The Professional Painter & Decorator – Summer 2025

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Welcome to the magazine's summer edition, which features news, advice, and product updates relevant to trade professionals in the sector.

A big date for your diary is The National Painting and Decorating Show taking place 18-19 November at the CBS Arena in Coventry. Tickets are free - simply scan the QR code on page 4 for registration. The P&D Show is the biggest trade event in the sector is a great opportunity for professionals in the industry to connect and explore new products and techniques.

Well done to Dulux Decorator Centre who are celebrating their 130th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its history of supporting tradespeople and marking it with a year-long celebration of competitions and giveaways.

There's certainly been a lot of sunshine recently, and Geoff Makrill from Coo-Var discusses the challenges of solar heat gain in buildings and offers solutions like glass shading and solar-reflective paint. Excellent results come from using the right paint for the job, top brand Zinsser outline their range of ultimate performance exterior paints and primers suitable for summer decorating.

Woodcare expert Liberon offer an extensive range of products for exterior use. There's an opportunity to try out their range with a competition offering four bundles valued at over £66 each – details on page 40.

As always, we've collated new and updated products in the marketplace section. Shurtape has expanded its range of professional tapes for indoor and outdoor projects. Dulux Trade Aqua UniPrimer streamlines surface preparation for professional decorators. Check out the new cordless range of palm sanders from innovative company Flex Tools.

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

We would love to hear from you!

Catherine Saint, Editor

CBSArena vemberNo 18 + 19

130 years supporting the decorating trade

THIS YEAR MARKS a monumental milestone for Dulux Decorator Centre, as it proudly celebrates its 130th anniversary.

For over a century, Dulux Decorator Centre has been partnering with tradespeople across the country, providing unwavering support, expertise and innovative solutions to propel them to succeed. To honour this incredible journey, the paint merchant will be celebrating with its colleagues and customers via a year-long extravaganza of activity, including competitions, giveaways, not-to-be missed events and contributing to local communities by donating paint to worthy causes nationwide, helping to brighten people's lives.

Dulux Decorator Centre started as JP McDougall in 1895, opening as a single shop on Blackfriars Street in Manchester. The business expanded to over 100 stores by 1990, and this momentum has continued ever since. In 1998, the company began trading as Dulux Decorator Centre and has now grown to a nationwide network of over 230 stores. The in-store colleagues and dedicated Account and Specification teams provide expert advice for customers - from paint specification to supply and beyond. JP McDougall’s philosophy was to ensure that the business was centred around people, and this is still the foundation of Dulux Decorator Centre today and in the future – it is committed to providing the trade with unrivalled support and expertise to help decorating businesses thrive.

Sarah Atkins, Managing Director at Dulux Decorator Centre, commented: “I am incredibly proud to be part of a business with so much history, and stepping into my new role this year, I am excited to continue working with our talented team and trusted suppliers to provide expertise and experiences that are centred on our customers’ needs. We see ourselves as more than just a supplier; we’re a partner. Our dedicated team are there to offer industry insight and project expertise whenever customers need it, equipping them with the tools, advice and support they need to propel their business forward.

“Our 130th anniversary is a chance to celebrate with our colleagues and the decorating industry and to give back to our customers and move forwards together to ensure a bright future for the sector.”

To stay up to date with the latest competitions, giveaways and events, and to find out how Dulux Decorator Centre can support your business, sign up to the newsletter at www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk/newsletter/subscribe n

Entries are now open for 2025 Mentor of the Year

PURDY IS PLEASED to announce that its Mentor of the Year competition is back again for 2025. As well as Purdy’s centenary, this year marks the fifth year of the Purdy Mentor of the Year competition which continues to recognise and give 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 craftmanship - not 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 our 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.

Rob Davies, National Account Manager at Purdy commented: “We are thrilled to be running the Mentor of the Year competition again so that we can reward even 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.

“As we celebrate 100 years of Purdy this year, it would be a truly fantastic achievement to be crowned this year’s winners.”

If you know someone that you would like to nominate, visit www.purdy.co.uk/the-purdy-difference/mentor-of-the-year/ 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 2025. n

2024 winners – Scott Oliver (left), and Simon Whitaker (right).

PAINTING AND DECORA NATIONAL SHOW

Just as much as any other trade, if not more, painters and decorators have a lot of products to choose from. Application tools from cutting in brushes to spray kit, coatings for all substrates, weather conditions, ceilings, floors, factories to listed properties. Products to prepare and repair wood, plaster, metal. All professionals will be able to complete this list.

It's not that easy to keep yourself up to speed with all that’s coming on to the market, not just from UK manufacturers but from Europe and the States. Or indeed the product launches of the ‘big’ companies.

The most time efficient route to getting a handle on the products you should know about, or should be using, is to get yourself to The National Painting & Decorating Show. Over 100 exhibitors covering access, brushes, coatings through to spray and masking products. Merchants have a good presence too, each eager to set up accounts on the best possible terms.

The Show is at the CBS Arena, just five minutes from Junction 3 of the M6, on the 18th and 19th of November 2025 – See you there!

Good Goody bags

The first 1,000 through the doors on each day of the Show qualify for a FREE goody bag.

It’s a mystery what’s in it, but if it is anything like last year there’ll be a lot of product samples for you to try out. The manufacturers really want to get these samples to you so that you can get a hands-on experience. You can’t know a product by looking at it – you’ve got to try it out!

So get to the show as early as possible, so that you can guarantee getting a goody bag.

What’s stripping?

On the Barrettine stand you can get hands-on with their award-winning paint and varnish removal systems, Paint Panther® and PeelAway®, designed to make even the toughest jobs quick and easy. Product samples will be on the stand, along with goodie bags and special Contractor T-shirts. You can also find out more about Armourflex® Ultimate UV Protection Oil, and Armourflex® Hardwax Oil, designed for interiors with a satin or matt finish that won’t peel, crack, or flake – all at a great price.

NextGen Ultra Paint Sprayers

Graco is to showcase its latest innovation in airless spray technology – the all-new Ultra Small Electric Sprayer Series for professional decorators demanding performance, portability, and productivity.

The new Ultra lineup sets a standard for entry-level spray systems and is the lightest full-performance professional sprayer on the market. Designed with on-site agility in mind, these compact sprayers are easy to transport and store, making them a perfect fit for today’s mobile tradespeople.

Each model in the Ultra range is built for maximum uptime with the patented Endurance Vortex pump, offering up to 3X longer life, plus SmartControl for a flawless finish and a durable brushless motor for consistent performance.

Visitors to the Graco stand can get hands-on with the new Ultra models, including the 390 and 395, and see just how fast and easy maintenance can be with ProConnect pumps, RAC X Low Pressure SwitchTips, and the Contractor PC Gun’s replaceable cartridge system.

