whole Picture event is such an important cause, it brings those worlds together for a fantastic even that truly makes a difference for players and their families.”
The Cue to Conversation initiative acts as a discreet signal. If a player feels lonely or wants to chat but doesn’t know how to start a conversation, using this cue lets others know they’re open to conversation. A simple but powerful way to spark conversations about mental health and help foster connection, reduce loneliness, and encourage peer-to-peer support.
Tim Hope, Johnstone’s Paint Technical Manager, added, “We hear the same thing from painters and decorators that Kyren described, long days solo, a lot of time away from family and friends, and not much chance to talk it through with peers who can relate to you.
“That’s why we’ve introduced Cue to Conversation, to give people an easy way to say, ‘I’m up for a chat,’ and start conversations that make work feel a little less lonely.”
For mental health advice and support, visit www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/
P OLY VIN E CELE BRATES 40 YEARS
THIS YEAR POLYVINE are celebrating four decades of independent manufacturing, innovation and trusted partnerships across the painting and decorating industry.
Founded in 1986 by Peter and Anne Wells in Cheddar, Somerset, Polyvine began with a clear purpose: to develop high-performance, specialist water-based coatings for discerning professionals.
Today, still independently owned and family-run, three generations of the Wells family continue to work on site, a rare distinction in modern manufacturing.
From its beginnings as a specialist varnish manufacturer to its position today as a globally distributed brand, Polyvine has remained rooted in its founding principles: quality, integrity, longevity and service.
For 40 years, all Polyvine products have been researched, developed and manufactured at its Somerset headquarters. With an on-site laboratory and dedicated R&D team, innovation has always sat at the heart of the business.
Peter Wells, Founder and Technical Director, still works in the laboratory today alongside his grandson, while Managing Director Ian Wells oversees the continued growth and evolution of the company.
The anniversary follows an a comprehensive rebrand, strengthening Polyvine’s position as ‘Trade Varnish Experts’, introducing bold, trade-focused labels, a refined corporate logo and a distinct Decorative Effects identity.
Adding to the celebrations, Polyvine has recently been named a finalist in two categories at the Somerset Business Awards, Family Business of the Year and Manufacturing Business of the Year, recognising both its heritage and its ongoing contribution to UK manufacturing.
Reflecting on the milestone, Managing Director Ian Wells said, “Reaching 40 years as an independent, family-run manufacturer is something we are immensely proud of. From our earliest customers to our newest global partners, every relationship has helped build Polyvine into the business it is today.
“Our recent rebrand signals the next chapter. Confident, focused and future-facing, but still firmly rooted in the values we were founded on in 1986. We are incredibly grateful to our stockists, distributors, suppliers, employees past and present, and the professional tradespeople who trust our products every day. This anniversary belongs to all of them.”
www.polyvine.com
Left to right: Rob Burrows, Kyren Wilson, Sophie Wilson, Tim Hope, Mike Cupit and Andrew Berrie.
STUDENTS ARE DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES
SOME FANTASTIC NEW murals have brightened up the walls at Lancaster and Morecombe College (LMC), produced by their very own students! This was the first time the 22 art and design students had been given the chance to create large-scale artworks, supported by a £250 donation from the Brewers Foundation
The local branch in Morecombe supplied them with 10 litres of Macpherson Durable Acrylic Matt along with various sundries.
OKARNO IS PROUD to have played a part in helping Band of Builders transform the life of Mike Shrimpton, a retired builder and his family in Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire.
This is the 48th project carried out by the charity Band of Builders which, as well as completing practical projects for members of the construction industry, offers wellbeing support, including a text service and financial help.
The work involved knocking through some of Mike ’s ground-floor rooms to create a larger open-plan space before adding insulation and fitting out. This was helped by a donation of products from Okarno, including plasterboard, Fireline board, Gyproc FibaTape Xtreme joint tape, and Thistle gypsum-based plasters.
Additional works involved the installation of structural steelwork, completing the first and second fixes on the plumbing and electrics, and installing a new boiler and heating system. A new top-of-the-range kitchen was donated and installed by award-winning kitchen fitter Tom Easter. Externally, the failing flat roof and skylight were replaced, and new patio doors and remedial work were needed at the rear of the house.
Homeowner Mike was overcome with emotion at his first glimpse of the renovations completed by volunteer tradespeople who answered a call for help after the work he was carrying out himself was halted because he was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer.
Programme Area Manager for the college, John Lambert said, “Students were offered the opportunity to create a large piece of wall art for a local organisation for which Brewers Foundation awarded sponsorship for a range of paint and materials. Unfortunately, that project was not achievable in the timescales given. This gave the students the opportunity to work on a project in their own building at college, and Brewers very kindly allowed them to keep the funding to realise the project.”
Graham Armstrong, Brewers Morecombe Branch Manager said, “The students had been looking for a large-scale art project for a while and were disappointed when the original venue fell through so it was great they got to transform a drab stairwell in the college arts centre instead.
“This is at a scale the students have never worked on before and hopefully will give them the confidence to work on similar scale projects in the future.
“It was great to be able to help out and we are hoping to be able to do more projects for community groups and other clients in the future”, Graham added.
OKAR NO HELPS BAND OF BUIL DERS PROJECT
In October 2024, Mike was also diagnosed with a serious heart condition, for which he needed a procedure to insert a stent (he requires two more). As a result of the work stopping, the couple had been living in a caravan for the past couple of years.
In addition, following a series of medical episodes, it was recognised that Mike ’s wife Christine had dementia. Her medical team said that if she couldn’t move back into a safe home environment very soon, they ran the risk of her going into residential care.
Mike said, “The hardest thing for me was to admit that I couldn’t do it, and I can’t believe that the people came
here to solve someone else’s problem... Well, I just can’t find the words to say thank you.”
Joint-Project Leads Kent Taylor and Tracey Healy both took three weeks away from their own businesses to oversee the delivery and completion of this project.
Kent said, “Every project we do, we rise to the challenge and complete projects because of our amazing volunteers, who give their heart and soul to complete projects that are life-changing for the beneficiaries. Mike and Christine no longer have to live in a caravan as they now have a space that they can enjoy and call home.” www.okarno.com www.bandofbuilders.org
NOMINATE YOUR MENTOR OF THE YEAR
PURDY IS PLEASED to announce that its Mentor of the Year competition is back again for 2026, marking the sixth year of the competition that recognises and gives back to mentors across the industry.
