The National Painting and Decorating Show was held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry 1st – 2nd December 2015
Now in its 21st year, a resounding success was reported by Terry Dullaway, Director or DPA, the show organisers, showing a 10% increase in exhibitors, a 20% increase in stand space as well as a further 10% increase in visitors during both days over the numbers for last year. The show has gone from strength to strength becoming the most popular show of its kind in the UK. Many major buyers and professional tradesmen were given skills demonstrations, master class sessions and advice alongside the many new and innovative products on display around the exhibition.
The PPG stand was buzzing with the interest shown for the Young Painter of the Year Award and this year the level of craftsmanship was very high. The top award was won by Joel Mortlock. You will see him standing in front of his painting section having shown his skills as a painter and also his excitement at having won the first prize! Also on the PPG stand was a complete section devoted to the ProAcqua brush. Please read more about the attributes of this quality brush in a separate article in this newsletter.
From our perspective we were searching the innovative decorating tools in terms of brushes, rollers and accessories and were not disappointed with new items from many exhibitors. As usual we visited the stands of the manufacturers and distributors and discovered their latest products.
Tony Hiscocks, Director of AJ Systems, manufacturers importer and distributor for Corona brushes, showed the New Momentum ranges. Researched and developed in the UK using UK paints and decorators, whilst manufactured in the USA. Corona still a family business take pride in their creations offering a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects. Momentum ranges: Archer – aimed at professionals for all paints in all temperatures, produces superb results, already the “go to” range for many award winning decorators. Merlin, produces magical finishes in the new hi-tech waterborne paints. 100% DuPont(R) Chinex(TM) offers excellent paint lift and distribution, smooth finish and superior release and clean up. The Griffin – 100% natural Black China bristle ideal for stains, enamels and oil bound paints. Triple washed “in house giving controlled release and smooth finishes.
Steelmeester®, master Dutch craftsmen since 1948 displayed the European style round ferruled sash brushes. In different sizes and end shapes for different applications and finish. The smaller the brush head the shorter the handle giving the brush the ideal balance. These lightweight brushes are very comfortable in the hand and very precise in their finish. The round ended brush ensures a stripe-less result. Steelmeester® also offered flat brushes and radiator brushes. The seamless stainless steel ferrule prevents leakage on the handle. The brushes included the special Steelmeester® synthetic blend filaments for the synthetic and water based paints and the new generation VOC paints, however, their signature ‘red’ filament and bristle mix is well noted for oil based and enamels. Extensive research and development within the industry and also the tradesmen has gone into producing their ‘Abnormally Good paintbrushes’.
Axus Décor supply independent decorators’ merchants and multiples with a wide variety of branded brushes, tools and accessories for the professional tradesman. Ranging from the basic site protection and preparation, the specialism of application and finish right through to the clean-up Axus have the tool that suits the person and the purpose. Their stand was busy from the opening on day one to the end of the second day.
Marcel Verdonkschot of Roll Roy showed me their innovative timesaving PaintKit that is the ideal simple-to-use solution for quick and precise cutting-in and for painting doors and window frames. It is a ‘must have’ for every tradesman and DIYer. The complete PaintKit comes with a liner brush kit, using the patented adjustable ring allowing the painter to draw an accurate sharp paint line without spread, plus a mini roller kit with integrated handle and adjustable distance holder whose particular speciality is for cutting into a corner without spoiling an adjacent finished surface. Made in Holland by Roll Roy.
Sharing the stand with Roll Roy was Go Paint who showed their full Go range of painting accessories; Clean and Go, Store and Go, Roll and Go and the new temperature controlled heated paint bucket allowing the painter to continue working outside during the winter months as suppleness of the paint allows it to flow far better therefore, giving a better finish than thinning the paint down that results in a thin coat or doubling up on the time on the job.
Also partnering the stand was Nour Handcrafted Painting tools showing their full range of brushes and rollers supplied to distributors, retailers and paint companies right around the world. New at the show were their floor coating applicators. The glass infused polypropylene patented roller frame is easily cleaned and reusable. It maintains superior strength and balance and offers a quick release allowing the rollers to be easily removed. There are two different roller sleeves one reusable one for rough finishes and one for smooth finish using throwaway sleeves.