Emperor Paints are exhibiting at the Show for the very first time, showcasing a range of performance masonry paints and treatments, including the latest addition, Dark. This new formulation introduces dark colours to the range for the very first time. Visit the stand where they’ll be giving away exclusive Emperor Paint goodies, running competitions and offering decorators a chance to explore Cutting In – their platform packed with advice and tools to help grow your decorating business.

Crown Paints is back as a proud Diamond Sponsor and things are set to get colourful at Stand 33. There’s already buzz about what will be on the stand, with whispers of an exciting new product making its debut! The details are under wraps (for now), but it’s one the trade won’t want to miss, and in true Crown Trade style, there’s more than just paint on offer – expect laughs, experts to talk about all things paint, a bit of friendly competition, and a seriously fun game with prizes that’ll be flying off the stand.

THE !GRAND

PRIZE DRAW

£3,500 of products up for grabs! Hampshire-based tools supplier Ciret have confirmed they will once again be giving away top quality decorating tools from their Rota, Kana, Masq, and Prep brands!

Each day of the show Mike Dickerson, from Ciret, will be handing out tool bundles worth £1,000, £500 and £250.

Everyone has an equal chance of winning, simply pick up an entry card when you arrive and stay to watch the draw live!

Sharp Lines

FrogTape® will be demonstrating their market leading Masking Tapes, the only masking tape treated with Paintblock® Technology, that keeps paint out and lines sharp to achieve a high-quality finish quickly and easily. Also, NEW Multi-packs of 2, 3, 4 and 6 packs will be showcased.

You’ll also see FrogTape® Containment Tape, a premium grade adhesive on one side for up to 21 day clean removal, on the other, an aggressive adhesive that securely holds poly-sheeting/protective coverings.

PRACTICE Products in

Two demonstrations areas will be giving the trade insights into the products and practices that will either save time, improve finishes, enhance reputations, or, indeed, all three! You could see presentations on subjects such as – Advanced Spray Painting Techniques; Mastering Surface Preparation for Perfect Finishes; Decorative Effects; Wallpaper Hanging: New Tools and Methods; Restoration Techniques and more!

Twoforone

Decorating specialist Leyland has been named as CT1’s official painting and decorating partner for 2025, and will join forces on a stand at the Show too.

A series of product demonstrations are planned in stores throughout the year, with high-profile decorating influencers due to make appearances, including Paint Warrior, Kris Fox Devos and Jen The Decorator. The trio have a combined social media following of more than 1.5 million.

Naivasha Elworthy, Head of Marketing at Leyland, said “We’re particularly excited about sharing a stand at the National Painting & Decorating Show in November, which will allow us to demonstrate our relationship to tens of thousands of professional tradespeople.”

Maverick’s will introduce the Headlock Pro® paint roller system to the trade, including the ground-breaking accessory that eliminates gruelling cleaning routines with rapid drill-powered centrifugal force cleaning, and Series V® polyamide microfibre roller covers, which unleash long-lasting performance, accelerate productivity, and deliver a consistent finish.

Two paint brush lines will also be on the stand, Series X® with Memex® tapered filaments for superior performance, and Series S® with unique Twista® filament technology to enable greater paint-pick up and gradual release, delivering class-leading productivity and finesse to all decorators.

Visit Libéron’s stand to find out more about how this brand can help achieve the best results for woodcare projects. Whether loving woodcare or tackling it with a wish simply to have it over and done with, the right top-quality products means a right-first-time-job of which to be proud.

Libéron also has products such as dyes, waxes, oils and varnishes together with a range of solutions available for tackling all kinds of wood preparation and repair including touch-up pens, burnishing cream, retouch cream for filling mitre joints, and so much more!

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A modern aesthetic Lime Paint and Nappa

By Cait Whitson

Lime paint, also known as limewash, is experiencing a surge in popularity among designers and homeowners, thanks to its soft, mottled, and chalky aesthetic seen across social media. It beautifully complements both contemporary and traditional spaces, and with application rates reaching up to £80 per square metre, offering this service can significantly boost your business.

The primary appeal of lime paint lies in its environmental benefits and unique look. However, it’s crucial to manage client expectations: its finish isn’t highly durable and marks easily, making it unsuitable for high-traffic areas like staircases.

If the aesthetic is the sole focus, more resilient alternatives are available, which is where Nappa can be a valuable addition to your offerings.

Many decorators find lime products daunting, often unsure about compatibility with existing surfaces and other materials. The good news is that various bridging materials exist, allowing lime paint to be applied to

To achieve the trendy cloudy effect, work in organic patches; feather your brushwork outwards into irregular shapes, leaving gaps between patches. Rather than cutting in traditionally, leaving a straight line, cut in as you go and feather the edges avoiding straight lines as these lines will show at the end.

almost any surface. The application technique, while different from modern paints, is surprisingly simple. While many forms of limewash are available, I am going to focus on what we sell at Whitson’s Ltd, because I can write with authority about it. Unlike pre-coloured and pre-diluted options, ours requires approximately 20% dilution, by varying dilution rates you can get different effects. We’re proud to offer a product that lowers its carbon footprint by not shipping pre-diluted material from Italy. Our colour packs are also tailorable, allowing you to tint only what you need and save the rest for future projects.

The paint will appear translucent initially but will become opaque as it dries. As this happens, gently fill in the gaps, feathering the wet paint into the drying areas. Maintain organic shapes and random brushwork. For more movement, keep patches small and allow them to dry more before filling them in. For less movement, maintain a wet edge.

Wait four hours for the first coat to dry and then apply the second coat using the same method. To ensure that you don’t repeat the same pattern on the second coat –which is human nature – start from the opposite side of the wall. So, if you worked left to right on the first coat, work right to left for the second.

Lime paint offers a soft and chalky look, which has become very popular in interior design.

A finished Nappa wall.

Nappa Application

Nappa is applied in a similar method, cut in the same way feathering the edges and start the wall by creating an organic shape but this time work across the wall methodically. After the first

organic shape has been made, start the next section a little bit away from the first. Feather it out towards the rest of the wall and finally gently feather it back into your first shape, taking

Preparation and application tips

Lime paint doesn’t react well with gypsum, especially gypsum filler, nor does it like caulk. These materials can show up as patches on the end finish. We recommend pre-sealing any filler and caulk with Zinsser 123 for

wet into dry. Carry on across the wall maintaining an organic edge. Like Lime Paint, swap the direction of working for the second coat which you can apply after two hours.

optimal blocking. You should prime the surface with a lime-friendly primer, we offer two: a clear, diluted option for going over existing emulsion or similar conventional paints and a white tintable one for new plaster or when transitioning between dark and pale colours, which aids opacity.

