Page 7 - Jade Rotheram

As a painter and decorator, you know you need to be prepared for every job to ensure maximum efficiency and best results. Safety wear and equipment is essential to ensure proper health and safety, and to prevent injuries or illness.

Below, we've created a quick guide on safety gear, covering a few basics professionals of all levels need to know:

Masks

As painting and decorating professionals use paints, adhesives, and pesticides on a daily basis, wearing dust masks or respirators is essential to help protect their lungs from prolonged exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Whilst professionals should ensure every working space is properly ventilated, masks are widely used as an extra vital precaution. But how do you know which is right for the task at hand?

Dust masks are available in various styles, from basic disposable types (which sit comfortably on the face and provide protection in workspaces featuring low-level

How much should I spend on a Paint Brush?

With most products, you get what you pay for; this is certainly the case with a paint brush.

For example quality Purdy paint brushes have longer lasting bristle and can hold more paint within their bristle or filaments - this reduces the user time spent reloading the brush.

The handle should be comfortable to hold and work with for long periods of time.

Hamilton paint brushes are more robust, allowing for longevity – promoted on Trade 1st website. A well maintained paint brush can last a professional, with daily use, up to 3 years!

 Is Synthetic Filament or Natural Bristle better?

Natural bristle paint brushes are made with animal hair. Pig/Hog hair is regarded as best within the industry.  Professionals, who prefer natural bristle paint brushes, like

What is PaintWell's advice when selecting Paint Rollers?

Quality paint roller sleeves have higher quality fabrics and can hold more paint; this increases the time spent rolling the paint and reduces the user time spent reloading the roller. However decorating with a roller uses about 10% more paint.

Paint rollers are available with different size widths, the correct width will depend upon the size and the strength of the user. Sizes are 4 Inches for narrow or detailed painting to 15 Inches for large surfaces and 24 Inches for large floor areas.The most common width is 9 inch as this is a good average size.

The roller sleeve, both 7 and 9 Inch come with a hollow core which attaches to a cage frame. For 4, 12, 15 and 24 Inch a common pin mechanism operates.

Both 7 and 9 inch roller sleeves come in two core size diameters.  These are 1.5 Inch which is normally associated with DIY retailers

How do I ensure a 1^st class professional finish when selecting Painting and Decorating Supplies?

There are four key areas:

1. Thorough preparation.
2. The correct selection and use of painting and decorating supplies.
3. An understanding of the properties of the materials employed.
4. An understanding of the surfaces that require decorating

What are Trade1st Painting and Decorating Key Tips?

- Complete all your preparation before you start the application of paint or paper.
- Keep the decorating areas clean and tidy and dust free.
- Prepare for spills or mistakes - protect floors and carpets with dust sheets and have available a cleaning cloth.
- Buy the best quality tools and equipment you can afford - this can significantly affect the time and the finished result.
- Ensure you have the correct tools and equipment and enough materials to complete the work.
- Follow the instructions