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The Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine is here to assist Paintiers and Decorators, Small Business as well as consumers.TRANSCRIPT
Issue 5, February 2012
House Prices in 2012 –
Instant access to our TWO pricing and estimating guides
Quotation guide to assist you when quoting
Work Method Statement and Risk Assessment Guide
Special Pricing with Resene Paints (Lower Paint Prices)
Personal service and phone advice
Web Listing for prospective customers to find you easily
Free targeted online marketing & advertising
Back-links to assist you in SEO rankings
Your own page on homepaintersinfo.com
Painter Help section if you are looking for work or looking for painters to help
If now is not the right time to subscribe we can still offer you a complimentary 1 page listing in our 'Find a Painter' section.
Supply your details to obtain your complimentary page NOW!
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Contents From the Editor 4
Members Consultant 5
Business Principles Series Part IV: Community Involvement 6
Making a Positive Difference is Easier than YOU Think 8
Disposal of Inherited Shares 10
What are your Business Resolutions? 12
Member Profile 14
Tony Isgrove’s Painting and Decorating 14
Protect Your Greatest Asset – Your Income 16
How To Become A Really Successful Painter 17
House Prices in 2012 – Where To? 18
Work place health and safety 20
Eco Painting and Your Business 22
Zero and Low VOC Paint 24
Colour Me Fantastic! 25
Roskilde Cathedral 26
Celebrate 28
The Industry Idiots 30
Important Contacts 31
Editor
Nigel Gorman
Deputy Editor
Caroline Miall
Writers
Belinda Ross
Caroline Miall
Deb Cross
Jennie Gorman
Jim Baker
Mel Holzworth
Nigel Gorman
Stephanie Gadd
Tamara Simon
Tony Isgrove
From the Editor
Well, the festive season is but a memory now, and I hope your 2012 has begun well. Hopefully all our painters are finding enough work to keep themselves busy, particularly during the big wet which is drenching so much of the country at the moment.
Home Painters Info has some good news to start the year –we are working closely together with Resene Paints to bring our Members an extremely competitive pricing structure for paint purchases that will potentially save each Member thousands every year, as well as helping to make you more competitive and potentially turn a greater profit in the current tough market.
So you can pay for your subscription to Home Painters Info in the savings you make with your first paint purchase!
We are also in discussions with other organisations to bring our Members better value deals. Over the next couple of months we will bring you up to date with the companies that we are securing partnerships with to save your business money.
This issue also provides you with small business tips and ideas on how to assist you in running a successful business.
Until next month,
Nigel Gorman [email protected] 0430 399800
Members Consultant Happy New Year to you all! I Trust that 2012 is
going to be an exceptionally profitable year and
hope that all your resolutions come to fruition.
Oh! Did you purchase Membership to Home Painters Info as a Christmas Gift for your Apprentice? It’s not too late! Remember, the tools that we offer to our members are not only restricted to business owners. We would love it if you passed on this information to your Brushies, Apprentices and Subbies. Our tools will benefit all painters! We are keen to introduce ourselves to your apprentices; they are the future of our industry, and the information that we offer will most certainly help them on their way at the same time giving them un understanding of what you do.
Home Painters Info have not just been resting and digesting over the break! We have continued to work hard at making an even more exciting information source for you for 2012.
Our weekly emails to you are not designed to clog up your inbox. On the contrary, we are sending you information that we feel is relevant to our industry and hope that you as a contractor can see that we are here to stay and are here to continue to supply the industry updates that you need.
For UNDER $50, we are offering you membership to Home Painters Info - an affordable entry to our
membership site where you will benefit from more useful tools as well as special prices and deals with our partners.
We also encourage your input; your feedback as to what benefits you’d like to see with your membership. Click Here to view the advantages of joining.
GET MORE EXPOSURE! We are getting a phenomenal number of views on our website. This includes the consumers… So for absolutely no cost, get your details onto our Find a Painter section so that you don’t miss out on valuable consumer enquiries and online searches for Painting Contractors. All you have to do is visit us and while you’re there, fill in your details to receive free, the ‘5 Tips for Winning the Job’!
