PAINTING & DECORATING CLEAN LINES
Will McGill finds out why brush innovation matters to the bottom line.
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n a competitive market, professional decorators face increasingly complex demands, from working with high-viscosity paints to achieving flawless finishes on period properties. Paint technology has rapidly evolved, and manufacturers are working hard to ensure brush technology keeps pace, creating specialist tools for specific applications.
Sarah Coussens, Head of Marketing - Trade at Hamilton Decorating, says: “Any trade professional working with paint will have noticed the rapid evolution of paint technologies in recent years. From water- based and bio-formulations, to self-healing and antimicrobial coatings, modern paints offer a range of solutions for individual requirements with tailored applications to support premium results.
“However, the innovation doesn’t stop there. Brush manufacturers such as Hamilton have responded with a range of specialist tools for specific paint applications. Here’s how to take advantage and tackle individual challenges with confidence.”
Thicker, high-viscosity paints offer greater coverage, but they can be more difficult to apply, and many will find traditional brushes struggle with modern coating formulations. Coussens says: “The key is to choose firmer, flagged filament tips for optimal control and flow of high-viscosity paints. Hamilton’s Perfection CleanEdge Flat Brushes (1 to 3 inches) incorporate synthetic bristles that have been designed to mimic and outperform natural bristle, pushing and dragging thicker paints while maintaining precision.”
Precision requirements She adds that it’s equally important to choose the best brush for the job.
“Angled brushes with longer filaments are transforming cutting-in work, particularly around architectural features where precision is important to achieve clean lines. Use long handle brushes for extended reach too, instead of losing control by stretching.” Another innovation in brush technology
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has been the development of specialist preparation brushes, giving users the tools to ensure the perfect results ahead of application, whether that means dust removal or wallpaper preparation.
Products such as Hamilton’s Perfection 3 Ring Dusting Brush provide a tough tool for removing dust and debris from surfaces before painting, while a good paperhanging brush should be a staple in any decorator’s toolkit to ensure quality and efficiency.
Quality investment
Different brush designs will also complement specific applications. Hamilton’s CleanEdge filaments include shorter, firmer tips that have been meticulously engineered for use with today’s high viscosity paints, so users can push and drag thicker paints with accuracy for clean edges. MaxStroke products, on the other hand, have longer, finer filaments for a flawless finish with thinner paints and water-based applications.
“Understanding the difference between different filaments and choosing the best tool for the individual job will be the difference between an outstanding finish and one that may not leave the customer satisfied,” Coussens says. “It is also likely to benefit project lead times, resulting in greater productivity
March 2025
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so you can move onto your next job more quickly.
“As with paint, quality matters when it comes to brushes too – and cutting corners with cheaper products will almost always impact results. Prioritising quality over value will enhance time savings, the quality of finish and ultimately the end result and customer satisfaction levels.”
This is evident with synthetic innovations like CleanEdge, which are changing traditional approaches to decorating. Natural bristle is prone to shedding and while highly effective on oil-based paints, it is less compatible with water and chemical-based paints. Hamilton has instead developed a synthetic brush across its Perfection range, which mimics natural bristle, maintaining the structure whilst outperforming its predecessor.
Coussens concludes: “Ultimately, it comes down to considered and sensible decision making from users. You wouldn’t assume a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach for paint, so don’t do the same for brushes. By tailoring tool selection to the individual challenges of each project, tradespeople can deliver better results, in less time, for greater satisfaction. With a wide range of solutions available and a wealth of information from manufacturers, there is no excuse for poor selection.” BMJ
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