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Decorating Buying Guide

From products to even out walls, equipment to improve personal safety on site, or treatments that will offer a personal finish to surfaces throughout the home, this decorating buying guide lists some of the key essentials needed when working on building or refurbishment jobs. Whether it is prepping for the project or cleaning up when complete, it is packed with tips that cover any project. From basic essentials to specialist kit, this guide will help any professional to get equipped.

- Treat timber
  
  Pre-treatment products are crucial for safeguarding wood from future damp and rot.
  
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  Treat timber
  
  Working with natural materials often comes with a little more upkeep that is well worth doing upfront to get long-lasting results. Wood treatments serve many purposes, whether it is hardening against wear and tear or protecting against moisture, making these decorating essentials invaluable. As with any treatment product, make sure it can be used in external settings before use. This will keep the timber protected against fluctuating temperatures and damp conditions, creating a barrier against staining or rot.
  
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- Bust the dust
  
  Protect furniture or floors from dust or debris with plastic or material sheets.
  
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  Bust the dust
  
  When working with materials such as brick or plasterboard, something should always be put down first to protect a space from dust or small debris. Cotton sheets will keep substances at bay and come in large sizes to cover most rooms. The same applies to polythene options, which offer additional protection against water or liquids. Both offer durability and can be reused more than once, so keep several on hand to adapt to different jobs..
  
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Save surfaces

Use protectors to prevent floor coverings from becoming accidentally damaged during decorating. This could be from sharp or heavy equipment, foot traffic, or falling materials.

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Save surfaces

Whether it is working with wood, painting walls and ceilings, or plastering walls, the ground below will need to be covered to keep a site safe and free from damage. Suitable for all surfaces, protection sheets will lessen the impact of on-site accidents such as falling debris, paint drips or dropped tools. Made from polypropylene, they can be weighed down or taped into place, and can also protect site staff by staying secure underfoot.

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Build a base

Get walls or furniture set for decorating by first applying an undercoat. This will prepare a surface for painting to ensure a high-quality finish and a long-lasting paint job.

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Build a base

Depending on the shade or surface, it can take several coats of paint to transform a room, so using an undercoat is a vital starting point. As well as giving a better surface for the next layers of paint to adhere to, this will provide a more even foundation - meaning fewer rounds will be needed before adding colour. An undercoat will typically have a white finish, making it easy for any colour to sit on top. These typically touch-dry in a few hours, and this base is crucial for achieving professional results.

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- Magnificent multitasking
  
  Pick a versatile, do-it-all primer with options for internal and external use.
  
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  Magnificent multitasking
  
  There is bound to be a range of materials that need treating over the course of a project, and luckily there are many products that offer a one-size-fits-all. From glass to plaster, concrete to wood, these products will ward off moisture and fungal disease for ultimate protection. Some are so effective, the sanding stage can be skipped altogether, meaning there is one less task on a to-do list.
- Incredible adhesives
  
  Keep the right adhesive solutions on hand for strong bonds or to seal any material.
  
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  Incredible adhesives
  
  Whether it is a simple renovation or a large-scale building project, sealers and adhesives are a must-have. Hybrid solutions are a staple in any decorating kit, as they offer both bonding and sealing in a single product - keeping solutions to a minimum and cutting down on time. Filling materials can usually be sanded down for a flush finish before priming and painting to match the rest of the area. When working outdoors or in wet areas, be sure to double-check the specs ahead of time to make sure it is up to the task.
  
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Mask up

Stay safe from airborne particles, like dust or wood shavings, with a filtered mask.

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Mask up

Cutting, sanding, and drilling all present the risk of airborne particles, so a filtered mask will protect against debris, as well as fumes when using strong chemicals. Reusable filters allow masks to be worn again, while disposable masks are an excellent grab and go solution. Modern designs are great for those who wear glasses or when wearing eye protection as the ergonomic design minimises fog.

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See clearly

Stay shielded from debris, dust, and material shards by wearing eye protection.

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See clearly

Life-altering injuries are a very real risk, especially from flying debris on-site, which is why proper eye protection is crucial. Traditional goggles are heavy-duty and offer wider protection against airborne material and eye-irritating fumes. Meanwhile, models that look similar to specs protect from debris and are more lightweight for a comfortable fit.

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Get hands on

Opt for durable work gloves to keep hands save from cuts, abrasions, burns, or scrapes.

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Get hands on

From cutting materials to handling tools and carrying heavy equipment around site - gloves can prevent the risk of injury significantly. Offering sturdy grips, this workwear will make it easier to hold and use equipment for long periods, making them essential for large decorating projects where sawing, cutting, or sanding is likely to go on all day. They also make carrying items more comfortable and less likely to result in cuts or friction burns.

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Kneel in comfort

Bending or kneeling for long periods can be made more comfortable with knee pads.

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Kneel in comfort

Frequent kneeling can take its toll on the body, so anything that will lighten the load should be worn when decorating. Knee pads offer extra cushioning to protect joints from wear and tear, and some designs include a special lining to prevent moisture build-up – welcome relief if it is hot. Inserts are a good alternative and can be cut to size then slotted inside work trousers for an all-in-one solution.

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Remove and repurpose

Get waste off-site safely and efficiently ready for disposal or recycling by using rubble or rubbish sacks. This will make the clean-up quick and the site clear for the next stage of decorating.

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Remove and repurpose

After completing or making good headway on a project, the next step is to get any rubbish or rubble out of the way so that work can continue with ease. Stronger than household bin liners, rubble bags are extra thick to stop them from tearing when holding heavy loads or coarse materials. The large capacity also means you can carry more, while a leak-resistant coating will stop wet materials or liquids from escaping.

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Spruce up surfaces

Give everything a thorough once over after building or renovating by using cleaning products that will leave surfaces and materials pristine. This will rid them of dust, debris, or unwanted materials.

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Spruce up surfaces

In heavy-duty situations, bog-standard household cleaners often fall short, so specialist removal sprays, solvents, and streak-free formulas will help. Getting rid of paint or grime, these solutions will have everything looking in tip-top condition ahead of the big unveiling. There are options for taking care of painting tools for equipment that is ready for the next challenge.

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Dual vacuuming

Pick up dirt and debris in any area with a multifunctional cleaning device when finishing a decorating job. Wet and dry equipment means that dirt can be sucked up even in damp areas.

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Dual vacuuming

A crucial bit of kit in any professional's arsenal, a dual-purpose vacuum is a wise investment as on-site clean up can be too much for domestic models to handle. Wet-and-dry units are a multi-functional must-have, as they can deal with both wet and dry debris and are designed to deal with large and small spaces without having to switch between equipment. Not only does this mean less kit to carry, it also saves space when travelling between sites - freeing up room in the back of the van for other essentials.

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Protect hands

Long projects and heavy-duty tasks can put the most resilient hands under stress. Clean solutions can safely rid hands of dirt and possibly harmful substances, while a specialist cream avoids cracking or injury.

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Protect hands

While keeping kit and building sites maintained is a given, skincare is often overlooked. Hand cream and cleaning solutions protect against harmful substances as well as overworked hands. Cleaners designed for the trade can safely remove oils, paints, and other solutions without fuss, whilst maintaining moisture thanks to their antiseptic nature. If more nourishment is still needed, keeping an after-work cream close by will repair cracks and create a layer of protection for the next job.

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TIMCO

Crafted with care and cutting-edge technology, TIMCO products are a testament to their high standards, making them a trusted choice for thousands of tradespeople across the UK. So, whether it is accessories and ironmongery, or security and workwear, TIMCO has the essentials to get the job done.

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