For application, bristle brushes, like those shown opposite, are ideal. While traditional block bristle brushes and round stiff mops are excellent for exterior limewash due to their body and stiffness, they aren’t necessary for achieving the popular cloudy interior look. We prefer flatter, thinner brushes as they offer more control for this aesthetic.

Durability

As I said, Lime Paint isn’t a super-durable finish, Whitson’s does have a lime compatible super-matt soft touch varnish that you can apply that doesn’t mar. This does however remove all the eco credentials of the paint. If the aesthetic and durability is the aim, you might be better to use a product like Stucco Italiano Nappa which is durable, washable and gives a very similar look. It doesn’t need sealing and can be applied over any quality acrylic basecoat (although there is a primer for it too). n

Cait Whitson is decorative painter working throughout UK and teaching from her studio in Perth, Scotland.

You can see her work on social media: Instagram @paintycait or Facebook /carteblanchedecorativepainters

All products used were supplied by Whitson’s Ltd and can be found at www.caitwhitson.com where you can also find a list of associated training centres. Cait is also available for technical support on WhatsApp between 7am and 7pm weekdays on 07771 663015.

By Ben Heslop, Creative Director of Blank Wall Assassins

Prepping the

What it takes to get a wall ready for Street Art

When most people see a finished mural, they see the wow factor. The colour, the message, the scale. What they don’t see is the graft that goes into preparing the wall before the first drop of paint hits it. And trust me, the prep can make or break a mural. Not every wall is created equal. The gold standard? Clean render or flat-faced brick. Anything that gives the artist a smooth, predictable base to work with. But in reality, we’re often dealing with anything but. Rough blockwork, crumbling render or industrial cladding with more lumps and bumps than you’d think possible.

Orientation matters too. A south-facing wall gets the most sun, which might seem like a bonus, but it can actually cause premature fading, especially with certain colours. North-facing walls tend to stay damp, which can lead to rapid deterioration. That’s something many funders and property owners just don’t

consider. There's a general lack of understanding about what makes a surface viable. A stunning concept means nothing if the wall can't take paint or will peel within a year.

So, what’s the prep process? First, we check the wall’s condition, looking for any signs of damage, flaking paint or damp. Then it’s about getting it clean and primed so the mural has the best chance of lasting. It’s identical to any professional paint job. Lasting quality is the goal for us as well. That part’s usually down to me. Funny thing is, I do all the hard work getting the wall ready, then some incredibly talented artist comes along and paints over it!

One of the biggest challenges in large-scale work is scaling up. It’s easy to draw a sketch on paper. Not so easy to replicate it three storeys up without losing proportion. That’s where doodle grids come in. Artists

Nuno Viegas. Photo by Daylight Robber’

Luke Smile, ‘The bigger picture’ (work in progress)

Jacqueline De Montaigne. Photo by Stuart Walker.

spray random letters and shapes across the wall, snap a photo and overlay their design digitally. It gives them visual anchors so even if they can’t see the other end of a massive wall, or it’s curved, they can keep everything in proportion.

It’s one of the most common techniques now, especially among freehand painters. Every artist has their own approach, the grid method is also very popular with brush artists and most who work at scale today rely on methods like these. Some love a rough surface for texture. Others demand a flawless finish. Part of my job is matching the right wall to the right artist.

If you want a piece of public art to stand the test of time, you can’t shortcut the preparation. It’s not just paint. It’s process. Great murals don’t start with spray cans. They start with knowing your surface. n

Blank Wall Assassins is a not-for-profit organisation whose vision is to inspire people through world class public art based in Carlisle.

Driven by the belief that incredible art should not be confined to galleries and museums, viewed by the few and missed by the masses. Today, the street art scene provides the largest free global gallery celebrating a rich and diverse tapestry of culture and communities.

Their mission is to create vibrant public spaces that surprise, excite and inspire. Seeking to challenge people’s perceptions of where they live and work through the integration of street art in the spaces they move through; making unloved spaces desirable and creating a sense of ownership and interaction with culture for everyone. www.blankwallassassins.com

L7 Matrix. Photo by altphotography.

Liam Bononi, work in progress at Northern Paint Fest. Photo by altphotography.

The new and updated PaintGuard

Allpack Packaging Ltd, a leader in innovative protective packaging solutions, announces the launch of its recently updated PaintGuard Pulp Fitment designs. The latest enhancements include the introduction of new rectangular fitments and expanding the product range to meet the evolving needs of paint and coatings manufacturers.

The PaintGuard Pulp Fitment range is renowned for offering high-quality, eco-friendly solutions that protect paint cans during transit, ensuring product integrity from distributor to end user/customer. The new fitment designs build upon this reputation, delivering improved structural integrity, ease of use, and environmental sustainability.

The new range of pulp fitments boasts enhanced protection, improving the structural design and strength of the boxed contents, which have been UK carrier-approved to guarantee the contents arrive in pristine condition.

The addition of new rectangular pulp fitments has expanded the original range of square fitments, allowing for increased versatility in different tin/tub configurations to benefit from using the PaintGuard system.

As with all PaintGuard products, sustainability is a key part of the product, with all component parts containing varying amounts of recycled content that align with Allpack’s commitment to sustainability, such as the pulp fitment is manufactured from 100% recycled content and is fully recyclable and biodegradable, with the outer boxes being FSC certified for extra peace of mind.

The updated square fitments have been optimised to provide a snug and safe fit for a variety of paint tin sizes, from 750ml through to 5L tins or tubs. The launch of the new rectangular-shaped fitments enabled a redesign of the fitment contours through precision engineering to reduce the risk of movement during transportation, enhancing the absorption and dissipation of impact energy, created from in-transit drops and knocks, through the fitment, keeping the contents safe and intact. n

The expanded PaintGuard™ range is available to order via www.allpack.uk.com with product samples available upon request. To discuss your requirements in more detail, please contact Allpack on 01543 396 888 or email sales@allpack.uk.com

Colour and its impact on the well-being of those using a space can often be overlooked, with the education sector being one area in which colour can be most impactful.

Richard Palmer at Valspar Trade explores this further at Hill Park School in Brighton, where Valspar Trade paint was the perfect match.

Creating inspiring learning

Colour is crucial within the education sector, helping to create calm, welcoming and positive spaces that encourage students’ productivity. That said, it’s not just all about colour. Surfaces, such as walls, also need to be able to withstand the daily wear and tear from heavy footfall, including the inevitable scuffs, scratches and spillages present within schools and colleges.

Colour and its effect

When choosing a colour for a classroom, you need to find a balance between a space being bright and welcoming, without becoming overstimulating. With classrooms being used by students of all ages and needs, ensure your customer has carefully considered their chosen colour scheme before purchasing your paint. Consider recommending cooler colours, including green, blue, grey or violet, all of which have been shown to promote calm and a feeling of well-being. Green tones are especially useful, having been shown to relax the nervous system and lessen feelings of stress, in addition to aiding communication and the development of speech skills.