Go on, you’d be mad not to! Join now and be a part of the Home Painters Info Journey for under $50! Until next time, Stephanie Gadd Membership Consultant 0433 724 794
Business Principles Series Part IV: Community Involvement
If a simple professional practice
was to benefit your business
with an enhanced reputation,
improved community
relationships, and positive
effects on employee morale,
you’d try it right? Well
assisting your community could
be just the way to achieve
these objectives. If there’s one
thing that recent disasters and
difficult times have
demonstrated about
Australians, it’s that ultimately,
community does matter. What
may be more surprising is that
recent studies show that
community involvement is now
seen as a social responsibility
of a business and, in fact, one
which is aligned with the future
long term success of the
company. Whilst once upon a
time the social and
professional responsibility of
the company was fulfilled by
providing the promised goods
or service, and satisfying the
relevant stakeholders, now
good corporate practice should
include contributing money,
time, products, services,
leadership or other resources
to the community in which the
company operates. (See
Corporate Community
Involvement, Establishing a
Business Case, p1, Aust
Government
http://www.facs.gov.au/sa/co
mmunities/progserv/Documen
ts/cci_report_07/default.htm
2009)
How you decide to commit
your business to serve your
community can depend on
your own interests; sporting
and cultural areas, business
affiliations, your preferred
charities or to directly support
those most in need. Even just
reinvesting time in your own
industry will be of benefit to
both parties and the
community, with
apprenticeships, education and
mentoring.
It’s not an easy part of a
business plan to measure
outcomes for, but the trend
would appear to be that
companies are adopting a
more strategic move towards
planning and managing
corporate community
involvement; this would
suggest profitability in the long
term. Whether you wish to
simply provide monetary
assistance to an organisation,
or become heavily involved
with a specific community
group, consider a way to give
back appropriate to your
business and circumstances,
and get involved.
There should be few problems
in securing agreements to have
your name and logo used in
acknowledgement of your
contribution; approach the
community areas you’d like to
help out and make a proposal.
So, you may just be keen to
give back to your community or
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for the sake of sound business
strategy - medical research
suggests that it’s good to help
others, and business research
suggests the same! Consider it
part of your business plan to
include various activities
appropriate to your operation,
which demonstrate good will
and help out your neighbour.
Reaching out to your
community could turn out to
be the best form of advertising
for your company yet, because
it’s all win-win.
Ideas for giving back: Donate
labour hours to non-profit
organisations
Provide assistance for the
upkeep of heritage listed
buildings
Support your local sporting
team with your time or money;
buy their hats, uniforms, or
some new equipment. Ask if
you can have your logo printed
on them!
Give staff an agreed number of
hours each year to undertake
charity work of their choosing
Hold a simple regular sausage
sizzle for disadvantaged
people, or to raise money for a
worthy cause
There are literally hundreds of
ways to contribute and
thousands of organisations
who would be grateful for
assistance. You might try some
of the following organisations
for starters and ideas:
Habitat for Humanity: Provides
housing and other assistance in
Australia and overseas, and
initiated the Brush with
Kindness programme will assist
families that were devastated
by the floods by repairing
homes and rebuilding lives.
http://www.habitat.org.au/pag
e.aspx?pid=224
Volunteering Australia – for
companies
http://www.volunteeringaustra
lia.org/_Information/Companie
s.asp
Australian Institute for
Corporate Responsibility
http://www.ourcommunity.co
m.au/business/view_article.jsp
?articleId=1115
Making a Positive Difference is Easier than YOU Think It astounds me how difficult some people seem to
think making a difference to another’s life can be.
Most people who are networking feel that they are
creating connections for their business only. They
forget that supporting people in achieving their
needs, in all areas of their lives, is what comes first.
How do you make a difference in other people’s
lives? Are you listening to what others are looking
for? Do you listen to what they are really asking
when they speak with you?
No matter whom we are or what we do, we all
have needs that are not business related. So, do
you listen to what people are saying in regards to
what they are looking for in their life to make it
easier? It may be recommending a good trade’s
person, a book keeper or accountant, a great place
to eat out for a special occasion, where to get
some good stationery or something for their
computer, or where to get a great Christmas
present for their grandchildren.