The competition is designed to reward individuals who have a positive impact on those learning the painting and decorating trade and continually inspire the next generation. Purdy understands that to achieve the best results, decorators require a high level of craftmanshipnot just quality tools - which is why it seeks to show appreciation to mentors throughout the trade, whether they have their own painting and decorating company, lecture at a college or manage and train decorators in a larger firm.
A shortlist will then be selected by their panel of industry judges to attend a virtual interview to discuss how they have inspired others throughout their career and the skills that they are instilling in the next generation.
One professional painter and decorator and one college lecturer will then be crowned the Purdy Mentor of the Year winners at this year’s awards ceremony, each receiving £1,000. A runner up in each category will also receive £500 each.
Jimmy Englezos, Senior Brand Manager at Purdy commented, “We are thrilled to be running the Mentor of the Year competition again so that we can reward even
E ? Y FASTER WORK ES S
more incredible role models from the trade. Every year we are bowled over by the standard of the entries and the number of mentors there are in the industry passing on their skills and experience.”
If you know someone in the industry that you would like to nominate, click on ‘The Purdy Difference’ at www.purdy.co.uk and submit an entry explaining why you think they should win and how they have helped to spark your passion and grow your skills. This year, everyone who nominates will receive a special Purdy goodie bag.
The deadline for this year’s entries is 31 August 2026.
BRADITE MAKES A SPLASH IN MARINE MURAL
AWARD-WINNING DESIGN duo, Lauren and Chloe Piper (known as @2sistersuk ), recently partnered with Bradite to refresh the SMS Group headquarters, using One Can to create a nautical-themed mural. Bradite’s all-in-one primer, stain block and finish was the ideal, fast-drying product to facilitate quick completion, without compromising on the quality of finish.
For this project, the creative sisters opted for a range of blue tones inspired by the SMS Group’s marine engineering work. The mural was designed to provide a calm and complementary backdrop to their communal office space.
“One Can is super durable and saves us so much time on site,” Chloe explains, “the colours are reliable and high quality, which means that when we leave a job, we don’t have to worry about fading over time.”
This transformation was helped by the launch of the new Bradite colour card. Designed to make colour selection easier, it showcases a palette of 54 shades from the worlds of interior design and exterior decoration, alongside some of the most popular standardised colours.
Chloe says, “The new Bradite colours were perfect for this nautical project. We love the consistency and opacity of Bradite paints, they save us time and deliver an amazing, high-quality finish.”
Having used One Can for a range of previous mural projects, it’s safe to say Bradite has become a firm favourite for the sisters. Lauren and Chloe state that they’d happily collaborate with Bradite again, having seen firsthand “just how amazing the paint is.” www.@2sistersuk.com www.bradite.com
THIS YEAR MARKS three decades of the Dulux Select Decorators scheme, which was set up to help sole trading professionals improve their businesses. As well as being able to associate themselves with Dulux and stand out from the competition, the scheme offers decorators a chance to connect with experts and each other to deliver the very best for their customers.
Established in 1996, the Select Decorators scheme was launched to offer decorators the power and scale of the Dulux brand and, over the years, it has evolved to ensure it continues to meet the needs of professional decorators.
With ill mental health affecting over 70% of construction workers in the UK, having support from the trade community has never been more important. The scheme brings like-minded professionals together, while also providing exclusive benefits and external recognition that can help their businesses thrive, including a two-year quality workmanship guarantee.
Les Copestake has been a Dulux Select Decorator since 2019, “I am always looking for ways to improve my business and the Select Decorator scheme felt fitting. It enables me to meet other decorators and receive help and advice from those who are at the top of their game.
“The Facebook group is one of the main reasons that I still use the app. It is an amazing tool to have at my fingertips. It gives me unbiased and uninfluenced opinions, and answers to things that genuinely help me as a decorator. I have met decorators in the group who I would genuinely call friends, which is a huge benefit and unique for our industry.
“The Dulux Select Decorator awards are also brilliant. I entered for the first time in 2020 and managed to win the grand prize. It was really unexpected, especially when surrounded by so many other brilliant decorators. Being
THREE DECADES OF SELECT DECORATORS
recognised by my peers in such high regard really gave me a spring in my step and helped propel me to a new level. It gave me belief that I maybe didn't have before.”
All potential Dulux Select Decorators undergo a thorough vetting process that includes reference checks and an on-site assessment, to ensure their working practices are to the highest standard. Once approved onto the scheme, decorators must follow the Code of Conduct and continue delivering quality work for customers.
Mike Katembala said, “I joined the Select Decorators scheme in June 2013 as I wanted to be a better painter, stand by my work and be proud of it. The scheme has really benefitted me and my business, as it offers support from the Dulux team, help from other members and discounts on Dulux Academy courses. My advice to anyone wanting to join the scheme is do it now, as you won’t regret it. This is the group that is winning.”
To mark 30 years of the scheme, members of the scheme will be invited to a year-long calendar of celebrations, including in-person get-togethers, opportunities to connect from home via the Fitch & Bristle virtual pub, and a gala dinner to recognise long-serving members.
Member of the PDA, and of course our very own Tooltalk ’s Wayne de Wet (pictured right), has been a Dulux Select Decorator since the very beginning of the scheme, said, “The Dulux Select Decorators scheme has enabled me to associate my business with Dulux. It sets you apart from other decorators, and has helped me secure some incredible, high-quality work over the 30 years that I have been a member.”
To find out more about the scheme, visit www.duluxselectdecorators.co.uk
CELEBRATING 175 YEARS OF INNOVATION
THE WOOSTER BRUSH Company are proudly marking their 175th anniversary, recognising the company’s long history of introducing high-quality painting tools that have become industry standards.
Founded in 1851 and still located in its namesake city of Wooster, Ohio, the privately owned manufacturer has played a key role in advancing paint applicator technology. Among its most notable innovations are the angle brush introduced in 1937, nylon filaments for paintbrushes in 1941, and synthetic fabrics for roller covers in 1964, developments that helped shape modern brush and roller design.
The company continues to meet the needs of painters while building on its legacy of innovative solutions, most recently with the launch of its GripTech® and GripTech MAX® brush ranges.
“Reaching 175 years is quite an accomplishment, and we are very excited to celebrate this milestone,” said Ben Maibach, President of The Wooster Brush Company
“It reflects the dedication of generations of employees, the loyalty of our customers, and the values of craftsmanship and integrity that have guided our company since 1851.”