Long-lasting and durable

The paint you chose also needs to be able to stand up to daily wear and tear, helping to extend a school’s maintenance schedules. In near constant use, refurbishments tend to be limited to weekends or school holidays. As such, extending the time between refurbs can be invaluable to your client.

To meet this, look for paints that offer long-lasting performance and durability, as well as stain resistance and scrubbability.

To be deemed scrubbable, paint will be cleaned with a mild detergent solution, without any visible damage to the finish. Products with an ISO Class 1 scrub rating will protect surfaces, seeing only five microns of thickness lost after 200 cleaning cycles.

A product with this rating will guarantee you, and the end user of a space, exceptional durability –saving time and money.

Promoting well-being

The physical health of students is another important consideration, with many paints containing potentially harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). For this reason, you should look to brands that come with lower VOCs, like many water-based paints.

The globe classification label can help you identify these products, with classifications ranging from ‘Very High’ (more than 50% VOC content) to ‘Minimal’ or ‘Trace’ (0% - 0.29%).

Falling under the Sherwin-Williams umbrella, the largest coatings manufacturer in the world, Valspar Trade offers a wide range of high-quality, durable paint products for all interior and exterior applications. Priding itself on its colour matching capabilities, Valspar Trade is available exclusively at TradePoint, with a Direct2Site service for orders over 150 litres. >

Aura® Exterior provides the ultimate performance for rich, full colour and unprecedented durability, ensuring stunning results that stand the test of time on exterior surfaces such as doors and window frames.

Hill Park School, Brighton

Hill Park School is a special education school, described as providing a positive and dynamic school community. While the school interior needed renovation and redecoration, sadly limited budgets and available funding presented a challenge.

The school initially reached out to Valspar Trade for support with a paint donation; however, the response was more than they could have expected. As well as supplying a range of paint products, Valspar Trade supported with the colour specification process and even arranged for staff members to help with the painting process.

The paint manufacturer donated a range of products to the school, including Valspar Trade Tough Silk, Wood & Metal Gloss and Wood & Metal Knot Block Wood Primer & Undercoat, for the 1,200 sqm of corridor walls, 2,400 sqm of classroom walls and 1,000m of skirting boards and architraves.

Working closely with the school a bespoke colour palette was created, focussed around blue and teal shades for the ground floor and first floor classrooms, including Misty Harbour, Blue Wool and In the Shallows. Daffodil Yellow was also colour matched for the corridors and central areas, creating a bright, welcoming interior and meeting the required Light Reflectance Values (LRV) for visually impaired students.

Speaking about the colours specified, Richard Palmer, Head of Trade at Valspar Trade explained: “When it comes to choosing colours for educational spaces, such as schools, there is a lot to consider. Colour really does have the power to positively (or negatively) impact concentration, creativity and productivity levels.

“For example, greens, blues and greys are known to promote feelings of calm and positive well-being, with blue tones specifically highlighted as a preferred colour for those with a visual impairment. These cool tones can also contribute to reduced stimulation within individuals who may have ADHD or those with a neurodiversity, such as autism. Our aim was to create a series of inviting and calm interior spaces, that provided students and staff with a clean and fresh learning environment.

“As well as colour, durability was understandably another priority, especially within the corridors and central area that will see a large amount of daily footfall. Our Tough Silk was the perfect product for the job, with its stain resistance and scrubbability rating providing long-term protection against marks, stains and scuffs.” n

www.valsparpaint.co.uk/valspar-trade/

It’s not just large businesses that need to look after their online safety and security it should be a key consideration for small businesses. If you hold personal information on clients’ you must ensure this is held securely. A robust IT security strategy not only protects your valuable data but also safeguards your reputation and ensures business continuity. It’s not just big businesses that are at risk.

Practical IT security

The Information Commissioner’s Office offer guidance on key ways to protect your business with practical steps to improve your data security.

Back up your data

You should back up your data regularly. If you’re using an external storage device, keep it somewhere other than your main workplace – encrypt it, and lock it away if possible.

That way, if there’s a break-in, fire or flood, you’ll minimise the risk of losing all your data.

Check your back-up. You don’t want to find out it’s not worked when you need it most. Make sure your back-up isn’t connected to your live data source, so that any malicious activity doesn’t reach it.

Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication

Make sure you use strong passwords on smartphones, laptops, tablets, email accounts and any other devices or accounts where personal information is stored. They must be difficult to guess. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommends using three random words Where possible, you should consider using multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication is a security measure to make sure the right person is accessing the data. It requires at least two separate forms of identification before access is granted. For example, you use a password and a one-time code which is sent by text message.

Be wary of suspicious emails

You and your staff need to know how to spot suspicious emails. Look out for signs such as bad grammar, demands for you to act urgently and requests for payment. New technologies mean that email attacks are becoming more sophisticated. A phishing email could appear to come from a source you recognise. If you’re not sure, speak to the sender. NCSC provide useful training materials to help you and your staff recognise suspicious emails.

Install anti-virus and malware protection And keep it up-to-date!

You must make sure the devices you and your employees use at home, or when you’re working away, are secure. Anti- virus software can help protect your device against malware sent through a phishing attack.

Make sure your Wi-Fi connection is secure

Using public Wi-Fi, or an insecure connection, could put personal data at risk. You should make sure you always use a secure connection when connecting to the internet. If you’re using a public network, consider using a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Don’t keep data for longer than you need

Getting rid of data you no longer need will free up storage space. This also means you have less personal information at risk if you suffer a cyber-attack or personal data breach.

Dispose of old IT equipment and records securely

You must make sure no personal data is left on computers, laptops, smartphones or any other devices, before you dispose of them. You could consider using deletion software, or hire a specialist to wipe the data. n

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Handle t he heat Decorating in the Summer

Summer might bring longer days and better weather, but the warmer months come with a few decorating hurdles of their own. From soaring temperatures to avoiding the midday sun, working outdoors in summer is no walk in the park. However, with Zinsser’s range of ultimate performance, exterior paints and primers, you can be assured that you have exactly the right product to get the job done- whatever the weather.

The right paint for the job

When decorating outdoors in summer, you need a paint that won’t let you down. Zinsser AllCoat Exterior is the ultimate all-rounder for outdoor surfaces, such as wood, masonry, metal, concrete and uPVC. With excellent resistance to cracking, blistering and flaking, and a built-in biocide to keep mould and mildew at bay, the ultra-durable finish stands up to unpredictable rain showers and severe weather. AllCoat Exterior offers excellent colour retention and is tintable to BS, NCS, and RAL shades, keeping your options wide open.

