HB42 CoverLay is a floor protector which you can use as an alternative to the usual dust sheets or Roll & Stroll when decorating a room. It is bought online by the roll and consists of a fleece fibre type material on one side, and a plastic liner on the other.
I’m a painter and decorator and most of my work consists of occupied houses (domestics). However, I do tend to spray parts of almost every job I carry out (usually the ceiling and woodwork). I was using Roll & Stroll with dust sheets over the top to protect every floor, but it wasn’t ideal. I find it takes quite a long time to put Roll & Stroll down in a whole room. Then my dust sheets slide all over the place whilst I’m working.
Introducing HB42 CoverLay
I’ve been using HB42 CoverLay for a while now, and it is a much better alternative. It is easy to cut and takes a lot less time to put down than Roll & Stroll. Just roll as many lengths as you need to cover the floor, then tape the lengths together. CoverLay seems to cling to the floor too, which means I’m not kicking it around while I’m painting.
I have never had an issue with paint seeping through CoverLay, even when I’ve had the occasional spillage. Another quality of CoverLay is the fleece seems to absorb paint straight away. You really notice it when you’re walking in and out of the room. You don’t need to worry about walking wet paint from the CoverLay and through the rest of the house.
HB42 CoverLay is a little pricey, but it is also reusable. I don’t even remove the masking tape. I just fold everything up in one piece at the end of the job, then fold it out again on the next, adjusting the cuts to fit the next room. It’s so much easier than the rigmarole I was going through with Roll & Stroll!! I get 3 or 4 uses out of my CoverLay, then bin it and open a new roll.
For more information, visit – www.hb42.co.uk/
Review Summary
HB42 CoverLay Review – Floor Protector - Decorator's forum UK
Floor protection used when decorating a room or carrying out general construction work.
Product Brand: HB42
4.5
Pros
- Nice and easy to lay.
- It doesn’t slip.
- No chance of paint seeping.
- Made from recycled material.
- It also protects against knocks because it is padded.
- You will get a few uses out of it.
Cons
- Not widely available (yet).
- More waste for landfill.
FAQs
What do Decorators use to protect the floor?
Decorators tend to use different types of covering to protect the floor whilst working. Dust sheets, clear plastic, cardboard roll, HB42 CoverLay etc are all carried in a Decorator’s van. Different types of floor protection suit different jobs and types of flooring.
What is the best way to protect the floor whilst painting?
Dust sheets are a good way to protect a floor when decorating. Some people use clear plastic film first, and then lay dust sheets on top. HB42 CoverLay is the best of both worlds.
What is the alternative to dust sheets?
The Best alternative to dust sheets is HB42 CoverLay. It doesn’t slide, paint never gets through, but it absorbs every drop you spill. It also cushions the floor, so you’re less likely to damage it if you drop tools.
How to protect wood floor when painting skirting boards?
Dust sheets can be a nightmare when you’re painting skirting boards. They can flick bits of dust against your wet paint. You can use masking tape between floor and skirting boards, and then use a sheet of cardboard or HB42 CoverLay to scoot along with.
Good article Mike, I too have struggled with the roll and stroll. It’s OK for hard floors but not so keen using it on carpets.
You say the HB42 has a plastic backing, does this not make it slippery on the hard floors? (especially laminate, that stuff’s lethal when covered with plastic backed sheets) Is it the same type of thing the removal firms use? I almost fell over when I found out how much those blankets cost!
Hi Phil,
HB42 do a seperate product called CoverStik that would be perfect for that and stairs also. Its a self adhesive hard floor protector with a plastic laminate on top, so unlike coverlay it won’t absorb paint and spills, but it is still waterproof. It’s also reusable
But CoverLay isn’t slippy either. Not as much as normal dust sheets. It’s quite heavy
Thanks Mike, I’ve ordered a few so let’s see how it goes!