AN OU DCOLOU TIM T UR UL
URCHOIC PRO TEMAT CE TECTIOON D COL UR CHOIC
Gary Marsh Quality Decorator
Not a huge space, but an incredibly intricate one that put all of Gary ’s skills to the test... Navigating so many angles while trying to keep the pattern flow seamless, a laser really helped along with a bit of ‘manipulation & trickery’ to get perfect matches.
Wallpaper by Sanderson, paint by Farrow & Ball
Bagnalls
Bagnalls recently redecorated Lollipoppet Castle as part of a £1m renovation project at Sundown Adventureland
Brickwork was stabilised, then coated using Pliolite Masonry Paint with meticulous picking out of mortar joints and the painting of individual bricks in multiple pastel colours. Woodwork was sanded and filled, before finishing with opaque coatings.
R.A.W Decorating
Completed during the half-term, this village school was refreshed using Caparol CapaMaXX and Johnstone's Trade undercoat and gloss.
Billy Tillett
Putting some left over paints to good use, the waiting area at this care home got a funky makeover from Billy in his spare time, “I wanted to show that left over paints can go to a great use to brighten up other peoples day.”
On the Cover
Bluebird Interiors www.bluebirdinteriors.co.uk
“There is something profoundly beautiful about taking a historic space that is full of character, detail, and quiet stories, and giving it a modern, fearless new voice”, says Jennifer of Bluebird Interiors
The project involved installing new panelling, extensive coving restoration, refurbish the original floorboards, and of course, the full decoration of the room. Isomat Premium Color in Cosmic Rain was applied by spray to the walls and ceiling, with Isomat Eggshell on all the extensive woodwork, and the floor varnished with Osmo Oil.
Bold and striking work by Bluebird Interiors, great job. – £100 of vouchers for use at Brewers are now on the way!
Royal Spa Decoration
Bringing life to this new build house, Royal Spa installed half height panelling with a bold wallpaper over, creating a space tailored to the customers own taste and personality on an otherwise blank canvas.
contemporary
and
DM Decor
A nice
hallway makeover by DM Decor, using Graham & Brown Animahal Emerald wallpaper.
Ceilings painted using Tikkurila Anti Reflex White 2,
all walls in durable matt emulsion.
Falls from height remain one of the main causes of serious injury in UK workplaces, and for decorators, the danger often lies not in dramatic heights but in routine jobs.
Francis Camilleri, Technical Director at T.B. Davies and Chair of the Ladder Association’s Technical Committee, looks at the real-world behaviours that make the difference between a safe finish and a life-changing fall.
REAL R ISK LIES I N SMALL DECISIONS
WHY DECORATORS’ DAY-TO-DAY JUDGEMENT WHEN WORKING AT HEIGHT MATTERS MORE THAN EVER
Spend enough time around ladders, and you start to notice a pattern...
In my role as Chair of the Ladder Association’s Technical Committee and a member of the BSI committee responsible for ladder standards, I work on specifications covering stability, load ratings, slip resistance, hinge durability, and locking mechanisms. But standards only work if they reflect reality, and the reality is, decorators do not work in textbook conditions.
You work in lived-in homes where furniture cannot be moved. On narrow staircases with tight turns and uneven rises. Outside, you work on ground that appears level until it proves otherwise.
When you look at the data and speak to contractors, the same message comes through repeatedly: Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of fatal and major injury in the UK.
In 2024/25, 35 workers were killed by falls from height. Many more suffer career-ending injuries. These are rarely freak accidents. They are usually the result of small decisions made on ordinary days.
One of the most persistent misconceptions is that serious injury only happens from significant height. In reality, serious injury can result even when the fall is less than two metres. That should not surprise anyone in the trade.
At that height, there is no time to recover from a loss of balance. If your centre of gravity shifts beyond the ladder’s footprint, the fall is immediate.
The danger is not dramatic height, it is a sudden instability. The most common behaviour behind that is over-reaching. The moment your belt buckle (or navel) moves beyond the stiles, your margin for error disappears.
Stairs: the quiet high-risk
zone
Staircases remain among the most challenging and high-risk areas in domestic decorating.
Too often, ladders are set up across steps, braced against balustrades or improvised to deal with awkward geometry. Stairs are confined spaces; clients want minimal disruption, and time is tight.
But stairs offer no forgiveness. A misjudged footing leads to an uncontrolled fall down a series of hard edges.
If stair work is a regular part of your workload, you need purpose-designed access for that environment. Levelling systems, stair platforms and adjustable solutions exist because generic setups are unreliable on stepped surfaces. Across the industry, there is a clear shift towards equipment designed for specific scenarios rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. That shift reflects a growing recognition that the environment dictates risk.
Confined spaces and commercial pressures
Bathrooms and small rooms create a different type of hazard. Limited space makes repositioning difficult, so the temptation is to gain height and reach sideways instead. On a tiled floor, even a minor slip can have serious consequences.
In these environments, a compact platform with a broader, stable base can offer better control than a traditional ladder.
Commercial interiors introduce further complexity, such as fixed desks and shared spaces with other trades or staff working nearby. In these settings, a fall can injure not only the decorator but people below.
As a result, many contractors in commercial environments favour platform-based access that allows work within a defined, guarded area and reduces the need for repeated stretching and repositioning.
Products such as the Little Giant Safety Cage enable access to workspaces that would typically require scaffolding or lifts, but in a compact and easier to transport form. Adjustable outriggers help provide increased side-tip stability.
The ‘only a couple of metres’ myth
Tough on the job, gentle on the planet.
ECOPRO Matt Emulsion proves you can have minimal impact on the environment without compromising on quality. It’s your go-to choice for walls and ceilings in domestic and commercial projects.
Condition over age
There is a tendency to judge a ladder by its age. In reality, the condition is far more important. A well-maintained ladder can provide years of safe service while a poorly maintained one can become unsafe very quickly.
Where ladder failures occur, they are commonly associated with hinges, locking mechanisms, and moving joints. The Ladder Association’s guidance is clear: you should carry out a simple pre-use check every day, supported by regular, detailed, recorded inspections.
Check feet for wear or contamination. Ensure rungs and stiles are clean and undamaged. Confirm hinges and locks engage fully, with no looseness. If a ladder feels different – creaks excessively, flexes unusually or does not sit square – remove it from service until it has been assessed.