Avoid direct sunlight

Choosing the right time to decorate is essential in the summer, preferably when the sun isn’t at its highest point in the sky. Early mornings or late afternoons are your best bet, to stop the paint from drying too quickly and compromising adhesion. AllCoat Exterior is best applied in the warmer, drier months, but it’s a good idea to stick to shaded areas where you can, as painting in direct sunlight can affect how well the paint grips the surface. >

Primed for performance

While AllCoat Exterior is self-priming, some surfaces need a bit of extra prep, especially the tricky ones like redwood, cedar or those showing signs of staining or sap streaks. That’s where B-I-N® AQUA comes in. The water-based, full-surface exterior primer, sealer and stain-blocker is designed to tackle knots and stop stains in their tracks, such as tannin bleed, water stains, mould and mildew. B-I-N® AQUA has a quick-drying formula, is touch dry in just 25 minutes and ready for a recoat in 45 minutes (for knots and stains, allow two hours drying time). With only trace VOC levels (<0.1%), the water-based primer is ultra-low odour and provides easy soap and water clean-up.

Paint peeling in the heat?

Don’t sweat it!

Hot weather can be a real challenge when you're painting, if it’s too warm, the paint can dry unevenly and end up blistering or bubbling. What’s more, when humidity levels are high, moisture can get trapped in between paint layers, leading to streaks or drip marks as the paint takes longer to dry. Peel Stop is your best option for stabilising flaky, chalky or dusty surfaces. It binds everything down and creates a solid base for fresh paint to adhere to. Use it once and avoid the dreaded comeback job. n

The benefits of solar-reflective paint

The sun is a powerful source of heat, light, and energy. Within the built environment, the challenge lies in managing this energy effectively capturing its benefits while mitigating its adverse effects.

Geoff Makrill, Director of Coo-Var outlines the key issues...

The problem: Solar heat gain

Excessive solar gain can lead to significant heat build-up in roofs and structural elements, contributing to material degradation over time, particularly from prolonged UV exposure.

This thermal accumulation often transfers to internal spaces, increasing ambient temperatures and driving higher demand for mechanical cooling systems. The result is elevated energy consumption, increased

operational costs, and greater environmental impact. Older glass roof structures typically offer minimal insulation and allow significant transmission of both visible light and solar radiation. While this can be beneficial during winter months by contributing to passive heating, it often results in excessive heat gain during the summer, leading to thermal discomfort and increased cooling loads.

Short-term solution:

Glass shading paint

A practical and temporary method to mitigate solar gain through glass is the use of ‘Glass shading paint’ to the roof. This can be applied by roller to let some light through but provide temporary limits.

Made up of a loosely bound paint film, which contains no more than chalks, such a coating will screen from the brightest rays whilst still allowing light in the area below.

The film will break down slowly over two to four months leaving glass relatively clear in the autumn and winter; a simple solution in traditional building where screens and filters are not available.

Example applications include large ridge skylights, glass houses, green houses, or large glass areas in old style factories. >

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Long-term solution: Solar-reflective paint

When dealing with heat build-up on roof surfaces, a more durable solution is solar-reflective paint. These coatings reflect a significant portion of solar radiation, lowering roof temperatures, reducing cooling demands, and extending the life of roof materials. They are especially effective on bituminous felt roofing, which is prone to blistering and cracking under UV stress.

Key properties of solar-reflective paints:

• UV and water resistance

• Reflective properties and adhesion strength

• Maximised reflective surface area within the film

Typically, these paints are formulated in brilliant white or aluminium silver colours and are primarily based on either oil-based bitumen resin or high quality, exterior grade water-based acrylic binders.

Glass shading vs. solar-reflective: Key differences

While both serve to reduce heat from the sun, they are distinct in their purpose and composition:

• Glass shading paint: Temporary, chalk-based, ideal for skylights and greenhouses. Breaks down naturally after a few months.

• Solar-reflective paint: Durable, resin-based, intended for solid roof structures to reduce surface heat and UV damage.

Application guidelines

Before applying, it’s critical to follow preparation steps carefully:

1. Confirm Suitability

Check the product’s datasheet. Ensure it is compatible with your roof type—some are not suitable for flat roofs prone to water pooling or for application in temperatures below 10°C.

2. Inspect the Roof

Coo-Var offer both Glass Shading Paint and Solar-Reflective Paint as part of their Specialist Paints Range. Whether you need temporary glass shading or long-lasting roof protection, choosing the right product and applying it correctly can lead to cooler buildings and smaller energy bills.

For further guidance, call 01482 328053 or head to www.coo-var.co.uk

Assess the age and condition of the surface. New roofs must be fully settled. If there is too much movement, it may exceed the flexibility of the coating and cause cracks.

3. Surface Preparation

• For smooth surfaces, lightly roughen them to improve paint adhesion.

• For previously painted or older roofs, clean thoroughly—especially near flashings and low spots.

• Remove algae or moss using a fungicidal wash.

• Repair any cracks or deteriorated areas before application.

4. Apply the Coating

Once clean, dry, and stable, apply two coats as per manufacturer instructions. Remember, thorough preparation accounts for 75% of the work. Mistakes are costly, especially when scaffolding or special access equipment is needed.

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Complete outdoor woodcare solutions

Liberon, the woodcare expert, has the most comprehensive range of products for exterior use it has ever had. It now includes stains, oils and paints for decking; woodstains for outdoor cladding, window frames and doors; plus garden furniture oil.

There are five decking care products offered in the Liberon range: Tough Deck Clean & Revive, Superior Decking Stain, Superior Decking Oil, Extreme Decking Paint and an Anti-Slip Coating.

It can sometimes be a bit baffling whether to use decking oil, stain or paint. Firstly, here’s the difference between decking stain and paint: decking stain is essentially a

coloured finish which allows the natural grain of wood to show through it, whereas decking paint, being opaque, covers imperfections. Decking oil, on the other hand, is the right choice for enhancing the natural beauty of the timber instead of masking it with colour.

Liberon Superior Decking Oil protects, revives and enhances the natural beauty of most types of timber decking. It contains UV filters to reduce discolouration and fading by the sun, whilst maintaining the finish. In addition, it is microporous, meaning that it allows the wood to breathe.

www.liberon.co.uk

Using Liberon Decking Oil

Ensure the surface is clean, dry and free of previous finishes and dust. Lightly sand new wood and clean old wood with Liberon Tough Deck Clean & Revive. Stir the decking oil well before use and apply in temperatures between 12°C and 25°C in dry weather.

For softwoods, apply a generous coat using a paint brush, roller or spray gun. Allow the oil to penetrate for 15 to 30 minutes, then apply the second coat without waiting for the first to dry. Continue to apply more coats until the timber no longer absorbs the oil. Wipe off any oil that has not been absorbed into the timber with a lint-free cotton cloth and allow to dry for 24 to 48 hours before using the decking.

