Category: Painting and decorating
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The difference between an interior decorator and a painter
In the UK, the terms ‘painter’ and ‘decorator’ are historically and professionally linked, but they represent a spectrum of skills and focus areas. The combined title—Painter and Decorator—acknowledges the necessity of both skills, but when hiring, understanding the specialism is crucial. The simplest division is this: Painter and decorator job roles: The essential breakdown The…
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A guide to living in your home while a full house repaint is underway
Undertaking a full house repaint while living in the property is a bloody pain. The key to maintaining your sanity and ensuring the job runs efficiently lies in professional planning and clear communication between the homeowner and the decorator. Without careful planning, you face unnecessary stress, delays, and paint where you don’t want it. The…
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Lead paint management in older homes
Lead used to be a common ingredient in paint, particularly for exterior woodwork and internal gloss paints, due to its durability and vibrant colour. It was phased out in the UK in the 1970s and banned entirely for retail use in 1992. If you own an older home (Victorian, Edwardian, or pre-1970s), particularly those with…
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The painter’s guarantee: What a professional warranty should cover
When you hire a professional painter and decorator, you are buying not only their labour and materials but also their expertise and assurance. A professional decorator warranty is a mark of confidence in their craft, offering homeowners peace of mind long after the job is complete. However, understanding the terms of this guarantee is crucial…
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Dealing with mould and mildew stains: The right prep and paint system for bathroom and kitchen ceilings
Mould and mildew growth, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms, is a frustratingly common problem in the UK. It’s not just an aesthetic issue; it can be a sign of poor ventilation and a potential health hazard. When warm, moisture-laden air (from showers, cooking, or dryers) hits a cold surface, condensation forms. This moisture,…
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Fire-resistant paint and coatings: When and where landlords must apply specialist products
For landlords and property managers, fire safety is not an option—it is a legal and moral imperative. While smoke alarms and fire doors are well-known requirements, the role of specialist coatings, often referred to as fire retardant paint, is frequently misunderstood. These paints are not about preventing fire, but about slowing its spread and protecting…
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The right primer for every surface: Zinsser, shellac, and specialist primers
To a professional painter, primer is not just a base coat—it is the single most important element that ensures the bond between the substrate (the wall, wood, or metal) and the topcoat (the paint). Skipping this step or choosing the wrong primer is the leading cause of paint failure, resulting in peeling, staining, or poor…
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Airless spray painting vs. traditional roller
For generations, the traditional method of decorating—brushing for cutting-in and rolling for coverage—has been the standard. However, the rise of modern equipment has introduced airless spray painting as a highly efficient and technically superior alternative for many projects. As a homeowner, understanding the difference is key to deciding whether a traditional painter or a spray…
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A decorator’s guide to wallpapering feature walls
The trend for feature walls has evolved from a simple block of colour to sophisticated, high-impact statements using bold prints, metallic finishes, and complex geometric wallpaper designs. While a feature wall is often the most striking part of a room, it is also the most unforgiving if executed poorly. Any misalignment, pattern clash, or visible…