A ladder should feel stable and predictable. If it does not, something is wrong.
The ‘quick job’ trap
If there is one scenario that repeatedly appears in incident accounts, it is the short-duration task: the final coat, the quick touch-up, the small section that ‘won’t
take a minute’ (see page 22 of our Winter magazine).
Time pressure encourages shortcuts and professionalism in decorating is often judged by the finish. Safety, however, is about consistency. The same standards should apply whether a task takes six hours or six minutes.
The importance of judgement
Ladders remain essential tools in decorating. They are versatile, portable and efficient. Used correctly, they are entirely appropriate for many tasks. Used incorrectly, they can be unforgiving.
The fundamentals are straightforward:
• Choose access equipment that suits the environment.
• Set it up correctly, every time.
• Inspect it routinely.
• Climb down and reposition rather than stretch. If a setup feels awkward, it probably is. Taking an extra minute to adjust your approach is an investment in staying fit to work tomorrow.
Standards define how equipment should perform. Ultimately, safety is shaped by the decisions you make at the top of the ladder.
Technical Director at T.B. Davies, Francis Camilleri is the Chair of the Ladder Association Technical Committee, and a member of the British Standards Institute (BSI) B512 Committee. For more information, visit www.tbdavies.co.uk and www.ladderassociation.org.uk
Do you even know what your brand is? I don’t mean your logo, if you have one. Nor do I mean what your business is called, or how whizzy your website looks. Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.
And ultimately, it’s about how people feel about you.
Are you confident in your brand?
by Charlie Budd
This is so important in the construction industry because it’s an industry that people have very mixed perceptions about. It’s not just about the quality of the work to be done, it’s about trust in fair pricing and whether tradespeople will send a quote or turn up when they say they will. It’s more than that, it goes deeper.
I’ve been thinking about this recently, about why some people are busy with work (and the kind of work they like doing), and why some are not. Yes, it’s got something to do with how well you market what you do, but it’s more about how people feel about you. I think it comes down to three key words: trust, confidence and affection.
Trust
When someone gets you in to do a job, they need to trust you. Trust is an emotional thing that depends on several factors.
• Have you been recommended?
• Do they like you as a person when you turn up to quote?
• Were you friendly or grumpy?
• Did you seem as though you knew what you were talking about?
• Did you give a rough estimate and promise to give a quote in 24 hours?
• Did your van look roadworthy?
• How did you smell?
No, really, people make decisions on all of these things and more. But trust is a feeling. It may be based on bits of evidence, but whether we trust someone or not is, at the end of it, a gut feeling.
Confidence
Now, confidence is a different thing altogether, although linked to trust. Confidence is based on evidence. If you’ve turned up at 8am on the dot for three days, your client will be confident that you’ll be there at 8am on the fourth day.
I went to see an old client last week whose house I painted about ten years ago, and nearly all of what I did still looks fresh. She’d asked me to paint her house after watching me paint another house halfway down her road. She’d walked past many times, lingered, and watched me work. She then came to the decision, based on evidence, that she was confident I’d do a good job repairing and repainting her home. It wasn’t just subjective trust, it was objective confidence.
When you’re confident that a paint, a filler, or a particular tool will do the job, you keep going back to that product. The same is true of your clients. They’ll keep coming back to you if they’re confident you’ll do a great job. It also really helps if they have affection for you!
Affection
Let’s deal with the elephant in the room, when I’m talking about affection here I’m not talking about the romantic kind. We’re not looking for your clients to fancy you! What I’m talking about is that they’ve gone beyond trusting you and being confident that you’ll do a good job, they’ve moved onto really liking you, how you do things and, this is the clincher, how you make them feel.
As a decorator, you have a choice of suppliers you can go to, whether it’s in person or online. You’ll make decisions on who to use depending on availability, price, quality, speed, but also on how that supplier makes you feel. That’s even more important when a client asks you into their premises, especially if it’s their home.
Now I’m not saying you should cosy up to clients in a smarmy kind of way. What I am saying is to be aware of how you might be making a client feel. You’ll have to read them of course, as some people are chatty and others aren’t. Some like progress and speed, others like involvement in the process and explanation. Are you making sure that your client feels that they, and the work you’re doing for them, are important to you?
Are you making sure your client feels that they, and the work you’re doing for them, are important to you?
If you can get to a point where your clients not only trust you, and they’re totally confident in your abilities, but they also have affection towards you because of how you make them feel, then not only will they keep asking you back, they will be delighted to recommend you to everyone. They’ll give you a testimonial, a rating, maybe even record a little video for you.
Your brand is about how you make people feel Are you confident you’re making people feel good about you and the work you do? Are you making them feel good about choosing you to do the work? If so, you can be confident in your brand and that your brand has strength and integrity.
Building bespoke
Delivered just in time for the homeowners to celebrate their first Christmas, this five-bedroom custom-built residence in North London is a testament to craftsmanship, resilience, and collaboration within the construction industry. J&N Finishes, Supreme Winners of the Premier Trophy Awards 2025, gave us an overview of the project...
The project involved the full decoration package of a substantial family home, encompassing every space. From the indoor swimming pool and expansive living areas, to a luxurious master suite with his-and-hers bathrooms, children’s bedrooms, a study, and a bespoke kitchen, the brief was clear: ‘Deliver refined, high-end finishes without compromising on practicality or warmth, ensuring the house functioned as a comfortable family home as well as an elegant living environment.’
A carefully curated palette of premium paints was specified throughout, including Dulux, Farrow & Ball, and Little Greene, selected for their quality, durability, and aesthetic depth. These were complemented by designer wallpapers from Designers Guild, Woodchip & Magnolia Limited, Fabricut, Inc., Tektura, Thibaut Design, and NOBILIS x Marie Hartig Studio. Each finish was chosen to enhance the character of individual spaces while maintaining cohesion across the home.
Beyond the visual outcome, the project also highlights the realities and risks often faced within the construction sector. The decoration package was originally appointed by a long-standing client who, unfortunately, entered liquidation before works commenced.
This unexpected development caused delays and posed significant challenges for both the end client and the project team, particularly given the investment already made in procurement and detailed project planning.
Despite these obstacles, collaboration and determination from all parties ensured the project was brought to a successful conclusion.
The home was completed to an exceptional standard, delivered on schedule for occupation and festive celebrations, allowing the owners to finally move into their dream property.