With hardwoods, unless it is very absorbent, best results are achieved by wiping on the oil in very thin coats with a cloth. It is essential that any oil that has not been absorbed into the timber is wiped off thoroughly with a clean lint-free cloth. For new hardwoods, it is recommended to leave the wood exposed for up to 12 months before applying any finish. This allows the grain in the wood to open and breathe and aids penetration and adhesion of the finish.

£250-wor th of decking products to be won!

We’ve teamed up with Liberon to offer four lucky readers the chance to win a bundle of Superior Decking Oil in the colour ‘Clear’, plus Tough Deck Clean & Revive Each prize bundle is worth over £66. Simply email liberoncomp@saintpublicity.co.uk, providing your name, address, phone number and email details before 15 August 2025, with ‘Liberon competition’ in the subject line. Note that only UK mainland entrants may apply.

Good luck!

Store exterior ‘best on the market’

Thanks to the innovative use of Bradite’s One Can at a local estate agents’ property, a Manchester firm of decorators have labelled One Can their ‘go-to exterior paint’.

Heritage Decorators were engaged by Empire Joinery to paint a new shopfront for local estate agents Ashworth Holme in the town centre of Sale, Cheshire.

The prominent building, dating from 1921, was refurbished with the replacement of deteriorated signage, windows and entranceway. The client requested a traditional shop frontage that would complement the building’s architectural style.

“Originally”, explains Heritage Decorators’ Oliver Brigham-Bowes, “we specified the job with an

old-school approach in mind, using traditional methods of aluminium primer and oil-based primers/undercoats and oil-based external topcoats.”

But the spec changed after a trip to a decorators’ merchants in Altrincham, and a discussion about potential weather problems using oil-based products as winter came closer, due to their slow drying times. They concluded that a water-based product that offers a speedy drying time without compromising on durability would be highly preferable.

“They recommended Bradite One Can due to its high adhesion, tannin blocking capability and multiple finish and colour options”, says Oliver.

He admits, “I have always been dubious to use a paint that says it does everything but, even after our first coat, I could tell that there was something different about the science behind this all-in-one product. Not only did it key to bare and pre-painted timber, cover extremely well and dry quickly, but it left a finish that the customer was overjoyed with.”

The completed job provides a sleek, excellent first impression to people visiting the estate agents. Oliver adds, “This paint delivered beyond our expectations, we will now be using it as our go-to external paint.” n

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The exterior of Roborough House, a Grade II listed property in Ashburton, Devon, had been neglected for several years and required extensive repairs.

Dart Decorators were contracted to tackle the multiple issues facing the renovation, and worked hard to successfully restore it to a 'like new' condition for the owners.

Robust ren0vati0ns

Internally, the current vendor had painstakingly restored the property, creating elegant and interesting spaces. The mix of original character features, sympathetic enhancements, and modern appliances makes Roborough House a stylish home in a well-situated location.

Oliver Price of Dart Decorators told us how they tackled this challenging project...

The restoration project presented difficulties due to the intricate repairs needed across nearly all areas of the facade. The decorative mouldings had deteriorated, the paint coating had significantly failed, and

the metal trim was in poor condition.

The building was in such a bad state of repair we had a survey and paint specification written, to help choose the most appropriate materials to resolve the failing paint coating.

We were very grateful to Pete Bird of Rabarts, James Burton from HMG Paints and Alan Shears from Chemfix (Timbabuild) for their appraisal of the work and their detailed specification. Without their site visits and expert advice, the restoration would have presented an impossible task.

The first requirement was a complete pre-clean. The front façade was cleaned from top to bottom using a very light jetwash and soft sponge method fungicidal scrub. All areas of the windows, masonry and architectural trim were also washed.

Window frames were in a very poor state, with putty needing to be replaced, and repairs made with Timbabuild before preparation and finishing.

The decorative mouldings were replaced where necessary with Accoya, a material known for its exceptional durability and longevity. Pre-machined Accoya trim was crafted in the workshop with assistance from a local joinery firm. Each joint was meticulously hand-cut at a 45º angle using a coping saw and secured with a combination of PU and Timbabuild EHB60 Resin for added strength.

Fascias

Decorative trims had rotted badly, so were replaced with Accoya in a matching profile, secured with stainless steel screws, before plugging, filling, and smoothing ready for painting up.

We removed the old boards in sections and installed new primed Sapele boards. Each board was meticulously scribed, counter-sunk, and secured with stainless steel screws, which were then plugged with pre-made 12mm tapered plugs. The plugs were sanded flush to achieve a seamless finish and protect the cavity. The top piece was crafted on-site and any minor gaps were filled with PU foam to prevent water ingress between the boards and the façade.

The boards were then primed with Rust-Oleum Alu Primer, followed by Zinsser Cover Stain for added protection, and finished with two coats of Rubbol Primer and Rubbol Satura.

Metalwork

All downpipes, gutters, and lead capping were severely rusted after around 170 years of paint accumulation. We stripped away 7-10 layers of paint to expose the bare metal and applied HMG Ferrozinc spot priming where necessary, achieving excellent results almost immediately. Ferrozinc and HMG Primer are also used inside the cast iron gutters, yielding outstanding outcomes.

Bay window capping

We prepared the area by removing debris and applying HMG Primer, followed by two coats of C71 Speedline. The lead now appears as good as new and is surprisingly well-matched despite the challenges posed by the worn substrate and weathering.

Ground level repairs

Severe root ingress necessitated repairs to the bottom trim at pavement level. We applied multiple layers of mini cold tar to seal any gaps that formed while removing weeds and their roots.

Element Guard® is an exterior paint formulated to tackle high moisture. With rain resistance in as little as 60 minutes and resistance to wind-driven rain, it delivers beautiful exteriors that stand up to the elements.

Extreme masonry repairs

A 6ft crack in the front façade was likely caused by a missing end cap from the original gutter, which has now been replaced. We used a 5kg tub of Metoset Extreme Resin to repair the crack, mixing the resin and filling it accordingly. We sanded the area with Granat 80g to achieve a smooth finish.

Once the surface was even, we applied a texture coat of Toupret Lith-F for a uniform appearance.

Masonry

A combination of techniques was employed to prepare the fragile bare render. High moisture levels and previous gloss-like paint created a surface that had not adhered well. We applied Johnstone’s Trade Stormshield Masonry Primer, followed by a very wet mix of Toupret Mur-Ex for spot priming any problematic areas. This approach has proven effective, resulting in a completely solid substrate.

