here goes, roast me if you want! I don’t care if you disagree with this –

The best brush is the one you are most comfortable with. Purdy, Ice fusion, Basil Brush’s armpit, whatever. If it works for you then it’s the best, you’re all right.

If tape works for you then you’re right. If freehand works best for you, you’re right. What gives you the best finish is the best.

You may be a gardener or have 7 billion years’ experience; If you take pride in what you do and do your best every time you pick up a brush, then you’re a decorator.

Qualifications are great, apprenticeships are great, but ultimately the standard is only as good as the individual doing it.

If you don’t ask (no matter how daft the question may be) then you’ll never learn and that’s what really makes you the dumb one. Nobody knows everything although some will find that harder to admit than others. Ask as many qiestions as you can on the decorating forums.

Times change. Materials change. What was best yesterday may not be the best on the market today. Keep up to date and always challenge your knowledge and try new things. Rollers were once new, lead paint was once the standard.

Dust free sanding or lots of work with sanding paper will ultimately get the same result. However, one will screw up your lungs. Your health is worth far more than any day rate, don’t sell your health at any rate.

Ultimately this is a results-based business. The best product at the end, at the price the customer is comfortable with is best. It doesn’t matter how you get there, so long as you do get there.

Some want 100% and will pay for it, some want 50% and are happy with that. Always try to give them better than they expected, and we all win. Kudos to those that are next level decorators but there’s plenty of different price points and there’s plenty of room in the market for all of us.

Do any decorators disagree?