Dust sheets & tarpaulins

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.

Choosing the right dust sheet for your job is important to ensure effective coverage and protection. Many are the tales that decorators can tell about when they got it wrong and things went south, so here are some guidelines to help you make the right decision:

1. Determine the Coverage Area

Measure the area you need to cover. Consider both the length and width of the space where you’ll be using the dust sheet. Add a couple of extra feet on each side to account for any unexpected requirements or to allow for securing the edges.

2. Think about Material and Specification:

Dust sheets are made from various materials and specs, and most decorators will use more than one type depending on the situation. Consider the type of work you’re doing and the level of protection required. Are you covering furniture for just one day, where a lightweight polythene sheet may suffice? Are you working on an expensive carpet, in which case consider a waterproof cotton sheet to protect against spills? Is it just to protect from dust, where a simple cotton sheet may do? Are you working on smooth floor such as wood or tile, where a sheet with an anti-slip backing would be useful?

3. Consider Reusability:

If you anticipate using the dust sheet for multiple jobs, invest in a high-quality, durable option that can withstand repeated use without significant wear and tear. Cotton sheets without a plastic backing can also be machine washed.

ProDec cotton dust sheets can typically be reused, depending on the material and the level of wear and tear they experience during use. Polythene sheets are commonly single use, although if used for furniture they can be repurposed. Self-adhesive films are not meant to be reused. Areas to be aware of are:

1. Material Quality:

Higher quality materials are more likely to withstand repeated use. Our cotton dust sheets are made from durable twilled fabric and our canvas and Windsor Bolton twill sheets in particular are hardwearing weaves for that can withstand fairly heavy duty use.

2. Thickness and Construction:

With cotton sheets, check for hemmed edges, double-stitched seams, and other features that contribute to overall durability.

3. Cleaning and Maintenance:

Regular cleaning and maintenance can extend the life of ProDec cotton dust sheets. Standard twill sheets are machine washable so are easily cleaned. Poly/plastic backed sheets are not machine washable but can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth.

4. Type of Paint Used:

Water-based paints are usually easier to clean and less likely to cause permanent stains compared to oil-based paints. However, it’s essential to clean any spills or splatters promptly to prevent staining and tread-through to the surface below if you’re not using a plastic-backed sheet – don’t learn this lesson the hard way…

5. Intended Use:

Consider the nature of your painting projects. If you’re working on projects with minimal mess and little risk of damage to the dust sheet, they are more likely to be reusable. For projects with heavy splattering or potential damage, replacement may be necessary more frequently, so you may want to budget accordingly.

6. Inspect for Damage:

Before each use, inspect the dust sheet for any signs of damage, such as tears, holes, or weakened areas. If the material is compromised, it may be less effective in providing protection and paint splashes have a habit of finding holes to land in, so it should be replaced or repaired. On a safety note, holes can cause trip hazards and should be patched before reusing the sheet.

Self-adhesive films are a great way to protect surfaces from dirt and spills, especially on longer jobs, and whether it’s carpet, glass or hard floors, ProDec has a protector to suit. It’s important however to choose the right grade.

Carpet Protector is a thicker grade so it can cope with the give in the carpet pile without being punctured, and it has a stronger adhesive because sticking to carpet is more difficult than hard floors.

Hard Floor Protector is a thinner grade as it doesn’t have any movement to cope with. It also has a lower strength adhesive because it’s easier to stick to hard floors and, importantly, you don’t want to strip any varnish, clearcoat or other coating from the floor – this is why it’s critical NOT to use Carpet Protector on hard floors and it can be an expensive mistake to make.

Glass Protector is thinner still as it’s not being walked on and is translucent blue in colour so it’s obvious when it’s in place.

Our ProDec Advance Protector Dust Sheets have an anti-slip compound in the plastic backing which ensures they stay in place when put down – even on smooth floors. If you’re using ladders on smooth floors especially, you should give serious consideration to using an anti-slip dust sheet.

1. Consider Overhang:

If your job involves protection from the elements it’s advisable to choose a tarpaulin that provides some overhang beyond the area you’re covering. This helps prevent water or debris from seeping or being blown underneath.

2. Check if you need eyelets for tying the tarpaulin down:

Look for tarps with reinforced edges and eyelets spaced at regular intervals. This feature is crucial for securing the tarp and preventing it from shifting or being blown away by the wind. Ensure there are enough attachment points for your specific needs.

3. Evaluate durability and weather resistance:

If your job involves exposure to harsh weather conditions, choose a tarpaulin made from weather-resistant materials. UV resistance is also important if the tarp will be exposed to sunlight for extended periods.

ProDec products are sold by hundreds of retailers in thousands of stores, so you’ll never need to go too far to find them. 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.