Chris and Steve Betsy welcomed me onto the Coleman Bros. stand. I was shown the range of Fat Boy brushes and also that of the Italian made ‘Picasso’ paint brushes. The Fat Boy range are strong and sturdy as their name suggests. They come in Fat Boy XL, the angle brush; Elipse LS, the oval brush. Their special feature is that they have small gadgets sunk into the handles, each different brush holds a different gadget.
The oval shaped handle of the Picasso Minotaur range fitted comfortably in the hand. The treated filament, a nylon reinforced PBT, allows it to take up and wick the paint more easily. The Picasso Minotaur is offered in straight cut or angle finish and sold singly brushes or as box sets. The Picasso Stylus range, a slim round handled/round ferruled brush is also sold singly or in box sets and comes with a round chisel cut or round flat cut shapes. The Picasso’s unique interior construction of screwed and resin confirmed the ‘No Drip’ statement.
At the Stanley stand I was shown the Max Finish range of brushes made using DuPont® filament with beaver tail handles. The roller promoted at the show is designed in such a way that it leaves no tramlines due to its concave end.
Purdy informed me that they had yet again a very positive show and that they were focusing on the new paint rollers. With the Power Lock extension pole fitted to the Revolution frame that is light in design and ensures a smooth finish or the Adjustable frame that is ideal when using multiple sleeves on larger commercial jobs. They exhibited different sleeves are for different purposes. This kit is ideal therefore, for any job large or small. Couple this with the Dual roll off bucket and you will have all you need in one kit. The parent company Sherwin Williams is the 3rd largest decorating company in the world with a reputation for quality and service that is reflected by Purdy.
Ciret Ltd part of the Storch-Ciret Group offer a full range of painting tool systems; the Rota roller refill range for many different finishes and applications and the Kana range of brushes in all sizes made from pure bristle, advanced synthetic, synthetic, mixed bristle for the contractor and the professional as well as the synthetic Bristle Easy-Flo stressing the ‘No Bristle Loss’ as its unique selling point. The Masking tapes and wide range of accessories and preparation tools complete the job.
Hamilton offer a quality service to the decorator by marrying the painting tool to fit the paint; gloss, emulsions and the latest water based glosses. They show techniques and tips using their online videos bringing expertise and expert products to the decorator. You will read more about the Hamilton products separately in this week’s newsletter.
Ecoezee specialises in creating innovative products made from 100% post consume wast recycled or sustainable materials, in particular waste paper pulp. Their Ezee paint roller tray and Paint bucket are both 100% waterproof and reusable without the effort of washing out. Simply wipe out excess paint and leave to dry for re-use. Their full range of bamboo handled brushes use recycled natural and synthetic bristle, designed to provide lifetime use and deliver excellent results with all paint types. The ferrules are made from recycled stainless steel. The paint roller frame is strong with eco credentials. Made from 100% recycled steel and the handle made from bamboo. Even the caps are made from 100% recycled plastic. The roller sleeve is also made from 100% recycled materials and fully recyclable after use. Even the dust sheet is made from oxo-biodegradable material. It protects against paint, water, dust and dirt.
Gary of Prodec explained the benefits of the X-Zero range of paint brushes being “Best in Class”! The coating on the special synthetic filament ensures ultra-low friction giving an even flow of paint from the beginning of the stroke to the end, thereby giving a perfect finish. In fact Prodec are so sure of this product that the performance is guaranteed or, you will get your money back! Along with the brushes Prodec offer preparation tools, masking and protection products to complete the perfect task.
Flock Development introduced their new painting bug the Brushmaster Sander and Paint Kit, the 3 in 1 sander for large and small projects, getting into tricky areas. The ergonomically designed handle fits comfortably in the hand. The sanding pad has self-cleaning abrasive pads. They are easily removed to tap off the excess dust and reapplied for re-use. Next is the shaped sponge for cleaning the surface sanded. Following the cleaning the sponge is removed and the paint pad is made ready to apply the paint. The material of the paint pad is tear resistant giving it a much longer life and a continually smooth painting surface. Flock have a range of specialist pads for decking, garage floors. Rough and smooth surfaces, varnishes and a number of small touch up pads that work much better with the latest water based gloss paints.
Wooster Brush had been busy both days and felt they had a very successful show as their aim was simply to take on more stockists, which they had succeeded in doing. They felt that getting to know the user is most important and to apply their suggestions to innovative products.
For more information please contact Brush Expert info@brushexpert.com
