The Decorator – Spring 2024

The

Dear Members,

Spring is upon us, and I’m sure you, like me, will be very glad to welcome the lighter days and, hopefully, warmer weather. Let’s hope we have a good spell of favourable weather for whatever outside work you have scheduled.

Firstly, thank you to all those PDA Members who got their renewals to us early, and well done to the first 50 who will be receiving a Festool goodie bag. Congratulations to PDA Members Neil Whitmore and Joe Ayres of J & N Finishes in Essex, who won the Early Bird Prize Draw and are now happy recipients of a Tritech T3 Airless Sprayer. We would love to see images of work putting the machine to good use! The PDA extends a big thank you to Tritech and Festool for their generous sponsorship.

As always, the start of the year has been a busy one. In 2024, we’re delighted to welcome Fix Radio, MIPA, TradeKart, Radius Fuel Solutions, Hull City Council, and Pittaway Specialist Coating Ltd as Associate Partners to the PDA. Please look out for deals and special offers from all Associate Partners, highlighted in Members Hub, and the PDA Member e-newsletters.

As the year gets underway, so do our ever-popular competitions. We were pleased to have received 88 project entries for the PDA Trophy Awards 2024. The judges reported that the standard of entries this year was very high, making the selection process for the next judging stage very difficult. We thank all firms who entered, and well done to the 55 projects who went forward to the shortlist for site visits.

It’s a tight schedule with the judges mapped out across the UK to assess the work ready for the final assessment. To date, 26 site visits have been completed, with the completion of the site visits expected by early May. We then have final assessments the week of 13 May in readiness for the Trophy Awards Ceremony on 4 July at the magnificent Plaisterers’ Hall.

This year, we are very grateful to Dulux for being the main sponsor of the event. Thank you to Yvonne Dominey-Tay for organising the competitions and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into sorting the logistics for these events.

In our Apprentice of the Year Competition, we received 70 entries spread over four regional heats. The first one was the southern heat, which took place on 21 March at North Kent College, with further heats due to take place at Glasgow College on 18 April, Accrington and Rossendale College on 2 May, and South and City College Birmingham on 9 May. The Grand Final will take place at Doncaster College and University Centre on 6 June. We will be inviting the winners to join us in July at the Premier Trophy Awards, where we will celebrate their success.

The Apprentice Paperhanger is due to take place in two heats in June at Doncaster Hub. Wallpapering and murals are increasingly popular, so it’s good to see apprentices perfecting their skills in this area.

Painting & Decorating Association

Lastly, a reminder to those members who are still to pay their 2024 subscriptions to do so as soon as possible, so we can continue to deliver our services and support to the PDA Members. If you have any issues paying the amount in full, please contact Denice Harper, our Membership Services Manager, who will be happy to discuss extended payment terms with you.

Neil Ogilvie Chief Executive

neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

32 Coton Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 5TW

Telephone: 024 7635 3776

e-mail: info@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

web: www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

Chief Executive Officer

Neil Ogilvie

neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

Spring 2024 — Volume 93 No 1

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

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those held

thereon are published on the understanding that the author of

advertising, no responsibility can be accepted by the published

damage consequential or otherwise occasioned by error, late publication or the

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

NOTICE

EARLY BIRD WINNERS

Congratulations to Joe Ayres and Neil Whitmore from J & N Finishes Ltd who were very happy to collect their Tritech T3 Airless Spray Machine from PDA Head Office.

On collecting the machine Neil said, “We’re Members of the PDA because of the recognition we get, both within our industry and to customers. We’re really pleased to have won the TriTech Spray Machine in the Membership renewal prize draw. This is the first time our company has ever won anything like this.”

The Painting and Decorating Association wishes to thank all Members who entered our Early Bird Prize Draw and for continuing to be part of the community.

A special thank to our Associate Partner TriTech Industries Inc. for generously donating the sprayer. The latest news and updates

FORMER PDA TROPHY JUDGES PAY RESPECTS TO BOB HEWITT

It was with shock, and almost disbelief, that we learnt of the death of former ICW President RB Hewitt in September 2023. Bob was also Chief Clerk of Works for Dorset County Council and a judge of the Painting and Decorating Association Trophy Awards team which organised and visited the many sites entering their work with the competition.

Bob started his working life as a carpenter and joiner, progressing to Construction Supervision and then becoming Chief Clerk of Works. He married Katherine in 1955 and they raised their family in Dorset. Bob helped to form the Hampshire branch of the Institute of Clerks of Works becoming Chapter Chairman of the branch, helping members to form many of the various activities and visits and sometimes family days out too. The Annual Dinner and Dances were always a success and much enjoyed by members and friends.

Outside of work and the institute, football was his main interest. He followed the Bournemouth Football Club, almost always occupying his usual seat amongst his footballing friends. Only a few months ago he provided the match ball for a game.

Bob will be sadly missed by all who knew him, he could set meetings alight sometimes by making wry comments but always an apt one!

Rest in Peace Bob. Now rejoining Kath wherever former Clerks of Works go.

Brian Carrier PPICW and John Lawrence B. Ed (HONS), FICW

Joe Ayres (left) and Neil Whitmore (right) from J & N Finishes Ltd collect their prize.

Welcome TO THE ASSOCIATION...

Joel Bardall and Todd Von Joel host

The Painting and Decorating Show

3pm Tuesdays, and repeated at 10pm

PDA Associate Partner, The Fuel Store provides fuel cards, energy contracts and fleet management services to UK businesses.

Their fuel cards can be used at 3,900 forecourts nationwide to buy diesel at up to 10 pence per litre cheaper than the pump price.

FIX RADIO, THE Builders Station, is the home of entertainment, music and information for UK tradespeople.

Since 2017 the station has been built from the ground-up with tradespeople in mind, providing a mixture of authentic trade voices, up-beat music and a schedule designed around the tradesperson’s day.

The station’s schedule includes some of the biggest talent in the industry, including social media influencers Bald Builders, Clive Holland of the BBC and formerly Cowboy Trap, the country’s most famous plasterer Chris Frediani from DIY SOS, plumbing influencer Andy Cam, electrician turned YouTuber Thomas Nagy, carpenter, craftsman and social media influencer Robin Clevett and TV presenter and builder, Mark Millar.

Broadcasting nationally on DAB since May 2022, Fix Radio has an average reach of 425,000 tradespeople each week. The Builders Station also boasts 26.4 average weekly listening hours and 3.8 hours average daily listening.  Fix Radio’s audience reach and listening hours are audited by Nielsen

www.thefuelstore.co.uk

Welcome TO THE ASSOCIATION...

www.tradekart.com

TradeKart are currently live in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Oldham, Bolton, Warrington, Wigan and Chester, with more locations being announced soon and getting started is simple.

Other features include:

• Live stock availability

• Competitive pricing

• Over 25,000 products from brands such as Dulux Trade, Tikkurila, Zinsser, Johnstone’s Trade and many more

• Paint mixing available

• Schedule orders up to seven days in advance

• Delivery is only £5

MIPA PAINTS LIMITED is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Mipa SE Group Mipa Paints Limited is based in Havant, Hampshire and supplies approved distributors and direct supply channels across the UK and Ireland.

One of the largest manufacturers of professional paints and coatings within Europe, with over 75 years’ experience in delivering innovative products, technical expertise, and exceptional customer service across the automotive, industrial and defence sectors.

Through continual investment, coupled with their knowledge and expertise, Mipa Paints deliver industry leading levels of efficiency to customers, providing a more sustainable future without compromise.

Supporting business excellence, Mipa Paints products and services enable customers to focus on maximising productivity whilst achieving high-quality results.

Download the TradeKart app for free on any iOS or Android device, complete registration by entering your postcode and start searching for the items you need.

TradeKart are even giving PDA Members an exclusive discount. Simply enter code PDA at checkout for £20 off your first order*.

It’s time to stop wasting time and money leaving site to collect materials. It’s time to start working smarter, not harder. It’s TradeKart time!

*minimum spend £20+VAT required

www.mipa-paints.uk

The product range of Mipa Paints comprises of the following segments:

• Car Refinishing

• Industrial and Architectural

• Defence

• Aerosol

• Decorative Wood Lacquers

• Wood Finishing

• Specialist Coatings

Mipa Paints has an extensive industrial range, their industrial range offers products from Direct to Metal (DTM) finishes to epoxy primers, floor paints and even special finishes for premium cladding or decorative finishes. Additionally, they use a binder system which allows them to change the properties of their industrial products, whilst offering the same vast range of colours with any product.

Both Mipa and Streicolor brands serve the Defence sector with an extensive product portfolio covering UK, European and Global standards.

TRADEKART IS THE rapid delivery app for tradespeople. Think of them like the Deliveroo of the painting and decorating world. They connect you to the merchants that you know and trust, and offer delivery of the materials you need in as little as one hour – in fact, their average delivery time is currently only 41 minutes!