As you can see, people talk about all sorts of things
that may not be anything to do with their business.
This doesn’t make the need any less than if it was
business related!
So, you can make a difference too many people’s
lives by just listening to what they are looking to
find and the contacts they need to make.
At this time we are fortunate for the creation of
Social Media. We are being given a wonderful
opportunity to connect with more people, getting
to know more about the ‘friends’ whom we
personally know and are in our network. This gives
us the chance to support even more than we could
before.
To develop a good relationship for future success it
is imperative that you are seen as someone who
listens to the needs of your contacts, supports
them to find what they are looking to find and
become known as a person with good contacts.
Building relationships cover all areas, not just
business.
So, think again about how you can help others in
your network to achieve what they need outside of
their businesses by helping them find the contact
they are looking to find. This is why learning more
about your clients and contacts can support you to
achieve what you are looking to find too!
Be the supporter that your network needs.
If you want to discover how you can make a
difference contact Jennie for more information on
07 3262 5343 / 0414 278 344
http://www.connexionsunlimited.com.au
Disposal of Inherited Shares
Those fortunate enough may inherit shares from the Will of a relative who has passed away. So are
these shares tax free to us or do we have a tax obligation?
Question Fred was a resident of Australia for tax purposes and in his Last Will & Testament, bequeathed some shares to Wilma. Wilma is a resident of Australia for tax purposes and the shares passed to her as a beneficiary of the deceased's estate as defined in accordance with the Tax Act. What cost base is used for calculating the capital gain made by the Wilma, the beneficiary on the sale of the inherited shares?
Answer
For these purposes, a CGT asset (the Shares) is treated as passing to the taxpayer (Wima) as a beneficiary of the deceased estate where Wilma becomes the owner of the CGT asset (Shares):
1. under the will of the deceased, or that will as varied by a court
2. by operation of intestacy law, or such law as varied by a court order
3. because it was appropriated to the taxpayer by the legal personal representative in satisfaction of a pecuniary legacy
4. under a deed of arrangement if :
the taxpayer entered into the deed to settle a claim to participate in the distribution of the deceased's estate, and
any consideration given by the taxpayer for the CGT asset consisted only of a variation of a claim to one or more CGT asset that formed part of the deceased's estate (s 128-20).
Cost base For CGT purposes, Wilma is taken to have acquired the CGT asset (shares) of the deceased on the date of Fred’s death (s128-15(2)). The cost base of the shares is determined in accordance with Div 110. The cost base generally comprises five elements. However, as the shares passed to the taxpayer as a beneficiary of a deceased estate, the first element of the cost base is modified. The first element of the cost base of a relevant share in the hands of the taxpayer will depend upon whether the deceased originally acquired the CGT asset before 20 September 1985 or after 19 September 1985.
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Where the deceased originally acquired the share prior to 20 September 1985, the first element of cost base of the share in the taxpayer's hands will be the market value of the share as at the date of the deceased's death (s 128-15(4), item 4). Where the deceased originally acquired the share after 19 September 1985, the first element of the cost base of the share in the hands of the taxpayer will be the cost base of the share in the hands of the deceased as at the date of the deceased's death (s 128-14(4), item 1). The cost base of a share may be amended by different CGT events. It is not possible to address all the potential events which may result in an adjustment. Also there are considerations where the original shares may be acquired pre 19 Sep 1985 yet the dividend re-invested shares issues have flowed through each subsequent year. Sometimes it is best (tax wise) to ask the executor for our Will to cash in all the Assets, and pay out cash to the beneficiaries. Sometimes not and it is best to transfer Shares and other Assets direct to the beneficiaries. You should have a talk to your tax agent/accountant about these issues and what best suits your intentions. Don’t
ficiaries. In life we are all conscious of trying to legally reduce our tax, so we should plan the same for our death.
Melvin Holzworth
Holzworth Law & Assoc Accountants & Tax Agents
Tel 07 38082868 www.holzlaw.com
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What are your Business Resolutions?
Business Systems Specialist, Tamara Simon says many people make fantastic resolutions for their business but rarely stick to them.
In addition to your business resolutions which you may or may not stick to, do you take a real holiday regularly?