The finished residence demonstrates how precision, care, and premium finishes can transform a new build into a home designed for family life, entertaining, and lasting memories.
The owners commented, “Credit is due to the J&N team, whose commitment and quality workmanship were instrumental in achieving this outcome.”
J&N Finishes are Members of the PDA based in Essex. You can visit their website at www.jandnfinishes.co.uk or call them on 01277 295414
This project for a Yorkshire school demonstrates the effectiveness of the Ilumitex system, transforming the communal interior wall spaces of the school into a durable and inspiring educational environment.
Inner city life
The school required a decorative wall covering solution that would not only look great, but would also withstand constant wear and tear. There were other important considerations, including the need to source a cost-effective, sustainable and low-maintenance solution. A number of wall decorating options were researched by the school, but the Ilumitex system came out on top.
Benefits for the school
Ilumitex was chosen as it provided numerous benefits to the school, especially when compared to traditional paint. Another deciding factor was its use of environmentally friendly water-based paints. This ensured a safe environment for students and aligned with the school’s commitment to sustainability.
Ilumitex is suitable for application to most surfaces and produces a seamless finish with no shrinkage or visible joints.
Ilumitex bespoke
The school had an extensive number of Ilumitex Colours to choose from, ranging from the subtle to more impactful flake colour combinations and pearlescent effects. They opted to completely personalise flake colour combinations to complement the school’s colour scheme and vision.
Easy to apply, Ilumitex was sprayed on the interior walls of the school entrance, main corridors, and stairwells, covering a total area of 1,400m². With very low odour during and following application, Ilumitex produced a seamless wall finish for the school with no shrinkage.
Success story
The whole interior environment of the school has been revitalised and transformed, with Ilumitex creating a welcoming and visually appealing aesthetic. Over a decade since the initial application of Ilumitex in 2013, its appearance remains virtually unchanged from when it was first installed.
The durability in the high-traffic communal areas of the school has proven exceptional, significantly reducing the need for ongoing and costly redecoration associated with traditional paint.
Ilumitex has proven to be the perfect solution for meeting the requirements of this educational environment.
Manufactured in the UK since 1978 by PDA Associate Parter, Pittaway Special Coatings, Ilumitex is a dry flake covering system for interior walls. Successfully used in many high-traffic educational, commercial, and residential interior environments, achieving outstanding results, the multitude of Ilumitex and Ilumitextra flake colour combinations creates stunning walls, bringing style and durability to any interior wall space.
Microfibre Mini 160mm Paint Rollers @twofussyblokes www.twofussyblokes.com
Being one of the very first decorators to try out Two Fussy Blokes’ mini roller sleeves, I was blown away by the finish they could achieve.
Now I can use the 6” microfibre sleeves that provide the same high-quality finish as the smaller sizes but just bigger... So, I am able to cover larger areas with less loading of the paint.
Features & Benefits
‘ Microfibre no shedding
‘ 5mm, 10mm & 15mm nap/pile
‘ Spray-like finish using 5mm & 10mm
‘ No need to lay off
‘ 3-pack in plastic-free packaging
These amazing sleeves enable super paint pickup and release without needing to lay off, which saves so much time. I always pre-wet the sleeves by dipping them in clean, cold water (or using a trigger water bottle), then spin them out to remove excess water. I get a spray-like finish which my clients love!
They are easy to clean and give a flawless fibre-free finish with no shedding. Now I have small and large sizes to cover all my jobs, from small spindles to larger doors.
Two Fussy Blokes roller sleeves have colour-coded end caps which indicate the nap/pile sizing; Red is 5mm smooth, green is 10mm semi-smooth, and orange is 15mm semi-smooth plus.
Industrial Ceramic Fan Heater 2000W
Over the cold months it’s good to have heat whilst I work, and my go-to fan heater is the Sealey 2000W Ceramic Fan Heater. This industrial heater boasts PTC (positive temperature coefficient) ceramic elements that provide instant heat without odour!
Benefiting from two heat settings and one setting that circulates air only, so you can also use it in the summer. The ambient temperature is controlled with its built-in thermostat.
With an ergonomic handle, it’s lightweight at 1.4 kg and compact at 210 x 130 x 260mm, so it doesn’t take up much van space.
Features & Benefits
‘ PTC Ceramic elements
‘ Weight 1.4kg
‘ 2 heat settings and cold air
‘ Safety tilt switch
‘ Overheat protection
Two dials on the top control heat and air flow, and an LED indicator glows red when it’s on. For safety, a tilt switch is located on the underside and will instantly turn the unit off if it is knocked over.
It comes with a 1.2m power cable fitted to a 13-amp fused 3-pin UK plug, and a safety setting protects against overheating, which is a real bonus!
tool TALK
Products independently tested and recommended by Award Winning Decorator, Wayne de Wet
Magnetic Clamp Fan Work Light
@luceco_lighting www.luceco.com
When it comes to rechargeable LED portable lights, nothing comes close to combining them with a fan! The Luceco rechargeable portable fan work light with magnetic-clamp is mind-blowing!
It gives me so much in one product, 250 lumen 6500K cool white light for up to ten hours on low and five on high, plus an on-board 4000mAh power bank with USB output for charging my mobile or other devices. There are then two strips of LEDs, one on each side of the top edge, that provide ample lighting in both settings.
The flat base doubles as a heavy-duty clamp, so I can attach it to things, with the bonus of also having four strong magnets, so it will stick to metal surfaces. The three-speed fan can fully rotate 360° in both horizontal and vertical directions, providing optimal light.
Features & Benefits
Fan, light, and power bank in one
Rechargeable USB -C
Vertical/horizontal 360° rotation
Magnetic/clamp base
A green LED indicator light illuminates when selecting fan speeds, and a green power LED lights up to indicate 30%, 60%, or 100%, showing remaining battery life. The 3.7v Li-ion 18650 battery charges using the supplied USB-C cable, this usually takes about 5 or 6 hours.
One of each item recommended in this edition of Tooltalk (including the next page!) are available to one lucky PDA Member!
For your chance to win, send an email to tooltalk@the-decorator.co.uk Well done to our most recent winner, Mike Edwards of MDE Painting!