Ardeco Interiors Ltd, Essex

WELCOME TO THE ASSOCIATION!

Iwould like to warmly welcome all new Members who joined the PDA in the last year from the many different regions across the country. Our strength is based on the membership of the many firms like you, and we look forward to seeing you over the coming months at our regional and national events. Neil Ogilvie, Chief Executive

John Toms Painting & Decorating, Cheshire

Pembroke and Bull Contracts, East Tilbury

DP Decorating, Aberdeenshire

DK Designed Construction Ltd, Hertfordshire

Hugh Irwin Specialist Decorators, Wilthsire

PMA Decorators, Surrey

Modern & Traditional, Hertfordshire

Swansea Professional Painters, Swansea

Paint Saints Ltd, Lancashire

Turners Decorators Ltd, Bury St Edmunds

Barry’s Luxe Decorating Ltd, London

Wombourne Decorating Services, West Midlands

Paul Jordan Services Ltd, London

Mode Decorating, Kent

PDM Works Ltd, Milton Keynes

R&H Painters, Lincolnshire

Paul Walden Interiors Limited, Isle Of Wight

SFS Group London Ltd, Essex

CPC Specialist Decorators, West Yorkshire

Painting Ventures, Manchester

Loughborough Decorators Ltd, Loughborough

Dart Decorators, Devon

Decor Developments Ltd, Lincoln

GDA Painting & Decorating, West Yorkshire

Phantom Painters & Decorators, London

TDF Painting & Decorating, North Yorkshire

Happy Valley Decorating Ltd, Halifax

Platinum Paints Ltd, Middlesex

Henry Woolley Painter & Decorator, Derbyshire

Colourmatch Decorating, Cheshire

Trusted Maintenance, London

IN NOVEMBER, LEADING professional painting tools manufacturer Purdy crowned the winners of its 2023 Mentor of the Year competition at the P&D Show in Coventry. Glen Galbraith from Doncaster College was named as the College Lecturer of the Year, whilst James Reeve of Royal Spa Decoration in Leamington Spa was awarded the Painter and Decorator Mentor of the Year. We caught up with the winners to find out what winning the competition has meant to them.

DGR Slatter Decorators Ltd, Jersey

Jessica Walters, London

Colourworks UK Ltd, Leicester

Alexander Goldsmith, Suffolk

Oakridge Recruitment Ltd, Wiltshire

David Bowes Painting & Decorating, Merseyside

Custom Decorating Services, Wiltshire

D&H Domestic & Commercial, Rochester

Decorating by Lee, Middlesex

City Prime Ltd, London

R.A.H Decorating Services, Telford

Pinch Painting & Decorating, South Wales

Royal Spa Decoration Ltd, Leamington Spa

Spray Decorating Ltd, Kent

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A MENTOR OF THE YEAR?

What has it meant to you to win Purdy Mentor of the Year?

GG: It has meant so much to me. It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work, much of it behind the scenes and lots of it unpaid, that I and other lecturers do in order to help young people learn and achieve their goals in life.

JR: It’s really great to get recognition of any sort in this line of work so I feel over the moon. I’ve been a decorator since I left school at sixteen and I’m now training up my third apprentice. It’s always nice to know that the work you are doing is appreciated.

Why do you think you were nominated?

JR: I would like to think that I was nominated because the apprentices felt that the guidance they had received and the training I’d offered them was valuable and has helped them to build their careers. I hope that I played some role in getting them where they are now I feel that this award is a reflection of that.

What advice would you give young people thinking about entering the Painting and Decorating industry?

GG: Work hard and enjoy it. There’s a lot of reward out there for people who put in the hours and stick with it. There’s also a lot to learn and its hard like any trade, but I truly believe that you get out what you put in.

Purdy believes in the importance of supporting and elevating professional decorators, whether by supplying them with quality tools or celebrating industry success stories.

If you have an inspirational mentor that you think deserves to be celebrated, you can enter them in this year’s Purdy Mentor of the Year competition. Entries will open on 1 April 2024, follow @purdybrushesuk on Instagram for more updates.

Rob Davies, National Account Manager at Sherwin Williams with Glen Galbraith, Neil Ogilvie, and James Reeve.

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ADVICE for our Members

DATA PROTECTION

PART TWO

In the last issue of The Decorator, we covered the basics of data protection compliance In part two, Markel continue to explore aspects of data protection law which all businesses should have a working knowledge of...

BEFORE YOU EVEN consider sharing personal data with third-parties you need to have a lawful basis for doing so, because sharing is a form of processing. You need to be familiar with certain terms, because you will either be one of both of the following:

Data controller – determines the purposes and means of processing personal data.

Data processor – responsible for processing personal data on behalf of a controller.

If you are a data controller, you must have a written contract in place with certain third parties, such as data processors. Additionally, the law states that you must include certain terms in such a written contract.

Do you have a website?

If so, and it’s an interactive one that you can sell goods and or services from, i.e. you collect personal data, you must ensure that any collected complies with the legislation.

For a start, your website should always have a privacy notice on it, which if you remember, is a document which sets out why you collect personal data and the legal grounds for processing it. By putting it in a prominent position you’re already being transparent, as the GDPR requires, by alerting everyone as to what you intend to do with any personal data you obtain about them.

Does your website use cookies?

Most websites do. A cookie is a small text file that’s stored on someone’s computer if they access your website. It’s a legal obligation that you have a Cookies Policy which is brought to any data subject’s attention as soon as they interact with your website. Users of your website should be asked for and give consent to your use of cookies.

Do you do any direct marketing to existing or potential customers?

Direct marketing is any advertising or marketing communication that is directed to particular individuals or companies. It’s not limited to advertising goods or services for sale, as it also includes promoting an organisation’s aims and ideals.

In a nutshell with regard to marketing by text or email, the recipient needs to have actively agreed to receive such marketing before receiving any. Furthermore, at every subsequent point of contact, you need to give them the option to ‘opt-out’ – to effectively unsubscribe.

With regard to marketing done via traditional telephone calls or by post, you do not need active consent, but you do need to make sure that any recipient:

• Has not previously told you they do not want to be marketed to or

• Is not signed up with the Mailing Preference Service (MPS) or the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). Both of these allow individuals and businesses to register for free as not wanting to receive unsolicited marketing. You need to check any list of potential recipients against these organisations as appropriate because again, the rules in this regard are strict and there can be significant financial consequences, including the possibility of fines and civil court action if you get things wrong.

Do you know that data subjects now have rights and what they are?

GDPR gives data subjects rights:

• Right to be informed

• Right of access

• Right to rectification

• Right to erasure

• Right to restrict processing

• Right to data portability

• Right to object

• Rights relating to automated decision-making and profiling

The right to be informed is all about being transparent regarding what data you have about someone and why, and making sure it’s processed lawfully and fairly. A privacy notice will ensure that you’re compliant.

A right of access, also known as the ‘subject access right’ (SAR) is arguably the most important of the eight. It gives individuals the right to access and be provided with a copy of their personal data that you are holding.

The right to rectification, gives a data subject the ability to challenge and have corrected inaccurate personal data without undue delay.

The right to erasure, or the right to be forgotten, gives data subjects the right to actually have their personal data erased. You can oppose such a request, for example, to comply with a legal obligation or where you believe that you need to keep the data should you need to use it either to bring a legal claim or defend one.

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

Handling a data breach

A data breach is defined as a breach of security leading to the destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal data. By implication, it’s a breach that is more than just losing personal data. A breach can include emotional distress, physical and material damage.

You must notify the ICO of a breach where it’s likely to have a significant detrimental effect on individuals. The ICO gives the following examples: those which result in discrimination, damage to reputation, financial loss, loss of confidentiality or any other significant economic or social disadvantage.

A basic example is where a breach leaves an individual open to identity theft, where this happens, you will need to notify the ICO. However, an example of when it may not be necessary to report a breach, is where there is a loss or inappropriate alteration of a staff contact list.

To reiterate, not every breach needs to be reported to the ICO. In order to determine if it’s one that does need reporting, the ICO have a helpful self-assessment, which you should use before contacting them:

Businesses must report a notifiable breach to the ICO within 72 hours of becoming aware of it. If it’s a serious breach that warrants notification to the public, you must do so without undue delay.

You also have to notify individuals directly where a breach is likely to result in a high risk to their rights and freedoms, eg. where an individual’s bank details are stolen.

In conclusion

Whilst being compliant with data protection laws can appear daunting, there is no reason why businesses of all sizes should not be able to do so.

If you follow the above advice and get the basics right, for example, having a privacy statement and having processes in place to ensure you take care of people’s data and keep it safe, then everything else should flow from that and you will be on the right track.

BETTER DATA BETTER DECISIONS BETTER BUSINESS

For further information contact Azets at hello@azets.co.uk and one of their local team will get back to you promptly.