By ‘real’ holiday, I mean no phone calls, no quick visits to the office, no emails and no impromptu meetings with clients. Most of you, especially solopreneurs, are probably thinking “tell her she’s dreaming.”
What if I told you that by implementing some simple business systems you can minimise rework, increase your productivity, and free up time to develop your business, gain more clients or take a well-earned holiday.
Many businesses have little or no systems in place because they started with the sole objective to accept any work that comes in the door and to maintain cash flow. This is fine until it gets to a point where there is too much work for one person, even by working seven days a week.
Which best describes you?
a. Are you an overworked solopreneur, working up to seven days a week, leaving little time for your family and friends – knowing and wanting a ‘better way’, but unable to stop this cycle because the work keeps coming in?
OR
b. Are you at a point where your business has grown so much that you are constantly troubleshooting problems with staff, leaving you no option to take a break as things wouldn’t function without you?
What price is your business having on your family and friends, and on your health?
Is everything about your business – your intellectual property about clients, jobs and how your business runs – stored in your head? If so, unless you implement some simple and effective systems, to keep your business running while you’re not there, it will be impossible to let go, keep staff or have a real holiday.
At some point, to move forward and survive, both personally and professionally, you will need to stop and implement systems that will help to make your business more efficient and reduce costs, as well as your stress levels.
Page | 13
Here are some simple systems you can implement NOW:
Use a whiteboard to track where various jobs are at
Don’t always be available for clients, rather allocate blocks of time for client meetings and phone calls
Use checklists to ensure information and processes are correct
Develop templates for fee proposals, letters and emails, etc.
Document the tasks for each component of your work and keep up-to-date procedure manuals
Collect deposits and progress payments from clients to assist cash flow
Don’t release plans/documentation until final payment has been received
Use email or tracking software to keep clients informed about their work
Use excel spread sheets or Feepro calculators (www.chargeoutrate.com.au) to accurately calculate hourly charge out rates, as well budgeted hours and costs for all parts of a job (including your time and administration).
So what business resolutions will you adopt NOW to move your business from surviving to thriving so you can take a real holiday in 2013 (or even better in 2012)?
Tamara Simon was a Queensland Finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards. With extensive experience in over 10 industry sectors including building design, training, auditing and marketing, she is passionate about helping build profitable and sustainable service-based businesses.
Page | 14
Member Profile
Tony Isgrove’s Painting and Decorating
Tony Isgrove got a start as a painter with his father, Rod Isgrove firstly during school holidays and then after leaving school on Sydney’s North Shore. It was under the guidance of his father that Tony found his passion in life. Tony enjoyed every minute of learning and it wasn’t long before he was ready to start his own business.
Tony Isgrove’s Painting and Decorating Specialists was born in 1983. Tony was instantly busy, he understood what his discerning clients wanted and needed..... Excellent customer service, where nothing is a problem and all projects completed to a high standard. Over the next ten years Tony quite happily worked as a one man band. He also took time away from Australia to travel and live in Europe.
In 1994 Tony returned full time to Australia and put on his first Apprentice - his brother Brad. This was the beginning of the Tony Isgrove’s Painting and Decorating Specialists we see today. Tony now employs 38 painters and has 3 support staff.
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What are Tony’s secrets to success? To get up early and get a jump start on the day, he is usually at his factory in Artarmon by 5.30am. By getting to the factory early he is fully prepared for the day and if something unexpected happens it’s not a problem. Tony has total focus on building enthusiastic and happy employees. Having 38 painters mean that 12 projects can be on the go at once, each job requires a team leader who is as passionate about his project as Tony is. Team leaders always ensure a safe workplace complying by WHS requirements, helping to co-ordinate the project making sure the client is well informed throughout the entire process.
