Purdy Tools Have Lost Their Way

Updated Oct 6, 2024 | Posted Jul 16, 2019 | Tool Insight | 3 comments

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Controversial post alert ⚠. Purdy’s tools & brushes are now officially s**t! This week I’ve had a Purdy frame seize, a colossus roller leave bits of blue fluff all over walls, and as for the brushes…. Scratchy scratch…! They leave a terrible finish in my honest opinion.

I think Purdy’s are favoured by old-school decorators who haven’t tried the newer brands, or simply refuse to believe there is better out there. Much in the same way 20 years ago no one looked past natural bristle Hamilton Acorn brushes, and lamb’s wool rollers.

The truth is Purdy’s just aren’t what they used to be. The cheaper end of the brush market is now very similar quality to Purdy. Axus, ProDec & Ciret. Not to mention the premium brands that are knocking around now. My personal favourites Oldfield’s, Premier, Zachary, Zebira and Monarch to name just a few. Purdy is running the risk of becoming a relic of the past. Overall quality has bombed in the last 7 years. Sherwin Williams really needs to address this before Purdy’s is talked about on the same breath as Valspar!

Rant over! 🤣

I love my Purdy stuff. I don’t use the colossus anymore because it is over fluffy, but when I do I use a lint roller to de-fluff my rollers. The Purdy brushes are good though.

Kirstin Williams

Professional Painter and Decorator

I had issues with brushes losing bristles lately and their poles don’t lock in position, I’ve had 3 and all do the same. Their roller frames come undone when rolling and the head falls off, I’m done with Purdy now, I’ll never buy another product of theirs.

Jake Elliott

Professional Painter and Decorator

Yep, lot better brushes than Purdy’s on the market nowadays, at sensible prices as well

Tony Kinchlea

Professional Painter and Decorator

The thing about their brushes is most people in the UK only know about two of them, they have loads! The pro-extra, aka “the blue ones” are great in oil. I tried the Monarch Elites in emulsion and couldn’t stand how stiff they were, but they do a softer version that I’d like to try. I think like most companies they have a mixture of products of varying quality.

Calvin Jones

Professional Painter and Decorator

Purdy tools are fantastic!! I love mine. The colossus is one of the best paint rollers on the market. I like the brushes and roller poll too. I’ll carry on using them for years to come.

Ross Green

Professional Painter and Decorator

Blog written by Simon Young – Professional Painter and Decorator

Updated Oct 6, 2024 | Posted Jul 16, 2019 | 3 comments

About the Author

About the Author

Mike Cupit has been in the decorating industry since 2002 and has mostly worked as a Trade Decorator in the domestic sector (peoples’ homes). Self-proclaimed “product geek”, Mike has a passion for paint and decorating tools. Mike now spends most of his time testing paint products and tools, comparing them to similar products on the market, and blogging about the industry in general.

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3 Comments

  1. Trevor Henson

    Like your view on Armstead emulsion I also rate it . but Johnstone’s is normally the one I use. as for brushes there is so many out there. currently trying Hamilton Expression good brush for hybrid satin

    Reply
  2. Trevor Irwin

    Purdy 9” Revolution roller frames at about £15 each… have had 3 frames now stop spinning after a few uses, only fit for bin… the 12-18” adjustable frame isn’t much better!

    Reply
  3. Dt

    I use to like Perdy stuff not any more
    Money has blinded the owner just not making quality stuff anymore

    Reply

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