AS BUSINESS OWNERS your time is better spent running and growing your business than working on your books, so why not minimise the manual input to save you precious time? Claire Purbhoo looks at the benefits...

With the wide array of digital cloud software providers now in the market, there’s no better time to review your accounting processes and make changes to benefit you and your business.

What’s on offer for business

Your suppliers can send invoices directly to the software, you can upload from your desktop computer, or even via your mobile phone camera. There are also options to connect your online accounts to ‘fetch’ invoices directly, and you can even connect your PayPal, Amazon, or Stripe account to automatically retrieve transactions.

The software can publish directly into your accounting system and also stores this data on the cloud so you can get rid of all those paper files!

Cloud accounting software allows you to connect your bank and card accounts to auto-feed transactions in the software. Most connect with or support a variety of apps, including EPOS systems and workflow management so you can auto-feed other key financial data too.

Within your accounting software, you can access an array of reports such as Payables, Receivables, Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and Budgets so you can keep track of how your business is performing. Advanced reporting software is available to link to your accounting data to create bespoke reporting packs, forecasts and KPI charts in more detail.

How this helps

As well as automating processes to save time, having up to date financial data also means you can review your business performance in ‘real time’.

Decisions you make are current and relevant, for example if margins are decreasing you can quickly implement pricing or stock strategies, or if costs are increasing you can look at where to cut. Maybe profits are up and you want to pay staff a bonus?

The data also helps with tax planning, looking at investing in staff, or buying new equipment.

Outsourcing

Maybe your business is growing, so you don’t have time to do your bookkeeping anymore, or your team has depleted and you’re trying to replace. With the use of digital technology it is now easier than ever to outsource your entire bookkeeping function. Even as far as paying your suppliers!

Automation

Set up direct feeds into your software wherever possible for banks, credit cards, loans, EPOS accounts etc. This reduces manual entry of day to day transactions.

Rules

Lots of software allows you to create rules for specific suppliers or narrative, so you can create a default nominal code, tax rate, department. Again, cuts down manual entry and drives consistency.

Recurring

Create repeating invoices and journals to save time on manual entry and works as a reminder too.

Connections

Ask suppliers to use the direct to software email address to submit invoices and statements. Look at ‘fetch’ capabilities to auto-retrieve invoices direct from online accounts. If you trade online there are even commerce solutions to read and interpret sales data. This will save time having to login to your payment platforms, extract data then upload it to your accounts.

Contacts

Make use of extra fields (contact details, bank details, credit terms) within supplier and customer contact lists to speed up communications. Use this to create an automatic credit control process to chase payments, or use batch supplier payments for pay runs.

TO PERFO

UPDATES TO EMPLOYMENT LEGISLATION

COULD THEY IMPACT YOUR BUSINESS?

ALTHOUGH THERE ARE no major employment law changes planned for 2024 at the moment, there are some subtle changes which might impact the way your business manages its people.

A clarification to the Employment Rights (Amendment, Revocation and Transitional Provision Regulations) 2023 states that employers are no longer required to record the

time worked by each employee each day, but should maintain ‘adequate records’ to prove the business is compliant with the statutory minimum rest breaks set out in the law.

From 1 April 2024, holiday entitlement for irregular hours workers and some part time staff should be calculated at 12.07% of hours worked during a set pay period. Also from April, rolled-up holiday pay for irregular hours workers and some part time staff will be made lawful.

The National Minimum Wage will increase from 1 April 2024. Employees aged over 21 will be entitled to at least £11.44 per hour, the top line minimum wage will now be required for all staff over 21 years old, where previously only those over 23 would be entitled to this.

Employees aged at least 18, but under 21 years will be entitled to £8.60 per hour, increasing from £7.49. Staff aged between 16 to 17 will be entitled to £6.40 per hour, rising from £5.28. The minimum wage for apprentices will rise to £6.40 per hour, up from £5.28.

Under the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 there will be changes in the way employees are able to make a flexible working request. These are expected to come into force in April 2024 although at the time of writing there is no set date.

Sometimes you have to take the rough with the smooth

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RISK ASSESSMENTS: THE BASICS

Risk assessments are vital to make sure everyone at your business stays safe. It’s a process of identifying the risks that could cause people harm, and making sure those risks are either removed or controlled.

Citation, Health & Safety experts and PDA partner, have given their top tips to help you avoid risky business in this quick article...

Why should you do risk assessments?

Risk assessments make work a safer place for everyone. They give clear instructions for employees to go about their work in a way that reduces the chance of accidents and incidents, which is good for everyone – your people, your business reputation, your clients, and yourself. Of course, it’s also a legal requirement to carry out risk assessments.

With so many hazardous chemicals being used in the painting and decorating industry, proper risk assessments (especially CoSHH risk assessments) are crucial to keep your people safe.

What does the law say?

According to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, you’ve got a legal duty as an employer to carry out risk assessments and control the risks at your business. And the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 provide a framework for managing Health & Safety at work.

You also have obligations under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) Regulations 2002 to assess and manage the risks posed by hazardous substances.

Consequences of poor risk assessments

Not having solid risk assessments can lead to accidents, injuries, fines and even prosecutions, putting employee safety and your business’ reputation at risk.

Illness, injury and death are some of the worst consequences of poor risk assessments. When fatalities do happen, it’s often because employers fail to complete, review, or act on the results of a risk assessment.

Having poor risk assessments increases the risk of enforcement notices, prosecution, huge fines and even imprisonment – which only leads to irreversible financial and reputational damage, higher insurance premiums, and loss of investment and clients.

Got more questions?

As a Member of the PDA, you can benefit from preferential rates on Citation’s Health & Safety services – which include risk assessment advice, thousands of crucial risk assessment templates, an intuitive risk assessment creation tool, and even on-site support.

If you’d like to chat about how they can help with your business’ Health & Safety compliance needs, simply scan the QR code and fill in your details and a member of the team will be in touch. Remember to quote ‘Painting and Decorating Association’ to access your preferential rates.

What are the risks in the decorating industry?

Some of the most common risks in the painting and decorating industry are:

• Chemical exposures: Paints and solvents can contain harmful chemicals, leading to respiratory issues and skin irritation, especially when sprayed. Face fit testing is essential if Respiratory Protective Equipment is used.

• Asbestos: Sanding, scraping, or disturbing surfaces containing asbestos can increase the risk of exposure.

• Manual handling and equipment-related injuries: Lifting heavy paint cans, climbing ladders, repetitive motions, and overreaching and stretching can contribute to musculoskeletal injuries.

• Falls from heights: Working on ladders or scaffolding increases the risk of falls, which can result in serious injuries.

• Respiratory issues: Dust and paint particles can be harmful if inhaled or if they come into contact with the eyes. And working in confined areas, such as small rooms, can lead to issues with ventilation and pose risks to respiratory health.

• Slips, trips and falls

• Noise exposure: Use of power tools, such as sanders and sprayers, can expose workers to high noise levels, potentially causing hearing damage.

Risk assessments in five steps

There are five simple steps you should follow for an effective risk assessment.

1. Identify the hazards – talk to employees, review accident handbooks, operating manuals and instructions and consult with Health & Safety professionals

2. Who could be in harm’s way? – remember to think about everyone involved, not just those doing the work

3. Risk evaluation – prioritise your hazards, ask which ones are most likely to happen and how much harm they could inflict

4. Record and communicate your findings – think about how you can eliminate or reduce the hazards, and remember that if you employ five or more people you have a legal duty to record the findings

5. Review your risk assessment – a risk assessment is a living document, so set yourself a reminder to go back and review existing processes and identify new ones

Member Discounts and Offers

Don’t forget to check out the Discounts and Offers tab in the Member Resources area at www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk for exclusive benefits from all these companies and more!

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PDA Members can use the Community RePaint scheme to help acheive Paint Green status!

Sign up to the Paint Green scheme, and show customers that you’re taking meaningful steps to reduce waste. Find out more at www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk/paint-green

GET INVOLVED WITH THE COMMUNITY

FROM A SINGLE pilot project in 1993, to its current network of 70 schemes, Community RePaint has been at the forefront of re-using and recycling paint. We talked to Community RePaint Network Officer Lily Graves about the scheme and how decorators can get involved...

What is Community Repaint?

Community RePaint is a network of paint reuse schemes sponsored by Dulux. Our 70 schemes collect reusable, leftover paint, and redistribute it to individuals, families, communities, and charities, brightening walls and reducing paint waste. We also have two remanufacturing centres, that filter, treat and blend leftover paints in bulk to create our own brand of ReColour paint, a range of high-quality interior emulsion, exterior masonry, and chalk furniture paint in large quantities at affordable prices.

How did it all start?

The Community RePaint network was formed in 1993 following a pilot project called The Waste Wagon in Leeds. As part of the project, leftover paint was collected

from householders and redistributed local charities and groups, highlighting a demand for affordable paint.

