PAINTING AND DECORATING MORE THAN A FEELING


According to decorating product manufacturer Hamilton, the feel of a brush in the decorator’s hand is one of the biggest influencers in their choice of product.


H


ow a paint brush feels in the hand of the professional using it is one of the most important factors In choosing a brush. That’s according to research conducted by professional decorating tools manufacturer, Hamilton. ‘The feel’ refers to the way the brush feels in the user’s hand. A tool that is in someone’s hand for eight hours a day will be like an extension of the arm. If it feels uncomfortable in any way, the user’s mind will not be on the job, focus will be lost and its likely that the finished result will suffer. Even more worryingly, aches and pains can develop leading to more serious conditions like repetitive strain injury.


Sarah Coussens, brand manager – trade at Hamilton said: “Talking to professional painters and decorators for our research highlighted the ways in which the feel of the brush can impact them and their jobs. “Comfort was a big issue with many stating that without comfort, there was little control – and reduced control had a negative effect on their confidence in the finish. Many compared it to holding a pen, in that the brush has to be balanced in the hand, easy to use and allow a flow to develop whilst they are painting.


“In fact, one


respondent said, ‘The feel is crucial. Your


brush is an extension of you…and displays your talent…you couldn’t be a good footballer with a burst ball!’ Professional decorators feel pasionately about the results that they deliver and ook at every aspect of their tools to ensure they can achieve the best outcome on their jobs.”


Avoiding injury


The repetitive movements that are part of the painting process can present a hazard, especially when your tools don’t ‘fit’ you properly. Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a real issue for some.


Several areas of the upper body can be affected but pain in the hands and wrists is most likely for professional decorators. Symptoms that start off as a mild ache can quickly develop into more severe pain and swelling requiring medication, physiotherapy and extended periods of rest, all of which may impact your business.


Advice on the NHS website includes ensuring that all aspects of your workplace are as comfortable as possible and that includes


the feel of your brushes being right for you. Cossens says that Hamilton invests heavily in its research and development, employing not only designers, materials specialists and chemists but also consulting with its professional decorating customers. “From the filaments, to the ferrule to the handle, we carefully consider how each component will work for the decorator, aiming for not only a fantastic finish but also a comfortable experience – the essence of ‘the feel’,” she says.


“Beautiful well-balanced beavertail wooden handles that sit perfectly in the hand or longer handles that are easy to hold, like a pencil, came top in their research. Customers said that they give great control when cutting in or painting in tricky spaces and are designed to satisfy discerning decorators. “Working closely with professional decorators gives us real insight into what they want and need in a brush. And whilst describing ‘the feel’ might sometimes be elusive, we like to think that we have captured its essence within our brushes.” BMJ


MOORE BRUSHES UP THE QUALITY T 28


he new Benjamin Moore collection of hand crafted brushes offer a range of filament blends including 100% Chinex as well as Chinex/Poly and Nylon/ Poly blends. Crafted with hardwood handles and stainless steel ferrules, the range also spans a variety of handle formats and stock thicknesses. Rollers sleeves start from £5.50 inc VAT, brushes from £13.00 inc VAT. The launch follows extensive testing with UK professionals, and the sleeves give maximum protection against shedding, optimum paint pick- up and release and minimize roller mottle for the smoothest possible finish.


www.benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk


Above: Benjamin Moore Microfibre-PRO roller from £9


Left: Benjamin Moore


Craftsman Quality Chinex 2 Flat Sash from £15 (2)


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net September 2020


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40