Dart Decorators offer a fast, reliable, professional approach to every project. Find out more at www.dartdecorators.co.uk

Sash windows

All eight sash windows required putty replacement. The existing putties were meticulously removed with a carbide blade and scraper and then sanded down. An aluminium primer was applied to spot-prime bare wood before reglazing each window with Repair Care Putty Glazing Tubes.

Wooden sills / reveals

Several wooden sills needed replacement, which we first prepared with the Timbabuild resin primer, and built up with a combination of ERC10/EHB60 resin. Many reveals also suffered from severe water damage, so these were cut out and repaired using Masonry Primer and Toupret Mur-Ex.

Front door

All metalwork was removed and restored using an Antiquax copper bath solution to return it to its original condition. The woodwork received four coats of Sikkens Rubbol Satura for a polished finish.

The client was thrilled with the finished results, which exceeded their expectations. They wrote, “For Oliver, decorating and repairing period properties is more than a job; it is a passion. Oliver transformed our house, and the end result is beautiful. He took the guttering back to the metal and repainted it with specialist paint. He sanded back the woodwork and repaired the windows, including re-puttying with long-lasting products. He had mouldings made to replace missing parts... The result is stunning, and several people have commented on how wonderful it looks.” n

Both chimneys exhibited significant decay and natural growth, which we carefully cleaned and lightly jet-washed. A local firm was then brough in to apply new render, and the chimneys were then painted with Zinsser All Weather for enhanced durability.

Albany New brushes and rollers

Exclusive to Brewers, this range of high-quality brushes and rollers exceed all expectations, with rigorous testing in real world decorating scenarios. The Albany Pro range has been designed for general trade and decorators who want a great value brush, whilst still achieving a professional finish. Pro Expert is the premium range that offers ultimate performance, giving you the potential to produce exceptional results.

Albany Roller Sleeves include improved fabrics and new products, made from premium woven fabrics and thermofused to the core to prevent unwinding, even when soaked in water or solvent.

Roller Frames now incorporating low friction ball bearings for a smoother operation in the 7” and 9” cage frames. A brand new set of double arm frames in 12”, 15” and 18” offer an improvement on extendable frames as they are lightweight and strong, with even pressure and distribution guaranteed.

Makita

Double battery warranty

Leading power tool manufacturer Makita is enhancing its standard factory warranty policy on batteries from one to two years. Since April 2025, any genuine Makita battery purchased will automatically qualify for a two-year standard warranty without requiring any product registration, and this applies to XGT, LXT and CXT battery platforms.

Makita offers an extensive collection of power tools, developed using market leading battery technology, the Makita range provides professionals with the ability to work flexibly, and for long periods of time.

The increase in the standard factory warranty offers further confidence to users in the quality and reliability of Makita batteries. www.makitauk.com

Wallpaperdirect have announced the launch of the Clarke & Clarke Exclusive Collection. This collaboration brings eclectic and vibrant wallpapers, recoloured to capture the brand’s signature blend of bold style and global inspiration. The edit, brimming with stunning patterns and making range that allows customers to create unique interiors that feel luxurious and accessible.

Working closely with the Wallpaperdirect team, the Clarke & Clarke design studio has translated popular fabric designs into wallpaper, showcasing everything from rich florals and tropical scenes to striking geometrics and intricate textures.

The Clarke & Clarke Wallpaper Edit features 16 designs, available globally online.

GEAR GUIDE

Dulux Decorator Centre

New stores prioritise convenience

To provide decorators with the materials they need quickly and efficiently, Dulux Decorator Centre has launched a new store format to offer greater speed, convenience, and flexibility for busy customers.

Dulux Decorator Centre currently has four stores in the new format, placing a strong focus on pre-order and collection services, the stores enable decorators to get their hands on the products they need quickly and efficiently, maximising the time they can spend on site.

The four stores include two brand new stores and locations in Balham and Stevenage and two existing sites, Reigate and Brighton Freshfields have been refitted into the new format.

These stores are designed to support a more agile and accessible customer experience, by customers ordering online for a click and collect service or arrange a delivery straight to site.

An expert team will be on hand to support customers in each location – and decorators can also use in-store digital screens to browse the range and find out more about the products on offer

Each store will include:

• A trade counter-style layout, with no traditional shopfloor

• A carefully thought out range of essential products

• Digital browsing terminals for key information

• Internal collection lockers to support seamless pick-up

www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk

Bespoke OnePiece Wallcoverings

Available exclusively at Brewers

If you’re looking for the WOW factor, then Vista Digital OnePiece wallcoverings really deliver. As Vista Digital’s official partner, find out more about how this product can bring spaces to life.

As the name suggests, these wallcoverings are printed in one piece, meaning no colour matching, no pasting table, no shading issues and most of all, no joins!

Completely customisable at sizes up to 30 metres by 5 metres, you can create a OnePiece wallcovering from your own artwork or choose from thousands of images available in Vista Digital’s extensive library in the perfect size.

Perfect for a wide range of settings

In business: The right image could be just the thing to enhance brand identity and allow customers to connect with commercial spaces. It can be used to guide customers or help bring specific colour and

pattern into key areas such as corridors, lobbies and entrance areas. In the care community: Some of the top interior designers in the care home field have worked hard to produce dementia friendly designs that can be used as a feature wall in spaces, perfect for a feature wall in a lounge area. All designs can be adapted for colour, light reflective value and scale to ensure your chosen imagery meets your schemes brief.

Vista Digital OnePiece Wallcoverings can also be used in a wide range of sectors such as healthcare, retail, leisure, hospitality or education.

Sustainability

A OnePiece wallcovering is made from recycled polyester yarn. It is PVC free and GRS (Global Recycling Standard) certified, making it environmentally friendly. It is tough and durable, making it ideal for high traffic areas. It is easy to clean, water and scratch resistant whilst also being fire retardant.

To find out more and to place your order, please get in touch with Brewers Decorator Centres on 01323 576555

Step-by-step guide to floor paint

If the prospect of painting the floor of a workshop, a warehouse or changing rooms is a daunting one then the new Floor Paints Guide from HMG is exactly what you need.

This step by step guide leads the user through an easy to follow specification process based on and recommends the best HMG product for the job.

It’s not just the potential size of the job, it’s about selecting the correct product according to the use to which that floor will be subjected: light, medium or heavy traffic; inside or outside; what is the

existing substrate and how was it laid down in the first place?

The guide also goes on to explain the importance of identifying the type of floor you will be working on. Is it new or old concrete, if new, is it power floated because this will have an effect on the adhesion of paint? If an existing floor, has it been painted previously?

According to the answers the Guide takes you through floor preparation techniques including washing and degreasing.