The first two Community RePaint schemes were set up in Leeds and Ealing, today we have expanded to over 70 locations, where people can visit and browse the range of paint in stock. Our remanufacturing centres will also deliver larger volumes of ReColour paint across the UK.

We’re constantly looking for community organisations to help our network grow further. Our project is sponsored managed by environmental consultancy, Resource Futures

How is paint reused?

We absolutely love to hear how individuals and organisations are ‘RePainting’ their homes and spaces. From schools, murals and arts trails, to sports grounds, bedrooms and even sheds for housing ducks, we’ve seen thousands of creative projects realised with preloved paint. One of our favourite transformations from last year was at Lollard Street Adventure Playground in Lambeth (pictured below), there, kids helped to completely transform the wooden climbing structure into a multi-coloured wonderland with our ReColour paint.

General manger Jack Shear said, “We had a really positive experience in every aspect. The team was incredibly helpful in getting us the right paint and the right colours and we were very happy with the range of

Lilian Graves, Network Officer, Community RePaint

colours that arrived and their affordable price. It saved us a lot of money... We will definitely be using ReColour again in the future.”

How can decorators get involved?

We want your quality donations! If you have finished a project and have paint leftover, we’d love to connect you to one of our schemes. The paint can be passed on to another project, community group or family. To donate your surplus paint, fill out the details of your donation on our online form on the Community RePaint website – www.communityrepaint.org.uk

We’d also love tradespeople to connect with their nearest RePaint scheme and consider offering reuse or remanufactured paint to their customers as an option, especially for smaller spaces and feature walls. Reusing paint is an affordable and sustainable solution to getting homes and lives brightened. To purchase paint, you can search for your nearest scheme by clicking ‘I need paint.’

Where can decorators find information for their local area?

To search for your nearest paint drop-off point, head to our website and click ‘I have Leftover paint’ here you can give us the details of the paint you have, and we will match it to your nearest suitable scheme. To purchase paint, you can search for your nearest scheme by clicking ‘I need paint.’

www.communityrepaint.org.uk

P&Dnews

ACADEMY GOES ONLINE FOR NAW

TO CONTINUE ITS support for the next generation of painters and decorators, Dulux Academy trained an impressive 299 apprentices across this year’s National Apprenticeship Week. Four, free, bespoke online workshops were designed to specifically align with this year’s National Apprenticeship Week theme Skills For Life, to provide apprentices with valuable skills and knowledge to further their careers and help futureproof the industry.

The online sessions delivered expertise on skills that every painter and decorator needs, giving apprentices well-rounded training to complement their formal qualification and on-the-job learning.

The workshops covered the following topics:

• Being confident with colour – This introduced apprentices to colour theory, psychology and science to help them gain confidence in making colour selections – an area new professionals are reluctant to do.

• Professionalising your social media - Best practice for elevating a personal brand and establishing a professional online presence with strategies for engaging social content, tips for showcasing work, using analytics, and proper etiquette and ethics in the online environment.

• Selecting the right paint – This helped build knowledge on an array of paints, specific properties and suitable applications. Key considerations like sheen, durability and coverage were all explained.

• Planning your painting and decorating career - Charting career paths in the industry. Researching roles and opportunities, setting goals, expanding networks and identifying skills for development.

Dulux Academy support those new to the industry, not only across National Apprenticeship Week but all year round, to help build skills, close opportunity gaps and elevate professional standards across the board. Find out more at www.duluxacademy.co.uk

FUNDRAISING CONTINUES

2024 BRINGS BIG challenges for Ross Coniam as he continues to fundraise for his #Nine4Norah campaign. The charity was set up in 2019 in memory of a very special baby, Norah Faith Coniam who was born on 29 May 2018 but sadly died after just 9 hours and 56 minutes. The aim of the charity is to support and fundraise for Baby Loss and Mens Mental Health Charities.

Ross works for longstanding PDA Associate Partner Owatrol UK Ltd, with his brother Gary who is the Managing Director, supplying specialised coatings within the Painting, Decorating, Woodcare and Marine industries across the UK.

Having already raised over £96,000 to date, Ross is determined to push himself to even greater challenges. This year friends and family are entering the Jurassic Coast 100km Challenge on 18-19 May with the route along the spectacular World Heritage coastline. Starting in Corfe Castle, the route heads down to Swanage, and along through Lulworth Cove, past Durdle Door to to the halfway point at Weymouth. Then it’s on past Portland Bill, Chesil Beach with a finish line celebration in the vibrant town of Bridport. This is followed by Endure24 Leeds at the end of June, where four teams of five start with the main race at 12.00pm, and then carry on running as many 8km laps as they can for 24 hours.

You can support Ross and this excellent fundraising via https://gofund.me/0148d39e

FLOOR PAINT WINS ‘SEAL OF APPROVAL’

BRADITE HD FLOOR + Wall paint has helped an East Midlands company stay at the top of its game, with a range of jobs completed for The Co-operative Group AD Decorators Derbyshire Ltd has completed contracts for a range of local businesses. This brief required a hard-wearing floor paint that can withstand the constant movement of cages containing grocery goods in the shops’ storerooms and in other Co-Op business locations.

“There’s a lot of heavy traffic in these areas, so the re-painting has to be an overnight job once the business is shut, and it must be ready for use the next morning,” says AD Decorators director, Maria Lambert.

The Derby-based firm has been in business for more than three decades and has an impressive customer base across the heart of England and further afield.

The particular attraction of HD Floor + Wall included its low odour during and after application, and the fact that it is quick drying. As a water-based epoxy formulation, HD Floor + Wall is easy to apply by brush, roller or spray to achieve ultra hard-wearing quality, and touch dry in just three hours with recoats possible after 14 hours.

“By the time the guys have packed up and got the stuff back in the van, it’s already rock hard,” said Ms Lambert, “It’s a product I’d always trust.”

www bradite.com

Decorating f

Most of us want to pass on a healthy planet to the next generation. With climate change, rivers and seas too polluted to swim in, air pollution, species in decline… it can seem rather depressing.

But there’s a lot we can do to be more sustainable decorators, and it’s good for business too.

Energy use

Until we totally switch to carbon-free energy production, any energy we use is likely to contribute to climate change, as well as air pollution.

One of the biggest consumers of energy as decorators is how we transport ourselves and our tools - our vans. Whatever vehicle we currently have, the easiest thing we can do is seek out local jobs which means less travel time, lower emissions, and lower fuel costs.

There’s a move towards electric vehicles, which will cut down local air pollution and greenhouse gases, but their construction still uses a lot of energy and materials. Looking after whatever vehicle we have, so it has a long life and produces lower emissions, is certainly a sign of a quality-conscious, money-conscious and possibly eco-conscious decorator.

Many tools now use less energy than they used to for a given output motors get more efficient, and of us are switching from incandescent and halogen bulbs to LEDs, which use a lot less energy.

Tools

‘Buy cheap, buy twice’ is a phrase most of us will have heard. When you’re starting out as a decorator, kit such as top-quality sanders can be a big hit on your income, but buying the best tools means they’ll last longer, help you do the job quicker and you’ll be creating less waste.

Dust extraction is not only good for your health but also your customer’s health. There will come a time when tools come to the end of their life, but try to recycle them if you can, especially electrical tools, there are useful metals and components in them which can be stripped out and recycled, so always take them to the appropriate bin in your recycling centre.

When it comes to being environmentally sustainable, the simple fact is that it comes down to ‘taking less and giving more’.

So how do we do that?

Materials

We can get through a lot of paint, paper, paste and grit in a day –especially if we’re doing things like spraying. So, choosing what we apply is important.

We all know that most paints have moved towards being low VOC, water-based formulations, which is better for our health, and certainly for local air pollution.

Looking for brands which consider their environmental impact is something we can all do, and many customers will welcome that.

If you need to strip paint, opt for water-based, non-toxic strippers where possible – And shop local when you can!

by Charlie Budd

or the Planet

Waste

We can’t not produce waste, but we should seek to reduce that waste. Only buy as much material as we need, and if we buy too much then, where possible, return excess unopened materials to the supplier.

It’s important to reduce the amount of water we use to clean our decorating tools, so scraping off as much residual paint or paste as we can makes cleaning quicker, as well as greener

Donating unused paint to community re-use schemes is a brilliant way to reduce waste, as well as give back to your local community. Recycle as much as possible... It can be difficult when there may be paint on things like plastic sheets or lining paper, so the tidier you are the more you can recycle.

A quality job

One of the biggest impacts we can have is by doing such a good job, that the property doesn’t need decorating for a longer period of time. Having to repaint every 10 years instead of every five means that the materials, energy and waste is effectively halved. And that leads us to…

Educating customers

It’s a win-win for everyone to educate customers that a quality job, with high quality, environmentally conscious materials will save them money in the long run, as well as reducing their environmental impact.

Give back

Giving away paint and your time to community schemes is a brilliant way to give back. You can also contribute to environmental schemes such as tree planting.