Features & Benefits
‘ Triple value pack
‘ 9ft x 12ft, 5ft x 12ft, 5ft x 5ft
‘ Extra thick natural 8oz cotton
‘ Washable
Heavy Duty Canvas Dust Sheet 8oz
@monarchpaintinguk
When it comes to extension poles, in my opinion, Wooster Brush make the finest in the world. They are manufactured to very high standards and are built to last, which I can vouch for, having owned mine for years. I’ve tried out many other brands, but Wooster Sherlock poles are exceptional.
I believe in the old saying ‘failing to prepare is preparing to fail’, and one of the first things I do on a job is lay down dust sheets to cover the flooring and anything else that needs protecting. If you skimp on buying quality, you’ve only yourself to blame when you find paint has soaked through onto the carpet. Monarch manufactures top-quality essentials for the painter and decorator, and their Heavy-Duty Canvas Dust Sheets are extra thick, reusable, and washable, and I highly rate them! This Value pack contains three very useful sizes, each identifying label. These sheets protect from paint splatter, and general dust and debris, suitable for all flooring and anything else that needs protecting whilst I work. The pack is unbelievably good value for money – Worth having a few of them in the van!
The poles have a cast aluminium threaded end on a hexagonal telescopic aluminium shaft that prevents twisting and glides effortlessly into the to the fibreglass round pole.
Preset holes enable extension in 6” steps, except the shortest, which has holes set 3” apart. A thumb lever helps grip and release the solid brass pin when pressed, then securely locks into place once the desired length is selected. I find it’s always best to have a variety of pole lengths to suit different jobs.
Wooster Sherlock extension poles are lightweight, available in a range of size, and a maintenance service pack is available (see the Winter 2025 magazine). This means you can change out serviceable parts, saving you the cost of replacing the whole pole.
Features & Benefits
‘ Cast aluminium threaded end
‘ Hexagonal telescopic shaft
‘ Soft grip, rounded end handle
‘ Thumb release lever
‘ Adjustable length increments
‘ Replacable parts
‘ Geared mechanism
‘ Reinforced handle
‘ Rotating barrel
‘ Stop tab lever
When using DRY SEAL™ MP from Repair Care, it pays to use their heavy-duty dispensing gun. I find it really easy to stop and start, which enables me to work better. This metal gun has a fabulous painted finish in its trademark Repair Care green, a reinforced black handle, and a rotating barrel, which makes it easy to apply material at any angle. High-viscosity products are easily handled and dispensed because of the geared mechanism, resulting in a more responsive experience with less hand fatigue.
Bulldozer
Duty 14" Garden Yard Broom
Key Features
‘ Heavy duty
‘ 14” brush head
‘ Stiff PVC bristles
‘ Telescopic handle
Call me old-fashioned, but I’ve always carried a decent broom in my van... And no one makes brooms like Charles Bentley! The 14” Bulldozer Broom is a hard-working part of my kit, it’s rigid and reliable.
It comes in bright yellow and black, so you won’t lose this in a hurry! The stiff dual PVC bristles in this 14” brush head are both durable and responsive, easily dealing with everything I task it with from my daily work. It’s incredibly lightweight, 1.15kg, and can be used both wet and dry, even with snow.
It even features a metal telescopic handle that provides an adjustable height of 73cm-126cm!
Brewers Shed & Fence Stain is a brand-new water-based formulation stain developed to protect and enhance exterior timber with longlasting colour and durability. Designed specifically for sheds, fences and rough sawn timber, it delivers reliable protection while providing a natural, matt finish. It is wax enriched to be water resistant, this high performing stain helps protect against UV damage and extreme weather ensuring your exterior timber looks its best for years to come. The water-based formulation makes application straightforward by brush, with simple clean-up using warm soapy water. With excellent coverage and a recoat time of 2–4 hours, Fence Stain is available in five ready-mixed shades: Coal, Slate, Dark Brown, Honey Brown and Garden Green, delivering up to 5 years of colour protection.
New roller is a Revolution
www.purdy.co.uk
Purdy has expanded its roller portfolio with the launch of a new roller system, giving professional decorators greater choice, versatility and efficiency on site. Designed with tradespeople firmly in mind, the new 14” roller system has been developed to support faster coverage across larger areas, while maintaining the high-quality finish Purdy is renowned for. At the heart of the system is the 14” Revolution frame, compatible with all 14” covers, giving decorators maximum flexibility when selecting sleeves for different applications. Featuring a smooth rolling action and a quick roller cover release, the frame is engineered for ease of use and durability on busy job sites. Its open-end cage design allows decorators to roll closer into corners improving accuracy and reducing cutting-in time. Dedicated to inspiring and elevating the professional painting and
www.makitauk.com
The Makita VC013G is a highly portable L-Class dust extractor with automatic operation functionality as well as a site vacuum with impressive suction power, air flow volume, and runtimes. This addition to Makita’s 40VMax XGT battery platform delivers a substantial increase in power over previous 18v versions but with no increase in the physical size. Despite its power, it operates at no more than 75 decibels due to the design of the motor housing and supports. For exceptional dust capture and air quality it includes both a pre-filter and highly effective HEPA filter. It also features Makita’s AWS (Auto-Start Wireless System), which connects the vacuum to compatible tools using Bluetooth to automatically run the vacuum when the tool is in use. The VC013G is also versatile, with easy adjustment of suction power to suit the task, wet cleaning achieved by fitting the wet filter, and a built-in blower function. A hose extension set and telescopic pipe, allow the vacuum to be tailored to meet the user’s requirements. An integrated carry handle and removeable shoulder strap, plus the option to fit casters to the base to enable the vacuum to move with the user more freely.
www.brewers.co.uk
off the shelf
Designed specifically for the ‘5th wall’ in the home, the new and improved Albany AF1 Ceiling Paint brings performance upgrades you can genuinely feel while still delivering a flawless super flat matt finish. Plus AF1 is now available in a new 5L size, perfect for those smaller projects.
The new formula of Albany AF1 Ceiling Paint delivers a range of key improvements designed to make ceiling work quicker, cleaner and easier. It’s lighter to handle, features a non-spatter formula for tidier application, and has improved recoat times to help you move through jobs more efficiently. Performance through a sprayer has also been enhanced, delivering excellent results whether applying by brush, roller or spray.
With the upgrades, AF1 retains the same trusted qualities decorators rely on. Remaining a water-based ceiling coating packed with matting agents to help hide imperfections and reduce brush and roller marks, creating a smooth, consistent super flat matt finish with dependable anti-flashing performance.
