When you want to give your home a whole new look but lack experience or skill in decoration and design, it makes sense to seek out a professional to get the job done. However, it can be difficult to determine whether you need a painter to complete your project or a decorator.
In fact, many people don’t realise that there’s a difference between the two. Here, we take a look at the similarities and differences between both of these disciplines, so you can determine which one you have to hire for your next job.
What Is A Painter?
Painters are skilled in using paints to make a space more aesthetically pleasing. If all you need is somebody to come and paint your home using your chosen paint colours, a painter is the best choice of professional for your project.
What Is A Decorator?
Decorators are skilled professionals who will use everything available to them to make your home more beautiful. If you’re looking for assistance in redesigning your space, or want to design your room again from scratch, you’ll need to hire a decorator.
The Differences Between Disciplines
Essentially, the primary difference between decorators and painters is that decorators can handle every element of your design project. They are skilled at choosing the ideal design scheme for your home and all of the project elements too.
They can cover everything from restoration to stripping wallpaper and hanging fresh rolls. Furthermore, decorators have incredible design expertise and knowledge and can give you helpful advice when you need to make design choices for your rooms.
Since there is some overlap between the services provided by a painter and the services provided by a decorator, a lot of companies offer both services combined, allowing you to choose a one-stop solution to refresh your home.
Which Equipment Is Needed To Paint And Decorate A Home?
Every task requires certain equipment to complete it successfully, and painting and decorating are no different. Some of the key equipment items a painter and decorator needs include:
- Paintbrushes – these are a painter’s most vital tools. You can’t complete a painting job without a paintbrush! However, there are many different types of brushes that can be used for different painting projects, and the one that is chosen will depend on the size of the project. 2” and 3” angled brushes will always be the best choice for painting ceilings and walls, but 1”, fitch, or sash brushes are better for intricate painting jobs.
- Paint combs – these help painters with prolonging their brushes’ lifespans and ensuring they’re properly cleaned. Also, a paint comb is ideal for removing different kinds of paint from every type of paintbrush.
- Dust sheets – whenever painters are ready to begin a paint job, they cover your home’s floor and furnishings so that they don’t get stained by paint droplets. Cotton dust sheets are used for this purpose, providing a lightweight, effective barrier to protect important items in the home from dirt, paint, and dust. Another advantage of dust sheets is that they make it easier to clean up after painting. They’re also less slippery when placed on a hard surface.
- Self-adhesive film – these films are ideal for protecting hard surfaces such as kitchen counters and windows as well as carpets before painting since they’re easy to fit and quick to remove.
- Masking tape – every professional painter knows that choosing the best masking tape to complete every painting job is key. There are lots of different types of masking tape including low-tack versions for applying to walls that have been newly painted as well as clean edge tapes to ensure perfect edging.
Are There Any Safety Precautions That Must Be Followed When Decorating Or Painting?
A decorating or painting job can only be successful if the decorator or painter follows safety precautions correctly. For example, they must use safe products while also making sure that every electrical appliance inside the home has been switched off at the mains before they begin any decorating or painting activities.
Taking care when using ladders and cleaning up properly after completing the project are also vital.
When you’re choosing a decorating or painting company to complete your home decorating project, you must ensure that they can meet appropriate standards. They should have completed similar projects to the one you need done before, understand the essential safety precautions they have to follow while at work in your home, and have all of the key tools they need to get the job done properly and to the highest standards.
If your chosen company can meet all of these requirements and you have confidence in their ability to do the best possible job in your home, you can progress to hiring them for your project.
You can also refer to our Blog – How Much Is It Per Hour For UK Painters And Decorators?