The best schemes are local, community led schemes where the trees are looked after. Be careful about big carbon offsetting schemes, they may not be as green as they look. I’ve not found one that I’ve felt I can completely trust, so I give to local environmental schemes and charities instead.

As consumers become more aware and caring about the environment, it can be a great marketing opportunity for you if being a greener and higher quality decorator is something you focus on with your website, social media and when you quote for jobs.

When it comes to being a more future-focused, environmentally responsible decorator, it’s just a case of using common senseusing less, giving more and sharing the message - it’s good for business, good for the soul, good for your health, and good for the planet.

Anglia Decor Ltd

This warehouse comprised of 4,000m2 of industrial cladding. All of this was degreased using Rust-Oleum ND14 and pressure washed. Bare cladding was primed with Zinsser Allcoat, rubbed down, coated with Rust-Oleum Noxyde and top coat of Allcoat in Goosewing Grey, balcony and windows in Anthracite.

JC Painting & Decorating

Old wallpaper was stripped, walls were filled and rubbed down with Mirka sander. Two coats of Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt in Almond White were then applied to the ceilings. Coving, ceiling rose, and woodwork were finished with Little Greene Flat Eggshell in Oak Apple. Walls were then lined horizontally, and finally wallpapered with Zoffany

Decorative Decorators Ltd

The client used a Farrow & Ball colour consultant when looking to refresh these previously painted kitchen units. Decorative Decorators washed them down with sugar soap, undercoated, then finished with three top coats of Estate Eggshell using a 2” Purdy brush.

LP Painting and Decorating

lery On the Cover

www.lp-painting-decorating.co.uk

WCM Painting & Decorating

This intricate staircase was rubbed down, primed with Macpherson Acrylic Primer Undercoat, then finished with two coats of Crown Trade Fastflow Eggshell. The handrail was rubbed down with fine wire wool then waxed and buffed for a natural finish.

Neil Bailey Decorating

These images are part of an extensive refurbishment project. The period manor required extensive preparation before the final finish mainly using Crown Paints. Look out for a more in depth look in a future issue of The Decorator

This cottage exterior was repainted using LP ’s trusted brands... For the masonry, they used Fenwick and Tilbrook Ulitmate Masonry, a waterbased, durable finish for exterior work. Teknos Futura was used for the woodwork and Osmo Oil applied to the oak.  A superior finish that will last for years to come.

Great work LP Painting & Decorating – £100 of vouchers for use at Brewers are now on the way!

BAUHAUS in Brighton

BWe were asked to complete the full renovation of this house, which is split into two flats, for use as short-term holiday lets in Fiveways, a popular area in central Brighton. The client wanted to create an immersive arts experience with Bauhaus theme, and gave us six months to complete all the works.

After the initial consultation, I put together proposed designs in the form of computer generated imagery. This really helps to sell an idea to the client, and also avoids having to potentially redecorate areas as little is left simply to the imagination!

Once these designs were agreed with the client, we set to work on ripping everything out, sanding back surfaces, stripping wallcoverings, repairing cracks and holes, either being skimmed or lined, restored or even replaced.

There was major water ingress at the front of the property, which a builder fixed with repairs to the roof and pointing, we stripped the walls, and the builder damp proofed, before we plastered ready for decorating.

The bathroom ceiling was also compromised, so this was taken down and was then replastered.

luebird Interiors were recently entrusted to complete the full redecoration of a high-end rental property in the heart of Brighton. The house is the third project for this client who had a specific theme in mind, Jennifer Anderson-Dixon tells us more...

The lounge of the upper flat, with restored fireplace.

One of the first jobs was stripping back all the floors and revarnishing.

had Graham & Brown Jungle Lucious Green wallpaper applied to two walls. Samples were initially put in place to help with a final decision on trim colours, favouring a matching green colour over a paler shade or blue options.

Floorboards had been painted white in places, so we stripped them all back and then revarnished throughout. A fireplace was also restored, recommissioned and painted with Clarke Stove Paint.

Every room in the property had a distinct decor theme, so it was important to keep on top of all the various colours used. As doors, jambs, and reveals were many different colours, this required very careful cutting in where they meet at a single point.

Although most colours for the paint were chosen from palettes by Benjamin Moore, Graham & Brown, Lick and Little Greene, we used almost exclusively products from isomat, with Dulux Trade Diamond Matt used on the staircase and communal hallway, and Zinsser Permawhite for the bathroom ceilings.

There were also a few feature walls using wallpapers from Milton & King, Lick, Graham & Brown, and Mini Moderns, so we used a laser line to ensure everything stayed perfectly aligned.

Our work wasn’t just limited to painting and papering though, as we also took care of the kitchen and bathroom design and installation, including the tiling.

Overall I’m really happy with the final results, and it was great to have no major obstacles to overcome. When I jokingly asked the client, “When is the empire expanding to house number four?”, the client turned to me and said, “Jennifer, we can only be this brave with the designs because we know you can achieve this outcome.” – Which caught a lump in my throat!

Needless to say, the client is also absolutely delighted to see their vision come to reality.

Bluebird Interiors are Members of the PDA based in East Sussex. You can visit their website at www.bluebirdinteriors.co.uk or call them on 07483 297797

The upper master bedroom

CGI Mock-up

Real-life colour testing

The completed stairwell

The refurbishment included refitting kitchens and bathrooms, and re-doing the name above the entrance door!

PDA Member John Kerry teamed up with fellow decorator Adam Featherstone Decorating Services to redecorate The Ivy Tree Pub & Kitchen on Yarm Road, Stockton-on-Tees. John shared the project details with The Decorator...

Restoring heart t othe community

This job was actually one of Adam Featherstone’s, but as with many big projects, we team up to deliver the high standard of finish we are now known for in the area.

Adam took on the project management role on this job and liaised with the two owners and all the trades. I covered the decorating side while he organised materials, helping the joiner with his work, knocking walls out and fitting steelwork.

The clients wanted the previously derelict pub restored, along with its original features, to give the local residents a fresh, classy interior and exterior. This included the interior having a redesign, with new walls put up and others taken out, requiring steelwork and drylining, so there was a need for constant organisation between all the trades.

The original timescale for delivery was three months, but this was delayed as the old building had not been maintained over the years, creating some major obstacles to deal with such as damp and rotten wood from water leaks.

The bar top was also fully sanded back and then given coats of heavy duty varnish.

All doors, internally and externally, needed to have three lots of dado panels fitted to each side, and the tongue and groove boards in the toilets required all pipework to be cut out and replaced. I found that the Mirka Deros I won in the PDA competition was perfect for this job.

Coving was added to areas that didn’t have it originally, but it made for a more complete finish.

Everything was hand painted with brush and roller, using Tikkurila Nova 2 for all the ceilings, Benjamin Moore Scuff-X Matt for the walls, Benjamin Moore Advance for the internal woodwork and multiple furniture pieces to fit the colour scheme, with Tikkurila Miranol for the high gloss doors.

Outside, we applied Tikkurila Silicone to protect the masonry, followed by Leyland Truguard and Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior

The stained glass was also repaired and polished as a finishing touch.

Local customers and the client were over the moon with the result. I’m very proud that the pub has been featured on social media posts, and local MPs and councillors have visited it.

John Kerry is a Member of the PDA based in Stockton on Tees. You can get in touch with him on 01642 587968 or visit his website at www.john-kerry.co.uk

The whole of the bar was originally stained and varnished in a dark brown shade. This was completely sanded back, with the panels then filled to remove the vertical lines, new mouldings added, and then finally painted up.

Water ingress from years of neglect had caused the plaster to fail in areas such as near the entrance door.

Each year, the Horniman Museum and Gardens has nearly one million visitors. The Grade II listed Victorian Conservatory features ironwork by MacFarlane and Company of Glasgow and a roof glazed with fish-scale glass tiles. Mitie Property Services were selected by competitive tender, which comprised both a commercial and quality bid, to deliver a prestigious refurbishment, they gave us the details of this specialist project...

Conserving the Conservatory

This project was very complex, tendered in open competition, with design responsibility sitting with the successful principal contractor. Not only did the structure require painting inside and out, but amongst other things, all the fish-scale panes of glass had to be carefully removed, allowing the rebates to be cleaned and fully painted before being re-bed and sealed in a fashion that allows rainwater to drain away, to reduce water staining to the glass over time.

The scope of the work included structural repairs to the cast iron, repainting the metal frame, and reinstating ventilation in the upper windows. The roof and upper fish-scales were to be re-glazed with a mix of repurposed original panes and new safety glass panels.

The project duration was 20 weeks, needing to be completed during the winter months, as the venue is used as a wedding venue from early April.

We drew on the expertise of our approved scaffolding sub-contractors, who were tasked with designing a safe means of access. A fully designed bespoke cantilevered scaffolding was erected and weatherproofed with a tin roof and monoflex sheeting.

