Tips & Advice

Having the right tools for the job is one of the things that often separate the professionals from amateurs. A professional painter and decorator will not only have all the right equipment but will also know how and when to use it. Most people assume that the only tools needed are a couple of brushes and rollers but the reality is that there are many more tools needed. Let’s take a look at some of the essential tools that every decorator should own.

Power tools

It’s hard to imagine life without power tools, and for the professional decorator, there are a number of power tools that are a necessity for getting the job done.

Heat gun – A good quality, professional heat gun can be used for removing old paint and varnish, softening adhesives, moulding plastics and drying filler.

Multi-function drill – Whether undoing screws or installing new fittings, a multi-function drill is an absolute must for any painter decorator.

Let’s get one thing out of the way, the first step before you even think of decorating a mould or damp stained wall is to diagnose and treat the problem. Mould and damp can affect your health so the problem needs to be treated as quickly as possible. Otherwise, no matter how good a job you do painting, the mould or damp will keep coming back and cause you problems.

Once you’ve identified and fixed the mould or damp problem it is time to get to work on preparing the surface ready for decorating.

Surface cleaners

There are a range of surface cleaners that are suitable for preparing a mould or damp stained surface prior to painting and these include anti-mould solutions, fungicidal washes and mould and mildew cleaners. Cleaning the surface will help to reduce any existing mould or damp staining and leave the surface clean and

Now that spring is finally here it’s time to start planning all those exterior painting jobs that you’ve been putting off since last year. Whether you have a garden, a yard or a yarden, you can spruce up your exterior space by taking the time to clean, decorate and add a splash of colour. From fencing and sheds to brickwork and decking, there are plenty of features that will be rejuvenated with a lick of paint. In this article, we’ll look at some of the jobs that you should be doing this spring.

Clean it first

Like any interior decorating job the first step in any exterior painting job is to clean the area that you are looking to paint. From decking and fences to sheds and brickwork, a good clean is essential to making sure the end result is one that you’ll be proud of. A pressure washer is a good option for cleaning woodwork such as decking and can help remove algae, moss and dirt from all types of surfaces.

Don’t be afraid of

As a trade professional you need to look the part with clothing that is tailored to your needs. It’s no good turning up to do a job in a pair of old jeans and old sweatshirt as your clients are unlikely to be impressed. What you need then is a set of workwear that not only helps you look professional, but one that will make your job easier. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the best options for decorators and some of the essentials you’ll need.

Bib and brace overalls

The recognised standard and the attire by which all others are measured are the humble bib and brace overalls. Loose fitting but not so loose that they get in the way, bib and brace overalls let you move around freely and have a number of pockets for keeping tools handy. And because they can be worn over other clothing they are the perfect choice for working in all conditions.

Coveralls and boiler-suits

Where extra protection is needed and for particularly

One of the most popular ways to breathe new life into old furniture is by upcycling it to create a piece that fits in with your home. With the growing trend for painted furniture, you can achieve the same look for a fraction of the cost by buying used furniture and then painting it yourself. Whether you are looking to create a distressed vintage look or a contemporary and modern piece, we’ll show you some tips to help you upcycle like a pro.

Sanding             

No matter what your project is the first step is to sand your piece of furniture, even if you are going for a vintage or shabby chic look it is still a good idea to sand your furniture. You are not looking to remove the existing finish but just rough it up so that your chosen primer will have a good surface to stick to. Once you’ve lightly sanded your piece you’ll need to remove any dust using a lint-free cloth.

Priming

For many people redecorating their home is one of the biggest goals of the year. All that time spent over Christmas at home makes it hard to ignore those jobs that have been put off all year. So with that in mind let’s take a look at some of the design trends that are going to be big in the year ahead.

Colour block patterns

Linear, block patterns look to be on trend for the season ahead and decorators are likely to get a lot of requests for strong and bold colour block patterns. Get the look by using stencils to create strong bold lines just don’t forget to use a low tack, clean edge masking tape to create nice sharp lines, particularly if using metallic toned paint.

Industrial finishing

Exposed brickwork, polished concrete and distressed furniture are all going to be strong interior design trends this year. This industrial chic style is all about creating a hardwearing look which is minimal in appearance. Kitchens and bathrooms both

We all know that brush control is the best way of getting straight and clean lines but there’s no doubt that masking tape has its uses. From helping to cover hard surfaces and protect them from paint to protecting trim and other surfaces, a good masking tape is a decorating essential. But with so many tapes on the market how do you know which are the best for your needs? In this guide we’ll help you avoid a sticky situation and unmask the best tapes for the job.

General purpose masking tape

First up is your standard general purpose masking tape. This is often the cheapest tape available and can be found in all hardware and painting stores. If you’re looking to protect hard surfaces, would like to cover carpet or other items then this should do the trick. This is not the tape to choose for use on delicate surfaces such as wallpapers, freshly painted surfaces or varnished woodwork. Paint will also

It’s that time of year again, when Dulux announces its colour for the year ahead following research by the colour specialists at Dulux Global Aesthetic Centre. This year represents the 15^th year of Colour Futures which puts together a panel of experts to look at global trends and help pick a colour for the future. 2018’s colour is Heart Wood which is a warm pink and versatile colour that helps to create a range of moods.

The colour is based on the theme “A Welcome Home” which is all able creating a safe sanctuary at home where you can shut out the outside world, relax and feel welcome. Inspired by warmth of natural wood, Heart Wood is a warm and neutral colour with a heather hint. The colour sits somewhere between smoky taupe and dusky mauve and Dulux have matched three different colour palettes with it.

The Comforting Home collection is all about creating a cosy and private space that is welcoming and safe. Colours such as clay and blush

Painting your home is one of the easiest ways that you can inject your personality into your home to create a space that you’ll love. But one of the hardest parts is picking the right colours that will not only match your style but help create the right mood. From feeling warm and cosy to adding a sense of space and light, the colours that we choose can have a big impact on how we feel when we walk into a room. In this blog we’ll take a look at how to choose the right colours for your home and create a colour scheme that works.

Mood board

One of the best places to start is with a mood board which will really help you to find out what you like and get an idea of which colours, styles and interiors appeal to you. One of the best tools for this is Pinterest as there are a huge range of projects that show how other people have used colours in their rooms.

Base colours

Thinking about the colours of existing furniture, flooring and features

Every painter and decorator is different and the tools they swear by are as much about personal preference as they are about experience. From the brands of brushes they use to the type of paint they buy, every trade professional will have their own thoughts on what works best. This being said there are some common and essential painting tools that most painters and decorators couldn’t live without. In this article we’ll take a look at the essential tools and supplies that every painter and decorator should have.

Angled cutting in brush

Sash brushes or angled cutting in brushes are one of the things that help’s to separate the amateurs from the professionals. For walls and ceilings 2 and 3 inch angled brushes are the most common choices with brands like Purdy providing some of the best brushes on the market. For more intricate work and painting trip a 1 inch brush, sash or fitch brush will help make the job easier.

Paint comb

For