‘Quality can’t be rushed’ is the received wisdom in any area of the trades, but is there a way to have both speed and precision? Andy Cummins, Senior Product Manager at Purdy outlines how both productivity and quality of finish can be achieved with the right painting and decorating tools.
As any professional painter and decorator knows, there is generally a trade-off between speed and quality of finish — and the requirements of each job means striking a balance between the two. For a large-scale project, such as a school or office building, productivity is key and while it must also be completed to a professional standard, getting the job done in a reasonable timeframe is the priority.
By contrast, a homeowner will want the very highest quality finish and will generally not mind if it takes a little longer. However, choosing the right professional grade paint brushes and rollers means the degree of compromise between the two can be minimised. This is not only positive for the reputation of the customer’s business, but also helps them to be more profitable as they are able to finish jobs quicker and take on more work.
One of the most important factors to look for when suggesting tools that achieve both quality and productivity is the design and construction. For brushes this means filaments that are designed to pick up and lay off paint effectively while ensuring a smooth finish. For example, Purdy brushes, such as the Monarch Elite, contain a blend of filaments — softer, more flexible Orel filaments for a smooth finish alongside Chinex filaments to make the brush slightly stiffer, easier to work with and more durable.
One feature to look for is ‘flagged’ filaments. These split ends on the filaments are added during the manufacturing process and help to hold more paint. It is also worth looking for brushes that are ‘self-flagging,’ which means the flagging is renewed as the brush filaments wear down over time. This will ensure the performance of the brush is maintained throughout its lifespan.
“One of the most important factors to look for when suggesting tools that achieve both quality and productivity is the design and construction.”
For a professional finish it is also important that the brush does not lose filaments as this can ruin the quality of the finish and take extra time to rectify. The way the filaments are fixed is all important. Purdy brushes use a special bolstered epoxy adhesive to hold them securely in place to ensure no filament loss.
Roll with it
When it comes to rollers, for excellent productivity customers need a roller sleeve with a longer nap that will pick up and deliver more paint. However, a longer nap can result in a less fine finish so there is typically a trade-off. Nevertheless, there are roller sleeves, such as the Purdy Colossus, which have been developed to pick up more paint than standard sleeves. This means a shorter nap is possible, and therefore a smoother finish, while still maintaining productivity.
The construction and shape of the roller sleeve also have a significant effect on the quality of the finish. A sleeve with tapered ends minimises the paint build-up at the edges, reducing the likelihood of unsightly tramlines.
This saves the decorator the time and effort of having to go over the freshly painted surface again to even out the coat, and as a result help to get the job done quicker. In addition, similar to brushes, the strength of the bonding between the roller fibres and the sleeve core is essential to prevent fibres being transferred to the painted surface.
The ergonomics of the product is another important consideration. The design of paint brush handles, roller frames and roller accessories can make all the difference to both quality and productivity. A brush handle that is comfortable and complements how it will be used is essential, but it is not something that all brands can offer.
For example, a long and thin ‘rattail’ handle allows it to be held like a pencil to enable fine and precise control. In contrast, a thick and rounded ‘beavertail’ shape is designed to fit comfortably in the palm of the hand, ideal when painting large areas.
Similarly, a lightweight but strong roller frame can help reduce user fatigue meaning professionals can work comfortably for longer and allow greater control and accuracy. This is especially important when using the roller with an extension pole, which itself should be as lightweight as possible.
Productivity and quality are not mutually exclusive when it comes to painting and decorating tools if the correct, high-quality products are selected. Being able to offer advice to painting and decorating professionals on the products that enable both allows merchants to add value to their interactions with customers.
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