Internally, the mosaic tiled floor was fully protected with 25mm rigid insulation panels and ply boards. Lightweight aluminium mobile towers were used for the lower sections, with a fully boarded birdcage scaffolding being erected to the entrance core upper tower area.

All the fish-scale panes were individually numbered and carefully removed before painting to allow the rebates to be cleaned and painted, then re-bed on a Sika glazing compound before re-sealing.

As work progressed, it was discovered that in the upper tower area, all the diagonal steel members were badly corroded and at risk of failure.  These were removed, and new base ends were welded in place on-site before being replaced. All the old Georgian wired glass roof panels were also removed, the rebates cleaned and replaced with modern clear laminated glass.

The complete steel structure was fully primed and painted with Crown Trade Micaceous Iron Oxide and protective topcoats. It was inspected at regular intervals by the Crown specification team who were an integral part of the specification and design process.

The hidden external rainwater guttering system was treated with a waterproofing compound, and one of the rainwater gutters required extensive work to remove an historic blockage.

Finally, electronic window openers were installed to some of the upper-level opening windows, and the project was completed on time and ready for the first wedding event to take place in the beautiful new surroundings.

Mitie Property Services are Members of the PDA with branches across the UK. You can get in touch with them on 0330 678 0710 or visit their website at www.mitie.com

When looking back at the start of my decorating journey, the most popular vacuum cleaner on site was a Henry. These iconic vacuums were, and are, workhorses – no matter how hard you work them, they always have that smile on their face!

Fast forward to 2024, and we now have the award-winning cordless Henry Quick vacuum – a complete joy to use when cleaning up my clients’ homes after my decorating work is completed.

Having a dedicated vacuum for this part of my job is great, and I always get comments from the clients about going the extra mile.

Henry Quick are manufactured by Numatic, a company founded in Somerset in 1969, so they know plenty about vacuums.

Henry Quick is a lightweight (3.2kg) and compact cordless stick vacuum cleaner that uses a rechargeable 25.2V Lithium-Ion battery pack which is fully charged in 150 minutes, with a run time of 60-70 minutes on low and 16 minutes on high. Battery installation/removal is one-handed and easy, with a charging port on the side and LED indicator.

This incredibly powerful cordless vacuum cleaner is easy to use and comes with a toolset kit. A digital motor and direct drive, easy pivoting brush head delivers powerful suction that captures dust and debris inside a Pod.

The Pod replaces the multiple filters found on other vacuums, capturing, storing, and compacting 1-litre of waste. Each time you replace the Pod, you instantly get maximum suction from the machine, so it works optimally.

Pods are made from up to 65% recycled material, providing advanced filtration and a dust lock seal that prevents plumes of dust in your face and on your hands when emptying. A simple one-click slider removes the Pod, to provide a dust-free chamber, dust-free emptying and dust-free vacuuming!

Features & Benefits

‘ Cordless and Rechargeable

‘ Powerful digital motor

‘ Accessory tools included

‘ Comes with six filter pods

‘ Direct drive brush head

‘ Two-year warranty

Six Pods are supplied with the Henry Quick, with additional Pods available in packs of ten.

The handle has a soft black grip, which is incredibly comfortable, but a supplied quick-fit angled ergonomic extension handle provides more hand room and height for those with bigger hands.

The button on the right toggles the boost mode, and the button on the left turns the direct drive brush head on or off, which also automatically turns on the integrated LED headlight located on the brush head – this allows me to see under furniture and in dark places.

The floor tool has an airbleed control slider, which can restrict or increase airflow to provide additional suction control when required.

Henry Quick is also supplied with a 2-in-1 brush tool, and a crevice tool... These can be stowed on the wall-mounted dock, which also holds the machine while charging.

The metallic red finish 60cm/2ft wand is removable via a simple thumb press, allowing the motorised brush head to be directly attached to the Henry Quick, making cleaning stairs effortless.

Finally, the top of Henry Quick has a black rubber stopper, which, once removed, reveals where the quick scent capsules go. One is supplied with the machine, others are available to order in packs of ten.

@littlegiantladdersuk

I have been a fan of Little Giant Ladders for many years because they always keep innovating and improving their products. Sure Step is a compact, lightweight, easy-to-use step stool that is incredibly well-made and suitable for all tradespeople. Sure Step can stand up on its own when in the folded position, yet as soon as you lift it by holding either of the top steps, it will naturally open or close.

Two nylon spreader straps keep each side in the perfect position, and aluminium treaded full-box steps add strength and rigidity. I like how I can straddle the Sure Step with a foot on either side or use it traditionally, providing a workload of 150kg

An important feature is the heavyduty oversized slip-resistant feet, these feet keep the Sure Step stable on the ground, which gives me the confidence to get on with my work.

I also use a combo of two Sure Steps and a Little Giant Extending Work Plank, this provides the perfect working platform height for most houses I work on, and allows me to paint coving, cut in ceiling lines or carry out ceiling and wall repairs.

Sure Step has two steps per side plus the top, which is split into two, providing a wide platform, the space in between enables my hand to slide in without getting it squashed when lifting it up or down.

Little Giant Ladders

Sure Step

www.littlegiantladders.co.uk

Peacock Feather Ltd

Wallpaper Seam Roller

@peacockfeatherlimited

‘ Easy glide

www.peacockfeather.co.uk

When it comes to wallpaper installation, like any skill, practice makes perfect! Over the last 45-plus years I’ve been decorating, I’ve found that it certainly pays to invest in high-quality tools... The Peacock Feather 3-in-1 Wallpaper Seam Roller is the Rolls

Manufactured using high-quality materials, this tool oozes class and delivers on performance. A solid beech wood handle with a slightly tapered thumb indent is very comfortable to hold and use.

At one end, a crisp white internal corner roller wheel creases wall coverings inside corners, skirting tops, sides of frames and coving.

The other end is the seam roller’s main ‘business end’, this works fantastically on seams and external corners, with the honey-coloured silicone translucent roller head slightly angled and easy to roll. Two sets of bearings allow this 3-in-1 seam roller to glide effortlessly.

Fusepry

www.fusepry.com

When it comes to changing blown fuses, I often don’t have the correct fuse to replace the one that has blown! Fusepry is a brilliant, nifty invention of David Beech, allowing five spare fuses to be stored and kept safe until required. His unique device also boasts a built-in tray so fuses do not roll all over the place whilst changing. Still, as its namesake suggests, Fusepry has a leverage lever that allows me to prise open fused spurs without damaging them.

Features & Benefits

‘ Holds five fuses

‘ Integrated fuse tray

‘ Pry to open fused spur

It has a good quality keyring that can either be attached to my van keys or hung up in my garage, van or electrical cupboard at home.

I’ve often wished for an all-in-one solution that allows me to pause my painting, keep the paint fresh in the tray and simplify the cleaning afterwards. Well, I am thrilled to introduce you to the Repaint Tray, a metal roller tray with silicone liner and lid. It helps reduce clean-up time and keeps the paint fresh for up to 21 days guaranteed!

Repaint Tray is suitable for all rollers up to 9 inches, the specially designed liner has a unique roll-off grid which helps distribute the paint when loading, and literally wraps over the edges of the tray so it stays put, unlike some thin plastic liners. The lid is equally impressive, ensuring a snug fit and benefiting from a pull tab, making it easy to pull off.

The reservoir holds plenty of paint, and it is really a pleasure to use. The metal tray has a quality silver finish with four plastic buffers that protect surfaces you may place it on.

When completing the job, wipe back unused paint, allow the paint to dry, then simply peel away, you can bend and twist the liner and lid to remove every last bit of dried paint and dispose of it sensibly. A final rinse will return the product to new to use again.

Features & Benefits

‘ Re-useable and recyclable

‘ Protects paint from airborne contamination

Silicone flexible liner and Durable metal tray

Features & Benefits

‘ Super-fast roller cleaning

‘ Reduces water used

@ciret_ltd

www.ciret.co.uk

When it comes to cleaning rollers, I can say hand on heart, it is the messiest part of my job and can be very time-consuming! Step in the new Rota! Tornado by Ciret - a roller cleaning revolution.

It’s worth making time to protect the area that you choose to use this amazing product in. A high-quality chrome metal adaptor with a built-in filter is supplied with the kit, to use on your house mixer tap, which then feeds water to the Rota! Tornado via the black sliding jet nozzle.

Place your roller inside with its sleeve attached using the a special notch, turn the tap on, and a powerful fine jet of water forces the roller to spin. It’s essential to hold the roller frame firmly, and I place an old T-shirt over the box to reduce overspray and any splashing.

As it starts to spin, slowly slide the jet nozzle across to force the paint out of the roller. I make a few passes, sliding it back and forth until the water is clear. The results are a clean roller with a fluffed-up pile/nap, the fastest method I’ve ever used!

I pour the wastewater into a container and let the paint settle, after which I remove the sludge, placing it onto newspaper to dry, then disposing of it responsibly.

