Page 13 - Blog

The winter months may seem like the worst time to paint the interior of your house but if you are looking to pay a painter to do the work for you then this could be the best time of year to choose. Not only are the winter months generally quieter, meaning you should be able to get the work done quickly, but because the air is a lot less humid, the paint will dry quicker too.

If you are looking to get a professional in to do the work then make sure you get a quote from at least 3 decorators so you can compare the prices and get the best deal. Unless you are on a very strict budget, price should not be the limiting factor for choosing a painter. Some of the questions that you should ask include: Is the painter licensed and insured? What brand and grade of paint will be used? How many coats will be applied? What surface preparation will be done?

To get the job done, tradesmen need the right tools. Whether stripping wallpaper, or washing down industrial surfaces, you’d be surprised the difference that the right product will make – which is why everyone should understand the exact product for their needs.

To discover those products that you need to know for all manner of cleaning and removal, continue reading below:

Paint and Varnish Removers that Pack a Punch

Whether removing a poorly painted wall design or cleaning the surface prior to slapping down a few coats, the right paint stripper can be a Godsend – providing that you choose the right one for your environment.

Are you stuck, unsure of which is the most effective varnish remover? Fear not, Homestrip’s Paint and Varnish Remover will come to your rescue. The effective, water-based, vapour-free varnish remover can remove as much as five coats from a single

When choosing a paintbrush there are a number of things to consider, first of which is what you are looking to paint. The surface that you are looking to paint will play an important part in what brush is right for the job. There are a huge range of brushes available to choose from and this guide will help you pick the right paintbrush for the job.

Our first tip is that a good quality paintbrush will not only last longer, but will deliver a better finish than a cheap brush. If you are looking to get professional results then you need the right tool for the job and a cheap synthetic brush simply won’t be up to the job.

When painting with oil-based paints you should always use natural bristle brushes as they absorb a lot of paint and offer a smooth and soft uniform finish. Bristle brushes are also best for use with oil based stains and varnishes.

For latex paints, acrylic paints and water based stains a synthetic brush will give the best results. These brushes are

We are all guilty of falling into the trap of using the wrong tool for the job. Whether cutting wallpaper with kitchen scissors, or using a pointing trowel to touch up some plaster, it soon becomes clear that these tools are not made for the job. In this guide we will help you find the right tools to make the job easier and get the perfect finish.

Step One: Preparation.

The key to any job is preparation and this is especially true for professional decorators. The difference between a nice clean finish and a poor finish is almost always down to the preparation of the surface prior to decoration. This is why it is so important that you have the right tools to make your job easier. Some of the most essential tools for preparation include the following:

Filling Knives – Ranging from 1 inch through to 4 inch a flexible filling knife is a must have essential for applying all types

If we say "paint" to you, one of two images is going to leap into your mind. The first, is a lovely idyllic scene of a hobby painter. She's got an easel, perhaps there's a sunset, and she's painting a lovely scene of rural beauty.

The other isn't a scene that'll make it into any gallery. It's you. Perched atop a stepladder, with a paintbrush in hand, frozen in that split-second after you've failed to juggle two tins of paint without climbing back down. One of those tins – probably the multi-surface paint - is hurtling towards the floor, and you're not totally convinced that the bedsheets protecting your carpet are up to the task.

Yes, mention paint to any reluctant home decorator, and you'll trigger at least one painful memory.

We're here to stop that. We're going to make painting your home a breeze. We're going to take the pain out

A bad workman blames his tools, or so the old proverb goes. But even the best workman (or workwoman) will struggle if they're using the wrong tools for the job. So before you start slapping on that expensive paint with the first paintbrush that comes to hand, make sure you brush up on the basics of choosing the right painting tools for your task.

Let's start with a simple question. What should your brush be made of?

Synthetic or Bristle Paintbrushes?

Trade 1st stock both traditional bristle paintbrushes and more modern synthetic paintbrushes – and with good reason.

Home decoration. Two little words that are the cause of far more disagreements than they should be.

Or at least, they used to be. But here at Trade 1st, we're sick and tired of hearing about people's decorating disasters. So we've put our heads together and come up with four quick and simple tips to ensure that decorating your home runs as smoothly as possible.

Tip #1: Prepare, prepare, prepare

Failing to prepare is, as the old saying goes, preparing to fail. And that's not a great idea – especially when it's so simple to prepare to succeed instead! First off, prepare your plan of action. You need to choose a colour scheme that compliments any existing furniture or fixtures. Choosing a few tester paint pots always helps with this.

Then, when you're set on a scheme, it's time to prepare your room. That means stripping any wallpaper, cleaning surfaces, and making sure everything is ready to begin. For this, we recommend our

Not everyone has the time, skill or inclination to pick up a paint brush, hammer or drill and get stuck into home renovations. This means there remains strong demand for experienced trade professionals like you. However, some homeowners do relish the prospect of showcasing their DIY skills, and it seems as though women are increasingly getting involved in these projects.

According to a study conducted by WD Bathrooms, nearly two-thirds of women say they are more likely to carry out home improvements than their partners. It polled a total of 1,244 adults and found that 60 per cent of women expressed this belief.

Collaboration

The survey also revealed that couples are working together to achieve the results they’re after. More than 78 per cent of the women questioned said their partners are consulted on the planning, design and décor.

However, this does not stop arguments arising. The research

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 them