We’re attending the Dulux Trade Expo in Melbourne!

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Hi everyone, Darren here! It’s not often I get to hang out with a group of painters and do a bunch of awesome activities, but July has presented two opportunities for me to do just that!

On the 23rd, 24th and 25th of July I attended the 14th Dulux Accredited National Conference. This years theme is ‘Be Different’. As consumers, I’m sure you are more than aware of the overwhelming choice you are faced with when it comes to products and services in the painting world. Here, at Darren Slater painting we try our best to stand out from the crowd with the unique skills and services we offer. And that is exactly what this years conference is about: how to stand out among sameness. Although we tend not to think of our work as same-same, we’re excited to attend and learn!

Darren Slater Expo 1          Darren Slater Expo 2          Darren Slater Expo 3

Attending these expos gives us the chance to seek inspiration, Moncler outlet broaden our professional network and (hopefully!) stay ahead of our competition. Each year these conferences help us improve our customer experiences, moncleronline enlighten us to new insights from leading industry professionals and instill an overall sense of excitement in our business’ growth.

As well as the Dulux Accredited National Conference, I’ll also be attending the Dulux Trade Expo on the 28th of July in Melbourne representing Dulux and Porters Paints. On the theme of being different, there are so many unique and exciting ways to utilise paint; that’s why I relish these opportunities to let fellow painters in on the latest painting innovations.

Will you be at any of these? Let us know, or come and say hi!

At Darren Slater, we have over 20 years experience in residential, commercial and decorative painting servicing the Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast regions. Check out our Gallery and see our latest work!

Darren Slater’s Top 5 Painting Tips

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Hi everyone, Darren here! I often get asked from clients and colleagues my top tips when it comes to painting. Below are my top 5 painting tips from all of us at Darren Slater Painter if you’re thinking about DIY-ing your next paint project.  But as always, if you’re ever unsure about anything make sure you call professionals for help! 

Tip #1 – Prime your walls before painting

Applying a layer of primer before painting will help you achieve professional and high-end finish. Many homeowners opt to not prime when they do it themselves but end up with drab-looking results. Priming your walls before you start painting assists in smoothing out ridges and creating a nice even base for paint to adhere to.

Tip #2 – Masking

Masking before painting will help you get that sharp, clean edge on your walls. Don’t use regular masking tape to prep your work as normal masking tape can leave a sticky residue on your paint when you peel it off. Make sure you purchase trade painter’s masking tape, available at all good hardware stores like Bunnings and paint stores, and press the tape down with a putty knife to ensure it adheres well to the surface.

Tip #3 – Use canvas sheets to protect floors

At Darren Slater we strive to leave a lasting impression for our top-notch painting skills, but not a permanent one by staining your carpets or floors! Protect your floors by covering them with cotton drop cloths instead of plastic ones. Cotton drop cloths repel paint spills and avoids slips and falls unlike their plastic counterparts. It also avoids getting work boots covered in paint and trailing it into other areas you don’t want paint to be on like wooden floors! 

Tip #4 – Paint the ceiling first

The best order to paint is to go from top to bottom: start with the ceiling, then walls, doors, windows, skirting and then trims. It’s recommended to start by painting the ceiling first so any residual drips will fall onto the wall – and you would go over to cover up when you paint the walls next.  

Tip #5 – Cover paint rollers when not in use

When you’re not using paint rollers, make sure you cover them with plastic wrap, plastic bags or tin foil to reduce air exposure and keep them fresh when you get back to using them. We look after our tools to make sure they last so that we make sure we get that high-end finish you’re after when you call upon a member of Darren Slater’s team.

If you are ever unsure about anything it’s best to leave it to the professionals like Darren and his team to avoid a disaster and it could end up costing more than your originally budgeted for. Nevertheless, painting can be fun!  It’s takes a bit of practice to get it right but it’s worth taking the time to do it.

At Darren Slater, we have over 20 years experience in residential, commercial and decorative painting servicing the Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast regions. Check out our Gallery and see our latest work!