My top tip is to remove as much paint from your roller sleeve as possible first... I use a Roller Squeegee. Paint is expensive, so why waste it? The more paint you remove, the more money and water you save, which also makes the cleaning process even quicker.

‘ High quality and portable

‘ Quality brass and chrome fittings

UP

www.brewers.co.uk

off the shelf

Bringing you an even bigger range of high-quality decorating products, Albany has announced a brand new woodcare range for their collection, which is exclusively available at Brewers. Three new finishes have been developed to produce ultimate woodcare protection on interior and exterior timber, perfect for springtime projects.

Albany Original is a translucent all-purpose wood stain for long lasting protection in a matt finish, Albany Advanced is a translucent, durable wood stain offering superior UV protection in a satin finish. Together they can be used as part of a system, on interior and exterior timber, to provide ultimate weather resistance and durability. Both finishes are available in 46 colours, which can be tinted in store and taken home the very same day.

Albany Masterdec is an opaque wood stain that can be used on exterior timber, providing a self-priming, fast-drying and flexible finish. Available in four ready mixed colours, RAL, NCS and BS4800 colours that will completely obliterate the original colour of the wood. The finish is also available in 112 exclusive colours from the Albany Design Collection, transforming exterior wood and instantly updating outside spaces.

Top box

www.mirka.com

Mirka UK is introducing a new practical and convenient toolbox for the decorative market enabling painters and decorators to maintain an organised workspace, maximising efficiency. Constructed from sturdy and robust materials to withstand the demands of most work environments, the toolbox is stackable enabling it to fit seamlessly on top of existing storage solutions such as a Mirka® dust extractor or case.

Accredited performance

www.barrettinepro.co.uk

Armourflex® Hardwax Oil is a specialist high-performance coating that offers a natural and elegant finish with exceptional wear characteristics and high scratch resistance, and now it’s certified and accredited with Abrasion & Liquid resistance (ISO 7786 and ISO 2812-1). This accreditation provides reassurance to its users of the high performance provided by the product as well as its outstanding natural finish. This is complemented by its existing accreditation of Food & Toy Safe when dry (EN 1186:2002 & EN71:3) making it the perfect choice for Kitchen worktops and furniture as well as a multitude of other applications including wooden floors, stairs, internal doors, windows, and skirting. An improved four-hour drying time, Hardwax Oil allows an easy and timely application to surfaces.

Come back Down to Earth

www.rustoleumcolours.co.uk

Created as a direct response from customer research, Rust-Oleum has launched its Down to Earth Collection including five new paint colours. Comprising of an olive green, terracotta and creamy neutral, the Down to Earth Collection is available in Rust-Oleum’s full product range which includes Wall, Furniture, Interior Wood, Floor, Kitchen Cupboard and specialist paints for tiles and radiator. Taking inspiration from brown soil, green leaves, red clay and tan sand, these colours pair perfectly together as they are all rooted in nature. Due to popular demand, we expanded our palette to include even more greens for that refreshing sense of biophilic design, while offering cocooning darks, relaxed neutrals and warming terracotta as the ideal accompaniment.

FC1 for all

www.ct1.com

FC1 by CT1 is the ultimate all-in-one filling and caulking solution for the decorating industry. With its advanced formulation, FC1 offers versatility, flexibility, durability, and ease of use, providing a seamless finish on the widest variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, concrete, plastic and more. Its fast-drying properties ensure efficient application, and its over paintable in as little as one hour, saving valuable time on projects. FC1’s exceptional adhesion and amazing flexibility ensures long-lasting results, making it the go-to choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re painting walls, repairing skirting boards, or touching up furniture, FC1 is the perfect companion for all your decorating needs.

The flattest matt

www.farrow-ball.com

Multi-surface, impressively durable and ultra matt, Dead Flat ® has you covered from ceilings to skirtings (and beyond). Thanks to a breakthrough in chemistry, it combines the brand’s lowest ever 2% sheen with a super-tough finish, giving you and your clients the deepest, richest colours without compromise. It gives the signature Farrow & Ball look with added toughness, washable and scuff resistant with a Class 1 Scrub Rating, a finished space stays looking fresh for longer, even in the busiest areas of the home. Available in every colour the renowned Farrow & Ball palette in a choice of 750ml, 2.5l and 5l tins. Scan the code to watch Dead Flat® in action >

www.thepaintshed.com

The Paint Shed Contract Matt is a high opacity, low odour, water-based paint formulated for interior use on walls and ceilings. It provides a smooth matt finish that is ideal for application to new plaster and can also be used on wallboards and other interior masonry surfaces such as brick or block. Easy to apply with good opacity matt finish, for interior walls and ceilings, including new plaster. Available in 10-litre, brilliant white, from all Paint Shed stores.

In the first of a series of interviews with the brand, we spoke to Christina Rowe, Head of Product Marketing at Purdy to find out about the testing and development process behind Purdy’s product range.

production on ...

www.purdy.co.uk /purdybrushesuk

Where do new Purdy product ideas come from?

When developing new products, we seek to create solutions that fulfil a requirement in the market. For example, a product that will solve a problem or make a painting job just that bit quicker and easier for our customers, so they can be more productive and therefore more profitable. To do that, speaking to our end users is critical, whether that’s through focus groups, attitude and usage studies, process mapping, market research or ethnographic interviews. We use these avenues to gather information about the challenges and problems faced by painters and decorators that do not currently have product solutions. Often, by simply observing painters, we are able to identify unarticulated needs, as we have with the products like the Painter’s Backpack and Purdy Pail, for example.

What goes into the development of a new product?

Following customer research, our R&D engineering, marketing and production teams work together closely to design prototypes that we then test with a core group of field experts, utilising their feedback to optimise the design.

This stage is then followed by a wider field validation with end users in different regions and customer types trying out the product. Once we, and the customers, are happy with the design, we work with our manufacturing plants to scale up production and prepare the product for sale.

How long does it take to reach the shelves?

This process can vary in length from less than six months to several years depending on feedback received during trials and the tweaks required. We constantly have several products going through the research and development process at the same time though, so things are always moving. Since 2009, our Applicator Lab & Marketing groups have been granted a whopping 70 patents with more applications under review.

What testing is carried out for the UK market?

We have developed a number of internal testing methods to confirm that our products will meet and exceed customer expectations here in the UK. One of these is a polymer characterisation process which helps us to optimise filament and fabric performance.

We also work closely with our internal coatings R&D teams to align the performance of our brushes and rollers to suit a variety of coatings. Furthermore, when curating our range of brushes for the UK market, we carried out a variety of testing with other leading paint manufacturers, to see which of our brushes would work the best with the specific chemical formulation of UK paints.

Are you currently working on any new products?

We have a robust road map to ensure we are continuously bringing new solutions to the market. Our next big launch to the UK is the highly anticipated Painter’s Storage Box which we can’t wait to share as it is a truly game-changing storage system which is already proving to be very popular in the United States.

Like all our products it’s got the Purdy difference: it’s made for pros, by pros, delivering quality craftmanship every time.

Finish and protect your exterior wood

Have you ever painted a shed, fence, or summerhouse to then find the following year it’s already peeling and flaking? Leaving wood exposed to the weather can cause serious damage and reduce the overall longevity. Luckily there’s a perfect solution... Owatrol Shed & Fence Paint.

Shed & Fence Paint is different to other paints on the market as it contains a bonding primer, Emulsa-Bond. This gives it excellent adherence without the need for lengthy preparation and priming, and so only two coats are needed in most cases.

So confident in its abilities, Owatrol have guaranteed it (when applied following the application instructions) against peeling and flaking for 15 years when applied to vertical surfaces and 5 years on horizontal surfaces, when applied correctly onto bare wood (see their limited warranty for specific details).

Available in 35 colours with a rich matt finish, Owatrol Shed & Fence Paint:

• Can be used on all wood types – softwood, hardwood, and modified wood (such as accoya) both new and weathered.

• Can be applied by using a brush, roller, or airless sprayer.

• Free colour cards available upon request.

• Sample sizes available

• Can also be applied to other wood surfaces such as decking, cladding and garden furniture, as well as masonry surfaces such as stucco or EIFS.

All previous coatings must be completely removed before the application of Shed & Fence Paint. This is because the bonding primer Emulsa-Bond will not adhere well to anything other than wood and as such, any stains, oils, paints etc. will create a barrier and therefore the desired finish will not be achievable.

Shed & Fence Paint from Owatrol is the ultimate solution to finish and protect your wood.

Owatrol produces a range of high quality, long-lasting coatings which offer exceptional protection and superior finish, with products which have been established for over 70 years, you can be sure a product is of the highest quality. You can order directly through their website with next working day delivery as standard on all orders placed before 3pm.

