Two worlds collide!

The past few weeks I have tried to implement the standards I produce on domestic works into the new build plots I am working on currently. Sometimes this is not always possible, as we are often given unreasonable deadlines to paint a house so it ends up getting flooded with labour and done over a weekend! However when I am given the time to do it right I do. Full prep, correct coats on all surfaces, etc. What I have found is that regardless of how perfect you can make a job on new builds there is always someone whos job it is to find faults, no matter how small or insignificant. I had to shine a light up the walls of some flats I did, looking for any holes or imperfections before recoating them and they still found things no sane person would have!

One pleasure from doing the job right is you know in yourself you've done the best you can. This holds you in good stead moving on to the next job you do. I have received praise today because I had removed the door keeps from the front door frame and masking taped up all my finished varnished handrail. Pretty standard stuff but to this agent he remarked how he hadn't seen a painter on site do this for many a year. Its the little things that help you stand out from others, a trait which is lacking in so many.

Having knowledge of the products you use is always handy. I constantly look for newer products and tools to up my game, whether I can afford these is another question but the knowledge is there! On site I keep asking why we don't use water based gloss instead of oil based. This isn't the choice of the decorating contractors, it's the specification of the house builders. Many contractors would prefer water based as it is quicker to use and dry. Despite the constant formula changes the yellowing problem with oil based products hasn't gone away. I had to touch up a plot which was finished 3 months ago, in the airing cupboard that has had no light the woodwork was a magnolia colour. With water based it would still be white. Another thing I have noticed that has gotten worse is the fumes from oil based. I painted 12 doors not long back and my head was spinning. Ended up sitting outside for 30 mins to get straight again! Two of the reasons I advise my customers on using water based products.

Another point I try to put across to my customers is the value in using trade paints over retail. Retail is basically aimed at the diy customer, as such the paint shouldnt be thinned as it is designed to use straight out the tin. Trade paints can be thinned if needed, have a better cover rate and density. So I always say to customers I will happily pick up the paint for the job and reccommend the right brand for the job. Now I know many like to buy the paint theirselves as they think it will be cheaper, but as often is the case you buy cheap you have to put on extra coats than you would have using trade, therefore buying more paint. Use our knowledge to get the best results for your job, that doesn't mean we will push a certain product on you but will always advise on whats best for your budget.

Used a 14" microfibre roller sleeve today for the first time, quietly impressed. Feel it is better suited for vinyl matts, eggshells etc than contract matts which is what I used it with. Also finally got hold of a purdy colossus mini roller which I have wanted for months, up there with the wooster pro dooz minis for quality. Only gripe I have with wooster sleeves is they don't last as long as others, which is disappointing given the price. Maybe at the Painting and Decorating show in 3 months I'll find some other sleeves to try.

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