The company offers three distinct coatings; HydroPro Floor Paint, Polyeurethane Floor Paint, and 2K Epoxy Floor Paint and the Guide provides a handy at-a-glance reference as to the properties of each.

https://shop.hmgpaint.com

Shurtape has expanded its range of professional decorating and DIY tapes in direct response to customer demand. “A good decorating job relies on a good finish,” says Jason Burns, UK Shurtape MD. “Our team works closely with decorating and building professionals to understand their needs, developing products that answer those needs to work across different elements and surfaces for the best possible indoor and outdoor results.”

FrogTape Advanced is one such launch – this brand new product has been specially formulated to conform to surfaces, contours and curves, which Shurtape’s research found was a priority for painters and decorators. Plus, it offers better shred resistance for tear-free removal, saving time and money and making the whole painting process even smoother.

New tapes for indoor and outdoor decorating

www.shurtape.co.uk

“FrogTape delivers professional results when it matters most. Performance cannot be compromised, end users want the best possible finish,” says Burns, “We have also launched FrogTape Multipacks, available in Multi-Surface, Delicate Surface and new Pro-Grade Blue, ideal for buying for larger projects and contracts running into the Summer months.”

T-Rex Waterproofing and Repair Tape, meanwhile, combines extra strength with mouldable stretch, instantly sealing out water, air and moisture. Thin and easy to conform, it can be stretched and repositioned to hold in extreme weather conditions. UV resistant and able to withstand temperatures from -40˚F to 240˚F, it can even work underwater.

“Our aim is always to help our trade customers deliver their best possible results on indoor and outdoor projects of all sizes,” says Burns, “We are privileged to work with some of the best in the business and appreciate their insights and expertise when we are looking at new product development. It’s all about creating the best tools for the job.” n

FrogTape High Bond Exterior Tape is engineered to consistently adhere to hard-to-stick outdoor surfaces, such as self-cleaning painted surfaces or rough textures. With very high adhesion, it can stay stuck for three days before being removed without leaving any residue – ideal for those outdoor tasks on painted wood, metal, vinyl, aluminum, brick, stucco and concrete.

Shurtape

Cordless Innovations for decorating professionals in 2025

Precision for Perfect Finishes

FLEX introduces three cordless palm sanders tailored for decorators: the ORE 2-125 EC random orbit sander, OSE 2-80 EC orbital sander, and ODE 2-100 EC delta sander. Each boasts a brushless motor for extended runtime and durability, with electronic speed control for precise work on varied surfaces. Ergonomic designs reduce fatigue, and the multi-hole pad system ensures compatibility with a range of sandpapers, offering versatility for flawless finishes. Powered by FLEX’s award-winning 2.5Ah, 5.0Ah, or 8.0Ah Li-Ion batteries, these sanders deliver cordless freedom without compromising power.

E ? Y FASTER WORK ES S

Lightweight, High-Performance

The GE6R Giraffe® wall and ceiling sander, weighing just 2.8kg, features a carbon composite guide tube – 40% lighter than aluminium and ten times stronger than steel –there is simply nothing lighter on the market today. Its inline design ensures balance, while the gimbal-mounted sanding head with a 160-degree pivoting range allows flexible, vibration-free operation. Equipped with electronic speed control and a brushless motor, the GE6R delivers smooth, dust-free finishes on walls, ceilings, and intricate surfaces, ideal for decorators tackling new builds or renovations.

Cleaner, Safer Workspaces

FLEX’s cordless dust extraction systems enhance efficiency with the VCE 22 M MC 2x18.0, powered by dual 18V batteries, perfect for remote sites or projects without power access. Its brushless motor ensures long runtime, while HEPA filtration captures fine dust, improving air quality and meeting health and safety standards. The VCE 33 and VCE 44 safety vacuum cleaners (M & L Class options) pair with the VCE-PS 25 Cyclone Preseparator, trapping 80% of debris to extend filter life. Designed to integrate seamlessly with FLEX sanders and grinders, these systems eliminate cords, ensuring a cleaner, safer workspace for decorating professionals.

Dulux Trade

Streamlining surface preparation

For professional decorators seeking maximum efficiency, it is important to look to high-quality products that serve more than one purpose without compromising on quality. In this article, Tony Pearson-Young, Skills Development Consultant for Dulux Academy at AkzoNobel, explains how the company’s new Dulux Trade Aqua UniPrimer can help speed up surface preparation.

What is Dulux Trade Aqua UniPrimer?

There is a wide range of primers available, each designed for specific purposes and substrate. However, Dulux Trade now offers Aqua UniPrimer that can be used on all major interior and exterior surfaces, including wood, metal, uPVC and gloss prepainted surfaces.

In addition to this, Dulux Trade Aqua UniPrimer offers a primer, sealer, stain block and undercoat in one advanced formula. This multi-functional solution means decorators can tackle a wide range of surface preparation challenges with a single product, reducing cost, storage requirements and the complexity of job planning as they can confidently stock one product in the van, ready to use on any project. It also means they can ensure consistent results across entire jobs.

Advanced Stain Block Technology

Dulux Trade Aqua UniPrimer can tackle challenging stains that would typically require specialist treatments. The formula effectively blocks all major stains including water, nicotine, grease and tannin bleed, preventing them from bleeding through to the topcoat. Additionally, it inhibits rust formation, providing long-term protection for metal substrates.

In addition to its stain-blocking ability, Dulux Trade Aqua UniPrimer offers excellent opacity which is particularly valuable when dealing with problematic surfaces that require a reliable stain block and undercoat. For enhanced results, Dulux Trade Aqua UniPrimer can also be tinted into the full Dulux Trade colour range and popular designer colours. By tinting the undercoat, decorators can improve its opacity and coverage which is particularly useful when overpainting with contrasting

shades, as it enables professionals to achieve top results with fewer topcoat applications, enhancing efficiency.

Fast Application and Recoat Qualities

Speed of application is crucial for professional decorators. The new Dulux Trade Aqua UniPrimer touch-dries in 30-minutes and can be recoated within one hour. This helps professionals to maximise efficiency and meet tight project schedules, without compromising on quality.

Environmental Benefits

With the industry moving towards the use of more sustainable materials, it is important for decorators to look to water-based solutions. With lower Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), water-based solutions like Dulux Trade Aqua UniPrimer help the trade meet sustainability goals while offering the durability and performance needed to deliver quality results.

Approved by Professionals

To provide reassurance of its quality, Dulux Trade Aqua UniPrimer has been tested and approved by professional decorators. Following laboratory testing, the product was rigorously tested by professionals in a series of controlled and real-world conditions. This means that it genuinely delivers on the benefits promised.

In conclusion, Dulux Trade Aqua UniPrimer delivers the high-performance that professional painters and decorators need. With its proven combination of versatility, efficiency, and reliability, Dulux Trade Aqua UniPrimer is an efficient solution for professionals to keep in the van ready to tackle any project.

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