A game-changer for respiratory protection

In the world of professional painting and sanding, safety and comfort are paramount. That’s why the 3M™ Quick Latch Respirator 6500 series has become a game-changer in the industry. With its innovative features and advanced technology, this respirator is revolutionising the way professionals protect themselves...

Unmatched Convenience

A standout feature of the 3M Quick Latch Respirator 6500 Series is the Quick Latch mechanism itself. This ingenious design allows users to easily lower or raise the respirator without removing other head worn PPE like safety helmets, eyewear or goggles for example. This means no more interruptions or hassle when transitioning in and out of contaminated areas, ensuring a seamless workflow.

Versatile Protection

The Quick Latch Respirator is equipped with the 3M bayonet connection system, providing users with a wide range of filter options. Whether you’re dealing with organic gases and vapours, high-level fine dusts, or oil or water-based mists, the filter options available with this respirator can cater for many hazards. Its twin inhalation valves provide improved comfort.

Comfort and Fit

Designed with the user in mind, the 3M Quick Latch Respirator features an adjustable head harness assembly and a silicone face seal. This ensures a secure and comfortable fit, allowing professionals to focus on their work without distractions. The over-moulded/low-profile design simplifies cleaning and maintenance, with fewer parts and crevices to worry about.

Easy Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping the respirator clean and well-maintained is crucial for optimal performance. Simply, clean it using the 3M™ 105 Face Seal Cleaner. With its user-friendly design, cleaning and maintaining this respirator is quick and hassle-free.

Conclusion

When it comes to respiratory protection, the 3M 6500 series truly stands out... Its innovative features, unmatched convenience, and versatile protection make it an essential tool for professionals in the painting and sanding industry.

With its focus on comfort, fit, and ease of use, this respirator is setting new standards in safety and efficiency. Trust in 3M, a brand known for its commitment to quality and innovation, to provide you with the best respiratory protection solution for your professional needs.

Please note that the HSE outline that when using isocyanate-based paints a supplied air system is required. The 3M™ 6500 Series can be used with certain 3M supplied air systems.

www.3m.co.uk

As we approach this year’s exterior painting season, we decided to catch up with Tony Pearson-Young, Skills Development Consultant at AkzoNobel to hear all about his top tips and tricks, with help from the complete Dulux Trade Weathershield range, which provides the ultimate protection against the great British weather.

Tackle this year’s exterior season with confidence

When is the best time for exterior decorating?

Exterior decorating is more about temperature, whether it’s too hot or too cold, it can greatly impact the longevity of the paint and its application!

Painting in extremely hot weather (over 30°C) can cause paint to dry too quickly, leading to a poor finish and potential adhesion problems. Conversely, below 10°C is also not advisable, as it can slow down the drying and curing process causing the paint to become tacky and wet to the touch.

Although daytime temperature might suffice, it’s important to check what the temperature will fall to overnight, as if it’s expected to drop below 10°C, it could negatively impact the finish especially when there is a lot of moisture and condensation on surfaces, which will affect adhesion and the overall quality of the finish.

What preparation is needed for an exterior project?

With an exterior project, additional tools ensure a perfect finish:

• Stiff brush and a scraper: To remove dirt, grime or any loose paint across all surfaces.

• Sponge and cleaning solution: Wash down and rinse every surface before painting with a cleaning solution such as sugar soap

• Fungicidal wash: Exteriors often have mould and algae. Weathershield Multi-Surface Fungicidal Wash can banish existing mould and prevent future growth of fungi, mould and algae.

• Filler and repair tools: Before starting to paint, it’s essential that all cracks and holes are repaired with an exterior grade filler such as Exterior Polyfilla with a selection of filing knives.

• Sander: A good quality sander is needed for the exterior woodwork to ensure the surface is free of blemishes and to provide a key to help the paint stick to the surface

• Stabilising primer: If the walls are chalky and leaving a coloured dust behind when rubbing against the surface, then the paint has started to break down and will need Stabilising Primer.

How to ensure efficiency on an exterior project?

It’s important to use tools to save time on an exterior project, such as:

• A jet washer: Outside walls require a lot of cleaning before paint can be applied.

• A power-fed roller: Consider investing in a power roller or Jet Roller to save time and effort on big walls, as this will speed up the application process.

Using Dulux Trade Weathershield Smooth Masonry will save a lot of time as it is fast drying and shower resistant within 30 minutes, so there are no worries about the paint washing away if the weather turns. Additionally, Weathershield offers excellent opacity.

How to ensure long-lasting results?

Dulux Trade Weathershield Smooth Masonry has been through rigorous testing and development. It can last up to 15 years in all weather conditions and has been specifically developed to keep exterior walls free from UV damage, mould and algae, which in turn dramatically extends the decorating cycle.

Another tip is ensuring that redecoration work is planned in the couple of years prior to the product’s end of life expectancy. In those final few years, the aesthetic can deteriorate. To keep properties looking their best, beat the clock and schedule in the redecoration work before issues arise.

Dulux Trade Weathershield products are perfect for this exterior season. It’s easy to apply and available in four ready mixed colours and thousands of tinted options, which allows professionals to cater to a wide range of client preferences to ensure every project is a masterpiece.

Extractors that don’t just gather dust

Festool has been known for its extractors, and its entire dust extraction range for many years. The German manufacturer offers a variety of clever solutions for many needs to optimise workflows and ideally organise workplaces.

The remote control with Bluetooth® module enables users to control their Festool extractors wirelessly. This saves you a trip to the extractor, as it can be conveniently switched on remotely or started automatically via the cordless tools with the auto-start function. This remote-control function provides unrivalled flexibility and convenience and can be easily retrofitted to older extractors.

Another highlight is the CT-VA pre-separator, which enables large quantities of dust to be handled efficiently, easily, and reliably.

The pre-separator allows for continuous work with a constantly high suction power. This effectively keeps coarse particles and dirt away from the main filter and captures up to 95% of the dust before it even reaches the extractor.

Festool offers practical cleaning sets for thorough cleaning in various application areas. Depending on the equipment, these sets include various nozzles, suction brushes, and hoses, especially for different floor surfaces. Whether you are cleaning a building site or a workshop, the right cleaning set will always achieve the best results.

In addition, the CT-ASA boom arm enables efficient and convenient dust extraction. This boom arm can be used at various workstations and ensures a clean and healthy working environment. With its easy handling and robust design, the boom arm is an indispensable accessory for anyone who values convenient hose guidance from above for easier working.

The handle makes it easy to push the extractor from one place to another – without having to lift it. This is particularly practical if the extractor is moved frequently or used on uneven surfaces.

The WCR Workcenter improves organisation and mobility in the workplace. It can be quickly attached to extractors via T-LOC and transforms them into a mobile workstation in an instant. The Workcenter is robust, easy to transport and offers optimum workplace organisation.

www.festool.co.uk

When it comes to choosing paint, opacity and coverage are everything. Whether you’re painting over a mist coat or redecorating, you will want a high-quality, consistent and true finish, without patches, lap marks or the need to apply countless coats. But how is this achieved?

Developing paint formulations is a science in itself, with extensive research, development and testing going into every tin you see on the shelf.

Generally speaking, paint formulations are made up of three main elements: the binder, pigment and extenders. Extenders can influence the opacity, sheen and whiteness. While additives can help the paint to spread out and self-level when applied to the wall or ceiling, helping to eliminate unsightly brush strokes and enable the paint to go even further. Ingredients such as Zinc Phosphate and biocides are often used in a formulation to offer greater durability, helping the paint to not only last longer but retain the ‘good as new’ look too.

As a professional painter or decorator, you’ll want to achieve a perfect finish for your customers, every time, first time. A key part of achieving this is the level of coverage a paint offers. But what is behind the claims on covering power?

Here, Dillon Cilliers at Valspar Trade, explains all…

The key to covering power

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

As well as testing in controlled laboratory conditions, it’s also important to consider practical conditions too, in line with the ‘real world’ application. We ensure that our trade paint is formulated in a way that it can easily adapt to different conditions, substrates and application preferences, whether that’s spraying or using a roller.

When formulating for superior covering power, Valspar technical teams will consider the level of extenders used in the formula and how the paint transfers from the roller or brush to the substrate.

Obliteration testing is carried out in laboratory conditions at a set thickness, according to ISO 6504-3:2019 part of a multi-series of international standards on paints and varnishes, which looks specifically at the hiding power of paints for masonry, concrete and interior use.

Just as important as the hiding power, the ability of a coating to obliterate the colour or colour difference of the substrate, is the spreading rate of

At Valspar Trade, all our product development is focussed on how we can make life easier for the tradespeople, with a game-changing range of high-quality trade essentials formulated to achieve the perfect finish, having undergone rigorous ISO testing. Our Trade Vinyl and Matt paints offer high opacity and superior covering power, as well as extended wet edge time and low spatter.

You can be confident that it will apply easily and spread evenly and consistently. In fact, just one litre of Valspar Trade Vinyl Matt can cover a surface area of 16 square metres.