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Paint Information & Advice

We are proud to have our own specialist, technical research and development team, with the capability and knowledge to formulate, test and advise on all our paint products to the highest and latest international standards.

We're Here to Help!

Backed by years of experience in providing paints and coatings for industries including; industrial, woodcare and joinery, floor and line marking, decorative, marine and anti-fouling, equestrian, and many other specialists’ products, we offer market leading technical paint support to our customers.

We also understand that technical support begins before the paint is even applied, and offer advice from initial application through to speedy delivery and aftercare support. Our Technical Support team includes specialists in all areas including:

  • Application evaluation and help with finding the right product for the job
  • Pre-treatment effectiveness
  • Avoidance of waste
  • Cleaning
  • Problem solving

Wherever possible, low impact raw materials are used to minimise the effect on our environment and on the end user. Our technical team is available by telephone or email to answer any lubricant or paint queries on any application, five days a week.

Paint & The Environment

Paints and Coatings perform a positive environmental function in protecting and decorating surfaces. They are used to preserve timber and enable us to use less precious hardwoods and replace them with renewable-forest soft woods, which would otherwise be unsuitable for construction purposes. Coatings also save valuable metals like steel and aluminium, and the fuel needed to make them, by preventing corrosion. However, decorative coatings have an impact on the environment at each stage in their life cycle-during production, during application and during disposal. The two biggest environmental effects associated with coatings are the emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and the disposal of surplus materials.

In recent years the demand for a safer, cleaner environment has led to the drive to limit the amount of VOCs allowed in coating products and reducing these limits over the coming years. In addition, the development of new alternative low VOC products and clear labelling of VOC content of each decorative product are all helping to protect consumers and the environment wherever possible.

No decorative coating is entirely environmentally friendly and some high gloss paints, aerosols and some other specialist paints in particular need higher VOC levels for performance and, at present, there is no low VOC substitute for these. However, water based products generally contain lower levels and are much more easily available along with low solvent products.

'We recognise that promoting sustainability and protecting the environment is of the utmost importance, not only for the here and now, but for the future of us all and our families”. Nigel Bottom, M.D.

To find out more about all that we are doing to help the environment please click here or download our Environmental & Sustainability Policy

 

Technical Data & Safety Data Sheets

Our TDS sheets summarise the performance and other technical characteristics of a product as well as a full description. They provide vital information such as drying times, covering capacity, which substrates are suitable for application as well as the product’s properties and other crucial technical information as well as the benefits of the product. If you would like any TDS sheets sending simply contact us for further assistance.

We also automatically provide fully compliant Safety Data Sheets (SDS) with every purchase. SDS are key documents in the safe supply, handling and use of chemicals. They should help to ensure that those who use chemicals in the workplace do so safely with no risk of harm to users or the environment.

Helpful Hints for Paint Application

PREPARATION IS KEY

Preparation is key and it can be your reputation that’s at stake if you do not take the time and care to prepare properly. If you don’t use the right tools or the right quality product, don’t clean the surface that you want to paint sufficiently, you won’t get the best finish. The actual preparation required varies according to the surface to be painted, its age, type and condition but note that preparation is the key to a successful outcome of any decorating project and it may well take longer than the painting of the area itself.

BEFORE YOUR START

  • Ensure you have selected the correct paint or coating for your chosen project. Make sure you understand how the paint system needs to work (twin pack paints etc)
  • Always read the Technical Data Sheets and Health & Safety Sheets before using any product
  • Work out the area to be covered and the number of coats to be applied
  • Ensure you wear recommended protective clothing, spray mask and goggles. Ensure there is plenty of ventilation adequate for the application
  • On metal work ensure you choose the right abrasive when shot blasting is not an option
  • All surfaces, whatever the type need to be free from dirt, grease and other surface contamination. Always use the correct degreaser or panel wipe
  • Ensure all surfaces are properly prepared before painting, free of dirt, dust, wax, polish or grease
  • Stir paint cans thoroughly and shake spray cans vigorously for about one minute after the ball is heard
  • Check the room temperature for spraying is not below 50°F (10°C)
  • Apply thin coats, if paints sags or runs you are too close or applying the paint too heavily
  • Ensure the appropriate drying time is allowed before applying subsequent coats or using the application.

 

Cleaning & Disposal of Paint

Once you’ve finished painting, it’s now time to give your brushes and rollers a proper clean. First, scrape off as much paint as you can. If you’ve been using water-based paint, simply soak your brush or roller in warm water for about 2 hours. Dry with a clean cloth and store in a dry place for future use. Using solvent-based paints? Pour a small amount of solvent-based cleaner (this can be found at your local hardware store) into a small jar or container and work the brush against the sides to get the cleaner into the base of the bristles. Soak for about 2 hours, dry with a clean cloth and store in a dry place for future use.

Remember - Clean up responsibly! - Storing leftover paint is easy as long as you keep the tins away from direct sunlight and in a frost-free environment. Keep the lid firmly on the can to ensure a good seal. You shouldn’t pour solvents down the sink, after you’ve finished cleaning your brushes, place a lid on your jar or container and leave for 24 hours. Once the paint has sunk to the bottom, you can tip the remaining solvent cleaner into the bottle for future use. Leave the paint to fully dry in the jar before disposing in the bin. Try to use as small a jar or container as possible to keep the solvent use to a minimum. Do not pour leftover paint or varnish into drains or water courses and dispose of the paint tin responsibly.

Commercial Users - For larger amounts ask your local authority for guidance. Some local authorities have separate facilities for coatings and recycling of empty or dried out cans as many do not want coating waste in the dustbin. They should be able to direct you to a special facility for disposing of paint without harming the environment.

Remember that when disposed of as waste, paints and varnishes can create problems for landfill sites and due to their messy nature, they can contaminate recycling schemes.

 

Quality Decorating Tools & Supplies

We offer everything you need to decorate your home, business or equipment to a professional standard. To compliment your paint finishes, we also provide all the essentials to help you start and finish your project, whether you're decorating walls, buildings, machinery or a true professional wanting to use reliable, quality preparation and application equipment.

From painter's tape to trays, protective cloths, wire brushes, sandpaper, and paint brushes, you can find it all in one place. Just contact your local depot and we can give you all the advice you need at great prices.

Some of our paint accessory products, including this range, aren’t available to buy online. Please contact us or call your local depot and we’ll be happy to offer advice and arrange a quick delivery for you.

 

Paint Brushes & Rollers

 

From top quality brushes for decorating experts to everyday use or even disposable sets, our wide range of paint brushes are available from a variety of suppliers in a whole range of shapes and sizes and to suit every budget.

Top quality paint brush suppliers include Hamilton & Purdy brushes. Our rollers are made of a variety of materials relevant to a wide range of applications, all designed with speed and coverage in mind. We stock a wide selection of:
Roller Brushes
Roller Trays
Roller Frames

 

Preparation & Cleaning Equipment

 

We also stock everthing you need to achieve a professional finish time after time:
Wire Brushes • Shave Hooks • Stanley Knives • Filling and Stripping Knives • Sandpaper and Wire Wool • Interior and Exterior Fillers • Masking Tapes • Paint Stripper • Hand Sanders • Hand Cleaning Products • Protective Masks and Clothing and much much more.

 

Our technical team is available to answer any paint queries on any application, please contact us for friendly helpful advice.