PaintTech Training Academy

Rule 1 of spraying. Don't go back.

Courses don’t always need to be boring! And thanks to the likes of this group we had a wicked weekend.
One of the things that’s most important to us is giving you the opportunity to play around with so many different products, substrates and designs. On a course like RetroCoat, having the freedom to get creative in a safe environment is the ideal way to learn and build confidence.

"Decorators are one of the lowest-paid trades."

We hear it all the time.

And to be fair... if you're simply selling your time and pushing paint around for a day rate, it's easy to see why people think that.

But decorating doesn't have to stop there.

Last week we had two decorators on our Resin Worktop Refurbishment course. After just two days, they were creating stunning stone-effect worktops that completely transformed tired surfaces.

Was it easy?

Not at all.

There were challenges, mistakes and plenty of problem-solving along the way.

But that's exactly why training exists.

The difference is that specialist decorative finishes allow you to offer something very different from standard decorating work.

Something creative.
Something unique.
Something clients can't easily compare against a day rate.

The decorators who build profitable businesses aren't always the ones working the hardest.

They're often the ones who learn new skills, find the right customers and position themselves differently.

If you're still charging £150–£250 a day, maybe the question isn't whether decorating is a low-paid trade...

Maybe it's whether you're offering enough value for clients to pay more.

Decorating can be incredibly rewarding.

Creatively.
Professionally.
Financially.

The opportunities are there if you're willing to learn them.

A chapter is coming to an end.

At the end of June, Pete Wilkinson – known to many as Mr Fast & Flawless – will be retiring and taking a step back to a lower pace.

After more than 45 years in the trade, thousands of students trained, over 15 books written, countless demonstrations, shows, courses, phone calls and conversations, Pete has left a mark on the decorating industry that few can match.

The thing many people don't see is what happens after the course.

The extra phone calls.
The advice.
The support.
The willingness to help whenever someone was struggling.

That's always been Pete.

For many decorators, Pete has been part of their journey in one way or another.

Maybe he taught you on a course.
Maybe you've read one of his books.
Maybe you've met him at a show.
Maybe he's given you advice that's helped shape your business.

We'd love to hear your stories.

👇 What's the biggest lesson Pete ever taught you?

👇 Do you have a favourite memory from a course?

👇 Got any old photos with Pete? Share them in the comments.

Over the next few weeks we'll be celebrating Pete's incredible contribution to the trade and sharing some of your memories along the way.

Thank you, Pete.

From all of us at PaintTech.

We’re at the Painting & Decorating Show this year.
NEC Birmingham. 23–25 June. Stand B44.
New venue, new setup, new things to show you.
Come say hi!
Who’s going?

We’re excited to do some more testing with Exitflex! Who’s tried these out, let us know.

This is where it started. And this is why we built it the way we did.
Fifteen years ago there was nothing. No courses, no community, no one sharing how to actually make spraying work on site. So we figured it out ourselves, made the mistakes, and eventually opened the doors so others didn’t have to go through the same.