The new formulation has improved coverage of around 13m² per litre (previously 9m² per litre), with recoat times of 2–4 hours (previously 4–6 hours).
Shop at brewers.co.uk or your local Brewers Decorator Centre.
With spring bringing warmer weather now is the time to take a look at Little Greene’s extensive collection of exterior finishes. Providing the perfect backdrop for planting schemes and entertaining areas, paint works in harmony with outdoor spaces to create an extension of your home.
When choosing outdoor paint, look for colours associated with the earth, sky, sea and sun for inspiration that is guaranteed to work.
Little Greene’s ‘exterior family’ of paints offers both high-gloss and low-sheen finishes that are hard-wearing and hard-working. These exterior finishes are ideal for painting outdoor woodwork, joinery and metalwork, combining the highest technical performance with a beautiful finish and profound depth of colour.
Available in the complete Little Greene colour palette, Little Greene’s exterior finishes enable the complete transformation of outdoor spaces, bringing durable protection, year-round colour, joy and design interest to an exterior.
Perfect primers
The ultimate all-rounder
Fleetwood Paints has built a strong reputation among professional decorators and merchants. Developed for the demands of trade professionals, Fleetwood’s primer range has become widely used across Ireland in both trade and retail channels. The products are trusted solutions for difficult surfaces, stain blocking and adhesion problems across renovation, restoration and new build projects. The range has recently been refreshed with updated packaging and clearer on-pack guidance to help quickly identify the right primer for the job, while retaining the same high-performance formulations that professionals already rely on.
At the heart of the range is Fleetwood Bloxx-It, a premium oil-based primer, sealer, stain killer and undercoat designed to handle the toughest preparation challenges. Bloxx-It sticks to virtually any surface without sanding, making it particularly useful for refurbishment projects where time is limited and surfaces are varied.
The oil-based formulation provides excellent coverage and exceptional opacity, effectively concealing difficult stains such as nicotine, smoke and water marks while creating a reliable base for topcoats. It is also widely used for sealing tannin bleed on resin-rich timbers such as cedar and redwood.
Its versatility has made Bloxx-It one of the most widely used primers in Irish decorating, particularly on renovation work where a single product must tackle multiple substrates.
Availability in the UK
Fleetwood’s primer range is now increasingly available to decorators in the UK through specialist decorating merchants and online paint retailers. Products such as Bloxx-It and Pure Grip are stocked by UK decorating suppliers and specialist paint retailers, with multiple pack sizes available for trade use. www.fleetwood.co.uk
Maximum blocking power
Where extreme stain blocking is required, shellac-based Terminator is designed to deal with the most persistent surface issues. The formulation seals porous surfaces while preventing stains caused by smoke damage, fire damage, grease, rust, water marks, nicotine and wood knots from bleeding through topcoats. One of Terminator’s key advantages is its ability to bond to glossy or highly polished surfaces without sanding, including melamine and varnished wood. This makes it particularly useful for interior renovation work, furniture refinishing and repainting cabinetry.
The Modern Adhesion Primer
Completing the range is Pure Grip, a water-based adhesion primer designed for decorators who want powerful bonding performance with low odour and fast drying. Despite being water-based, the product delivers exceptional adhesion to a wide range of challenging surfaces including PVC doors and window frames, ceramic tiles, wood panelling, metal, and furniture. Pure Grip acts as a powerful bond coat primer, allowing paint to adhere to surfaces where conventional primers often struggle.
In the first of our four-part series looking at tool longevity, Stuart Ruffles from Purdy looks at the myth of disposable brushes, exploring why these cheaper options don’t provide long term value and can even hinder profit and professionalism.
Why it pays to invest in the right tools
Controlling costs is an everyday part of the decorator’s job. Materials, labour, fuel and time all add up quickly, so of course it makes sense to shave a few pounds off the budget wherever possible. At first glance, cheap multipack brushes and rollers seem like a bargain. They’re an easy purchase; hand over a few quid, job done.
But behind this ‘one and done’ approach lies one of the most persistent false economies in decorating, and it’s quietly chipping away at profits over time. When tools are treated as
disposable, replacement becomes routine rather than exceptional, and the true cost begins to climb.
Lifetime value
Overcoming this requires a shift in thinking, moving away from upfront price alone and towards lifetime value and cost per use.
Lifetime value offers a more realistic way of assessing whether a tool is a good investment. Rather than focusing solely on what a tool costs on day one, lifetime value considers how long it lasts, how consistently it performs and how often it needs to be replaced.
A higher-quality brush that keeps its bristle integrity, cleans easily and delivers the same finish month after month has a far greater working life than a cheaper alternative, even if the initial outlay is higher.
Cost per use
Closely linked to lifetime value is cost per use, a calculation that can quickly change how decorators view their purchasing decisions. Cost per use is simply the total cost of owning a tool divided by the number of times it is used.
A £5 brush that lasts for five uses costs £1 every time it comes out of the van.
Whereas a £25 brush used one hundred times costs just 25 pence per use. Looked at this way, the supposedly expensive tool is actually the cheaper option, particularly over the course of a year or more.
Hidden costs
This way of thinking becomes even more compelling when the hidden costs of cheap tools are taken into account. They can compromise the finish, slow down cutting-in, and lead to additional coats or time spent correcting flaws that were not caused by the paint or the technique, but by the tool itself.
In a trade where reputation and repeat business matter, these small setbacks can have major consequences.
Simply better tools
Time is another often-overlooked factor. Quality tools are designed to work with the decorator, not against them.
Better paint pick-up, smoother release and more consistent coverage all contribute to faster, more efficient working. Over weeks and months, the time saved by using tools that perform reliably can easily outweigh the difference in purchase price.
For professionals, the most cost-effective approach is to treat tools as an investment rather than a consumable.
That means choosing tools that are built to last, maintaining them properly and judging their value over years of use rather than a single project.
So rather than opting for the cheap brush that loses its shape after a day, the roller that sheds fibres halfway through a wall, or the scraper that blunts almost immediately; it makes sense to invest in a higher quality option that will protect your reputation and your wallet
For decorating contractors, having a reliable supplier partner that understands their business and the specific needs of every project can keep things running smoothly and ensure top results are achieved.
We recently caught up with Sarah Atkins, Managing Director at Dulux Decorator Centre, to find out more about how the paint merchant is stepping up support for its trade partners across the UK.
Support that’s centred on you
What does Dulux Decorator Centre stand for?
