Professional Builder talks to a tradesman who is pioneering eco conscious working practices.
I’ve spent a lifetime thinking about how I can improve upon what’s already out there and tinkering with techniques to make them better,” explains this enthusiastic advocate for environmentally friendly methods. What sets Anthony Wade apart, is the lengths this award-winning tradesman has gone to put his principles into practice.
The founder of Sprayform Painting & Decorating, can point to 34 years of experience and, throughout his long career, has consistently championed all the latest technologies. The 59-year-old was an early adopter of spray applied paint, for example, and has even built his own machines.
“I’ve always gone after high end, premium jobs and my ethos has been to strive to do as good a job as I can,” Anthony explains. “If in the process I can help the industry improve and think about its own practices that would be great. When I started spraying in the ‘90s, for instance, a lot of people thought it was pretty crazy. I recognised very quickly that it’s not only much quicker but does improve the finish. I’ve even built my own sprayers, including a model with a heater to improve the viscosity of the paint and help it flow much better.”
Anthony’s sustainability mission is to reduce the waste he generates to a minimum and having the right equipment is integral to achieving that goal. Indeed, if it doesn’t exist then he’ll build it himself, and that includes a water filtration plant of his own design that he constructed in his shed. “I switched to water-based paints because they’re better for the environment, the decorator and the homeowner. When people used to talk about the smell of fresh paint what they’re actually inhaling is chemicals – which is not good, and I do believe it’s improved my own health.”
“It’s about doing the right thing, of course, but I do believe that making it known that you are using quality eco-friendly products is going to help you win work from homeowners”
The Yorkshire decorator was equally concerned by how waste paint and contaminated water was being disposed of and has since taken matters into his own hands. As a result, the waste paint and water he uses on a job is taken back to his shed, where it is treated in his own unique and homemade water filtration unit. The process subjects the contaminated liquid and waste materials to multiples filters and, once complete, the water that runs clear can then be taken back to site.
“If I need any more water, it can be supplemented with rain that’s collected from a butt in the garden. I’m not using the client’s water on site, and I’m certainly not disposing of anything down a drain. The clean water and paint I use on a job is brought with me and the waste is taken away again. It really is the ultimate in recycling.”
For Anthony it’s a question of blending the old school with the new, by combining spray, roller and brush to create a quality finish. The current sprayer he favours is the Italian brand, Tecnover who produce a low-pressure unit that provides more control, whilst also saving on paint. Indeed, he likes the manufacturer’s solutions so much that he is now the UK distributer for its equipment.
It’s that level of commitment to his craft that has over the years earnt the proprietor of Sprayform Painting & Decorating no less than six industry accolades, most recently in the Small Contractor category at the Painting & Decorating Association (PDA) Premier Trophy Awards. He’s also proud to have given back to the industry by mentoring two award-winning apprentices.
“Joining the PDA does give you credibility and integrity as a contractor,” continues Anthony. “It helps you learn more by meeting and networking with fellow decorators and you can be inspired by the work they’re undertaking. By taking part in awards, you’re stretching yourself to be as good as you can possibly be. It’s about pitting yourself against the best and raising your own game as a result.”
Similarly, the PDA’s Paint Green scheme encourages its members, and the industry, to step up to the sustainability challenge. With an estimated 55million litres of leftover paint produced annually, and only around two per cent of it being recycled, it’s an initiative that is desperately needed. “It’s about doing the right thing, of course, but I do believe that making it known that you are using quality, eco friendly products is going to help you win work from homeowners. It’s definitely a consideration for more and more clients.
“I’m 59 now and what I’d like to do is giving something back to the trade,” Anthony concludes: “If I can help train the next generation or advice or painting & decorating issues, I’ll be happy.”
For further information on Sprayform Painting & Decorating click here
If you would like to learn more about the work of the Painting & Decorating Association (PDA) click here
