Top 3 Must Haves

We often speak to people debating setting up a decorating business or leaving their boring 9-5 and working for themselves in the decorating trade. Our advice is obviously to take the leap, the risks are all worth taking and we are always on hand to offer advice on products that are right for every job you might be approached with.

Just Starting Out? Our Top 3 Must Have Products…

We often speak to people debating setting up a decorating business or leaving their boring 9-5 and working for themselves in the decorating trade. Our advice is obviously to take the leap, the risks are all worth taking and we are always on hand to offer advice on products that are right for every job you might be approached with.

With this in mind we thought it might be useful to recommend a few products that are a brilliant start to any decorators’ basic kit. We’re not saying this is the be all and end all, but you’ve got to start somewhere right?

Armstead Paint

Having been around for donkeys’ years it’s unsurprising that this is our number one must-have. Current customers always comment on the quality and longevity of their products, oh and they are really affordable too which is even better. Within the range we stock primers and undercoat as well as numerous finishes of paints to ensure whatever the job there’s something to suit. If you’re unsure on which is best for you, get in touch!

Brushes & Cleaning Kit

As you’d imagine, to be able to paint you need some top shelf brushes to do it with. In this case, we would say where possible that you get what you pay for, which is why Hamilton Perfection 4 Piece Pure Bristle Set is our go-to (for solvent based paints anyway!). There is also a Synthetic Set for water-based paints, and trust us you won’t be disappointed. Look after your brushes and you’ll get a decent amount of use from them. We recommend a vapour box for more efficient cleaning, something like the Brushmate T4+ Box.

Protective Gear

Everyone has a nightmare tale to tell when it comes to decorating, whether it’s ruining favourite items of clothing, or worse, damaging the space you’re working in, and that’s why protective gear is our final top 3. By this we mean everything from overalls and gloves through to dust sheets, and window protectors. Until you’re much more experienced (and even then, be careful!) we advise going full belt and braces, you don’t want to be giving back the cash you just earnt to cover the costs of damage. The Poly Backed Cotton Twill Dust Sheet is great because it absorbs splashes but the poly backing ensures it doesn’t seep through onto carpets and furniture. They’re pretty big too so you won’t need to buy many to start with. For comfort and optimum movement we’d also steer you towards a pair of Prodec Painters Bib & Braces. They have every type of pocket you could possibly need as well as quilted knees and elasticated braces, these are a total bargain.

The Decor8 Northern team are passionate about delivering high quality service, advice and products at competitive prices. You can find the details of our three North West based stores and contact numbers here, or alternatively get in touch via Facebook or Twitter.