As a business, we have been providing unwavering support, expertise and innovative solutions for the decorating trade for over 130 years. What started as JP McDougall in 1895 has grown to a nationwide network of over 230 stores and a dedicated team of product, colour and sector specialists that help with everything from choosing the right products to ensuring supplies arrive at the right time.
Dulux Decorator Centre isn’t just a supplier. Customers see us as a partner that helps them to win new work, reduce risk and improve on-site efficiency.
What support does Dulux Decorator Centre offer the trade?
Our teams work together to support customers at every stage of a project and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Our hands-on approach includes:
• Dedicated account managers who help contractors streamline purchasing and planning.
• Sector specialists who can advise on complex projects and ensure the right solutions are specified.
• Colour professionals who support with designing schemes in line with project briefs and client expectations.
• Technical experts who will attend site to troubleshoot challenges and ensure correct product application, for top results.
• In-store experts who understand the realities of site work and can help appliers with everything from product guidance, flexible delivery and can recycling.
What are the benefits of being an account holder?
At Dulux Decorator Centre, we offer a range of account options so businesses of all sizes can access support that is centred on them. All trade account holders have access to a single point of contact who is there at every turn to streamline processes, unlock expertise from specialist teams and keep things moving.
Trade account holders are offered preferential prices tailored to their needs, which means better terms on the products their teams use day in, day out. Free delivery options, including Rapid delivery in as little as 60 minutes, ensure supplies arrive on site as they are needed.
We also share regular updates on orders, so customers know exactly when their delivery is due to arrive and can plan ahead to prevent costly downtime.
For those who need to evidence strong environmental performance and enhance their tender submissions, we provide detailed sustainability reporting. Dulux Decorator Centre also champions the use of water-based and low-VOC paint options, and we provide a free paint can recycling service to help customers reduce environmental impact and waste.
What’s next for Dulux Decorator Centre?
At Dulux Decorator Centre, support isn’t an add-on, it is built around our customers. As the trade evolves, our role is to evolve with it. Combining the heritage and scale of our store network and with a proactive account management team that has the flexibility to respond to customers’ needs makes Dulux Decorator Centre a partner to depend on for expertise, accessibility, reliability and ease.
We’re continually improving our offer to provide customers with the products and services that matter most. Our expanding range of over 700 brands, guidance that keeps firms compliant and efficient on site, and services that help companies reduce waste, mean we’re focused on making every job easier.
For more about Dulux Decorator Centre and how it can support you and your business, visit www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk
Renowned for its high-quality, beautifully crafted eco-conscious paint, Earthborn have announced the addition of 12 new colours to its paint collection. The launch offers a vibrant, yet versatile palette designed to inspire creativity and bring a fresh energy to any room, from serene living rooms to vibrant kitchens and cosy bedrooms.
Each shade has been carefully developed to balance timeless style with modern appeal. The result is a curated mix of fresh, bright and enduring colours that seamlessly blend with both classic and contemporary interiors. The launch also brings two beloved shades back from their archive.
The new colours will be available in all Earthborn interior finishes from the Earthborn website and stockists throughout the UK
Kitchen units: Riverbank / Island: Thimble Lane.
Walls: Pale Pip / Dado: Three Bears. Walls: Three Bears. Panelling: Quick Dip.
High-quality colour and long-lasting durability are at the heart of a perfect finish on any job, but perhaps especially so when you’re working within commercial environments like schools and care homes. Read on, as we talk with Dillon Cilliers, Senior Product Manager at Valspar Trade, about how you can deliver on colour and durability every time, meaning you can approach commercial projects with confidence...
Why are commercial projects different?
Compared to your average painting job for Mr and Mrs Smith down the road, aside from the size and scale of the job, the education and healthcare sectors are unique in that the buildings are always in use. With this comes the need to minimise disruption and downtime, meaning you need to get in and out as quick as possible, all without impacting on the final finish. Opportunities for maintenance can be limited to certain periods, weekends or school holidays in the case of education buildings.
How can the paint help with easier maintenance?
Ticking the boxes for durabilty and colour
What about colour, how important
is it?
Colour is about far more than just picking a colour that looks nice on the wall, as is the case for residential jobs. The psychology around colour has been heavily researched, including its influence on how people interact with and experience a space.
Not every paint will be up to the job, especially when it comes to the high traffic areas found within some commercial buildings, think corridors, hallways and circulation areas. You need an emulsion that will stand up to the daily scuffs, bumps and scrapes, minimising the need for regular touch-ups or call backs.
With maintenance schedules tight, consider looking for paint that is certified as scrubbable according to ISO 11998. This standard evaluates a paint’s resistance to repeated cleaning, with Class 1 meaning the paint loses less than five micrometres of film after 200 scrubs. By opting for a scrubbable paint, such as Valspar Trade Tough Matt, surfaces can be easily cleaned using warm soapy water to remove marks or stains, rather than requiring regular, costly and time-consuming repaints.
Opacity is also important. Fewer coats mean a job can be completed quicker, with less time spent watching paint dry, ideal when you consider the often-narrow window of opportunity for refurbishments and need to
For schools, the emphasis should be on how the interior can inspire productivity and learning. While within healthcare settings, it’s all about creating a calm and welcoming look and feel. Colour can help with wayfinding too, with individual zones assigned their own colour.
With increased attention paid to creating inclusive environments, it’s also important to think about how you can prevent additional unnecessary stress being caused to patients, residents and visitors.
For example, certain colours and finishes have been classed as ‘dementia-friendly’, helping to reduce confusion, anxiety and falls.
How to ensure the perfect colour match every time?
Achieving a perfect colour match is an exact science. There are many factors at play, from the quality of the pigments used and size of the colour database, to the tinting machine, shaker and colour spectrometer. Carefully calibrated, the tinting machine’s computer system first dispenses the perfect amount and set combination of pigments required to create the desired colour. The can will then be heavily shaken to ensure the pigment is thoroughly combined with the base formulation for a smooth, consistent and true colour.
When you use Valspar Trade paint, it’s good to know that every colour match is automatically saved onto a central database, accessible from any UK TradePoint store. This makes it easy and hassle-free to gain access to the exact same colour further down the line, making for easier touch-ups or a uniformed group approach across several sites.
Don’t forget, as a member of the PDA, you get an immediate 10% of purchases at TradePoint – Apply now at https://tinyurl.com/pda-tp10
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