ProDec offers the most comprehensive range of products for the decorating trade, while ProDec Advance represents innovative products such as the Ice Fusion paint brush and roller collection, Titan roller frame and scraper, plus the Super Cling dust sheets. ProDec Contractor offers up a small range of entry point trade essentials.

For a decorator, brushes are the key tools of the trade and any seasoned pro will tell you that cleaning a paintbrush after use is critical to ensure it delivers a quality finish time after time. Here’s a general guide for cleaning brushes – and more than anything it revolves around what paint you’ve been using:

Water-Based Paints

1. Remove Excess Paint:

Scrape off excess paint from the paintbrush using the edge of the paint can or a paint scraper. As well as not wasting good paint, it’s important to minimise the amount that goes down drains when you wash the brush out.

2. Rinse in Water:

For water-based paints, such as emulsion or acrylic, rinse the paintbrush under running water. Use lukewarm water if possible – you’ll find it’s better than cold.

3. Use Soap:

Add a small amount of mild liquid soap – and do ensure it’s mild, as aggressive detergents risk damaging your brush – to the paint brush and lather it up. Work the soap into the bristles with your fingers.

4. Rinse Again:

Rinse the paintbrush thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.

5. Repeat if Necessary:

If there’s still paint in the brush, repeat the process until the paintbrush is clean.

6. Dry:

Shake off excess water and reshape the bristles. Let the paintbrush air dry.

Oil-Based Paints

1. Remove Excess Paint:

Scrape off excess paint as much as possible.

2. Clean with Paint Thinner or Mineral Spirits:

If you’ve been using oil-based paints, you’ll need to clean the paintbrush with paint thinner or mineral spirits. Follow these steps in a well-ventilated area to ensure you’re not breathing in fumes:

Pour a small amount of paint thinner or mineral spirits into a kettle or other container.

Dip the paintbrush into the solvent and swish it around. Using a wire brush will help to remove stubborn paint.

Wipe the paintbrush on a lint-free rag to remove the solvent and dissolved paint.

3. Soap and Water Wash:

After using paint thinner, clean the paintbrush with soap and water as described in the water-based paint section.

4. Dry:

Shake off excess water and reshape the bristles. Let the paintbrush air dry.

Tips:

Immediate Cleaning: It’s easier to clean a paintbrush if you do it immediately after use (you’ll only make this mistake once…)

Use a Brush Comb:

For both types of paints, consider using a brush comb to help remove paint from the bristles. It also straightens the bristles which helps with shape retention and ensures the finish next time is as good as you got this time.

Storage:

Store clean paintbrushes with their bristles in their original shape to maintain their form. Some brushes come with a shaped keeper which is designed to help with this: use it, it’s not just packaging for display in the shop.

Remember to check the specific instructions on the paint can for any recommended cleaning agents or processes, as some paints may require specific solvents for proper cleaning.

ProDec Advance Ice Fusion Money Back Guarantee

We’re so confident you’ll be satisfied with the performance of your Ice Fusion paintbrush or roller that we’ll give you your money back if you’re not.

If for any reason you’re not happy with your Ice Fusion paintbrush or roller you can claim a refund by returning the product together with the information below within 28 calendar days of purchase. Please note that all fields must be completed for your claim to be processed.

Simply enter either your postcode, nearest town or city in the stockist finder and choose the distance you’re prepared to travel.

Owing to the number of products in the ProDec range, not all retailers will stock all our products so it’s worth contacting them before you visit. But if they don’t have what you want, all stockists are able to order any ProDec product and get it for you within a couple of days.

If you’re still struggling to find something, just give us a call, contact us through this form or email us at contactus@prodec.uk.com and we’ll help you find it.

Please note that you can only buy from one of our stockists; we don’t deal directly with end users, for example professional decorators, builders, other tradesmen or DIYers.

Statement of the obvious here, but one that some people can lose sight of in the name of cost cutting: choosing the right paintbrush for the type of paint you’re using is critical for achieving a smooth, professional quality finish. A decorator’s skill goes a long way as well of course, but everyone will get a better finish from the right brush than from one that’s less well suited. Chances are that given enough time you’ll use a range of different brushes in a range of situations, which will go a long way towards determining exactly what works for you but here’s a general beginner’s guide for UK decorators on selecting paintbrushes for different types of paints:

Water-Based Paints (Emulsion, Acrylic):

Paintbrush Type: Synthetic bristle brushes are suitable for water-based paints. They maintain their shape better, the filaments are very uniform for a good finish and they are easier to clean. Natural bristle brushes have a tendency to absorb water and swell, which compromises the finish they give.

Paintbrush Size: For general painting, use a medium-sized brush (eg. 2 to 2.5 inches). For cutting in or detail work, a smaller brush may be appropriate but this is very much personal choice and some prefer to cut in with 3 inch brushes.

Oil-Based Paints (Gloss, Satinwood, Eggshell):

Paintbrush Type: Natural bristle brushes, often made from hog hair, find their best use with for oil-based paints. They tend to hold plenty of paint and the individual bristle ends naturally split with use, which gives a fine touch and a smooth finish. That said, synthetic brush technology has come a long way in recent years and many decorators use good quality synthetics with oil, and there are plenty of brushes also available with mixed natural and synthetic bristles.

Paintbrush Size: Use larger brushes (eg. 2.5 to 3 inches) for larger areas and smaller brushes for detail work.

Water-Based and Oil-Based Primers:

Paintbrush Type: Synthetic bristle brushes work well for both water-based and oil-based primers.

Paintbrush Size: Choose a brush size based on the size of the area you are priming.

Specialty Paints (Varnish, Stain):

Paintbrush Type: For varnishes and woodstains, consider using a high quality synthetic brush or a natural bristle brush, depending on the type of finish you want.

Paintbrush Size: Select a brush size based on the size of the project and the level of detail required.

Masonry Paints:

Paintbrush Type: For exterior masonry paints, choose a brush with either pure synthetic bristles or mixed natural and synthetic bristles. Long bristle lengths work well for rough surfaces, as this ensures paint gets into the surface texture and prevents missed spots.

Paintbrush Size: Choose a size based on the size of the surface to be painted but generally at least 4” as coverage rates are lower for masonry paints and you need to load up a good amount of paint for maximum efficiency.

Additional Tips:

Cutting In: For cutting in around edges and corners, consider a brush with a slant cut head as it gives a better surface contact angle. Whether you use a small or large size is down to individual preference and skill level.

Quality Matters: Invest in high quality brushes for a better finish and durability. Cheaper brushes may shed bristles and leave streaks.

Paintbrush Shape: Flat brushes are versatile and good for large surfaces, while angled brushes are ideal for cutting in and detail work. Oval brushes are ideal for moulded trim surfaces such as architrave and skirting board.

Always refer to the paint manufacturer’s recommendations for paintbrush selection, as they may provide specific guidance based on the formulation of their products. Additionally, cleaning brushes properly after each use will extend their lifespan and ensure consistent performance.