I arrived at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry for the 2017 National Painting and Decorating Show on the opening day, 28th November, where I found myself amongst hordes of visitors. Large retailers and professional decorators, as well as decorator students, flocked in their hundreds to this ever-popular show where I was looking forward to seeing the latest this sector of the brush industry has to offer.

Visitors were entertained and excited at every stand, joining in with the many competitions and games presented to them as well as the first to see many of the innovations that will enhance their working life. They were educated and informed during the many Masterclass presentations (sponsored by Packexe) on both days at the two open seated arenas in the centre of the hall.

Also, during the two-day event, we were able to see the skills of the finalists of the Young Painter of the Year competition sponsored by Dulux Paints and Fat Hog brushes.  They worked diligently and precisely, even with the buzz of so many people peering at them. Lisa Murphy from Queenslie Training Centre, scooped the title of Johnstone's Young Painter of the Year for 2017. Lisa's skills and attention to detail secured her the top spot, while Kyle Cooper and Thomas Nowell took 2nd and 3rd place. The other finalists included Ayesha Gyimah, Callum Mitchell, Isaac Felmingham, Ryan Griffiths and Naomi Bradshaw.

During my visit, I focused on the brush stands and this year I was able to see all the exhibitors in this field. The American-made Corona Brushes range is offered in the UK by Tony Hiscocks of AJ Systems Europe Ltd. On his very busy stand, I witnessed how Corona’s promise of ‘quality uncompromised” along with its lifetime guarantee, made theirs the ‘must have’ brush!

Hamilton’s focus was on their handmade brushes, with visitor demonstrations of the Expression range of brushes proving their ability to take up more paint and to brush a longer flow, therefore making the job much quicker. They also showed the Revolution power-lock system (sleeve, pole & roller sets) and a brand-new prep tools range, which will be released to the market in the new year.

Kevin Kirkup of Roll Roy, specialists in paint rollers and decorating tools and Bob Shaw from Nour Handcrafted Painting Tools (Canada) combined their stand highlighting the combination of top quality, decorating tools for both DIY and professional decorators.

Jop Timmers, Innovation Manager of Go!Paint, showed me their latest product. Manufactured in the Netherlands by Dutch designers, the Tool Tray attaches safely on scaffolding, ladder or platform that can also attach to the panelling of a van. This tray is the perfect hands-free item for any job when working at height. 

Minul Shah, Director of Axus Décor, showed a variety of products but at the show highlighted their recently promoted Immaculate Finish Corner Roller that eliminates the need to cut in the corners before starting on the walls.

McCauley offered the visitors; the Revolver, the ultimate extension handle for rollers and paintbrushes for the professional and DIY painters alongside the Zipper Rollers their most cost-saving, ergonomic roller frames ever made they say!

Truestar Tools had their full range of professional and DIY brushes on stand, which were, as usual, promoted through the show by their recognisable ‘Angels’. Truestar Tools include paint brushes: Excelsior, DB, MF, Trademaster, Masterpiece, Every Day, Loss Free and the Buddy Paint Brush. 

MyPaint Brush are distributors of a wide array of painting tools for every decorating job: a one-stop-shop. They also sell online and stock quality painting and decorating supplies in the UK. Paint brush brands include Picasso, Wooster, Purdy, Rembrandt & Krud Kutter.

Ciret Group, covering brands Beeline, RK &P and Red Devil, told me they had a fantastic first day and expected the same the second. Their stand showed a house structure with masterclass demonstrations for both inside and outside applicators for DIY’ers, professionals, including for masonry. More information is coming in January 2018.

Andy Barnwell of Ezee Group International Ltd told me that they had had a great first day. They were very busy promoting their EcoEzee recyclable paint trays for paint rollers and paint stands and a full range of eco brushes made from recycled and sustainable materials. Their items are unique and totally recyclable after use. He explained also that The Topps Day Nursery had commissioned them to produce a natural bristle toothbrush with a bamboo handle for use by their children. 

The Fat Hog stand showed their highly valued decorators workwear and high-quality decorating and painting tools alongside Dulux paints, offering the latest applications. The group sponsor the well-known Young Decorator of the Year Award with finalists on their stand working their final piece for the privilege of winning this prestigious award that comes with many financial and practical prizes.

Pioneer Brush offered their wide range of professional and DIY brushes and other decorating tools from their Spirit oval brush range. 

Provinci showcased their handy, lightweight Norwegian-designed, brush and roller keepers.  These sturdy-but-flexible products, developed with professional painters, are the perfect answer to the messy plastic bag or rollers that have dried out.  Two simple steps; insert the wet roller into the container, put on the lid! Your wet paint roller or paintbrush will stay fresh for up to 3 months!  After use easily clean with hot or cold water or paint solvents.

Gary Bent, Marketing Director of Rodo, distributors of Prodec and others, showed me the Ice Fusion range of rollers using their specialist roller fabric. Unique to Prodec the covering is lint free providing a perfect finish every time. It is sold in its own sealable storage bag with a performance guarantee.

Purdy were showing their complete range of brushes alongside the famous Power Lock system that locks rollers and brushes in place to reach high up places from a floor standing position.  Purdy delivers quality, durability performance and speed through their specialist tools designed for both professional decorators and DIY offering the same degree of performance throughout.

Visit the Features section of the www.brushexpert.com News pages to view press releases from many of the companies detailed in this article.

Photos of the event can be viewed in the www.brushexpert.com Image Gallery

For more information on any of the products mentioned above please contact us.