Have a system. Having a system for everything both on the project site and in the office helps Tony stay on top of his ever growing business. For example each job has a file which goes to site with the team leader to help the job run smoothly. Customer service is the ultimate key to the success of Tony’s business and it’s the very simple things that set his business apart from many others, such as arriving at the appointed time, returning phone calls asap, helping co-ordinate other trades if need be and following up after completion to make sure everything is to the highest standard. Tony has built a strong relationship with his suppliers including Dulux and is a Dulux Accredited member. Tony also understands the value of fostering great relationships with his customers who include Architects, Builders, Strata Managers, Property Managers and private clients. It is not unusual for Tony to have worked for two or three generations of the same family. Tony is a member and former President, vice president,
treasurer and a current board member of Master Painters Association NSW. In his down time Tony cherishes any spare time with his wife Rhianna, son Sam and daughter Zoe. As well as dining out with friends, boating, travelling overseas and escaping for the weekend. Tony also enjoys painting of a different kind by getting out his easel, canvas and artists brushes.
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Protect Your Greatest Asset – Your Income
If you’re employed or self-employed, you should consider Income Protection insurance. What are the benefits? By using this strategy, you could: • Receive up to 75% of your pre-tax income
if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, and
• Meet your living expenses while you recover.
How does this strategy work? Many people insure their home and contents, even their life. Yet, all too often, they don’t adequately protect what is potentially their greatest asset – their ability to earn an income. Think about it this way. If you are unable to work for an extended period due to illness or injury, how will you meet your mortgage repayments and other bills and expenses? Without an income, you could run down on your savings very quickly and face financial difficulty. Rather than putting your family’s lifestyle at risk, by taking out Income Protection insurance, you
could receive a monthly benefit of up to 75% of your income to replace your lost earnings while you recover. Most Income Protection policies offer a range of waiting periods before you start receiving your insurance benefit (with options normally between 14 days and two years). You can also choose from a range of benefit payments periods, with maximum cover generally available up to age 65. A financial adviser can help you determine whether you need Income Protection insurance. They can also review your insurance needs over time to make sure you remain suitably covered. What is future earning capacity? If you’re in any doubt about the importance of protecting your income, the table below shows how much you could earn by the time you reach 65. For example, if you are currently 35 and earn $80,000pa, you could earn around $3.8 million before you turn 65. Isn’t that worth protecting?
How much will you earn by age 65?
Current income (pa) Age now
25 35 45 55
$40,000 $3,020,000 $1,900,000 $1,070,000 $460,000
$60,000 $4,520,000 $2,850,000 $1,610,000 $690,000
$80,000 $6,030,000 $3,810,000 $2,150,000 $920,000
$100,000 $7,540,000 $4,760,000 $2,690,000 $1,150,000 Assumptions: Income increases by 3%pa. No employment breaks. Figures rounded to nearest $10,000.
How To Become A Really Successful Painter
My name is Jim Baker. I have been a painter for 42 years and have run my own successful painting business in Brisbane for 27 years under the name of James W Decorating.
At the Dulux National Conference in 2004 and 2006, I won the title of Dulux Accredited Painter of the Year for Queensland. I have also been a finalist in the Action Coach My Business Awards for Best Small Business in 2008, the Dulux Accredited Business Professional finalist in 2011 and the Micro Business Queensland Telstra Business Awards finalist also in 2011.
When I was first in business, my main concern was to be cheaper than my competitors’ price. Experience has taught me that this is not what a client is looking for, which is the reason I wrote a book, “How To Become A Really Successful Painter”. If you are in business, or one day want to start up a business, then my book can help you. I can show you how, using a series of 8 easy steps, your business will be one jump ahead of your competitors and more profitable. It doesn’t matter if you want to be a one man operator or have 50 people working for you. The outcome is the same. Success for your business!
What I have learnt through trial and error, attending seminars, observing how others run their business and being in the trade myself for 42 years, will be of huge benefit to you.
I will show you how to:
Advertise efficiently without spending a fortune.
Get more exposure.
Increase the number of your potential clients.
Win the job even though you are the highest quote.
Improve quote acceptances.
Be more of a business person rather than ‘just a painter’.
Make your quotes more appealing.
Design graphs to help keep track of calls and clients.
Get and keep that competitive edge over other painters.
Just one small detail could mean either a Yes or a No on a job acceptance. By following even a few of my proven ideas, I assure you that you will have more success in winning a job over your competition. This is not done by lowering your prices. From feedback I receive from my clients, I am often the most expensive and I am usually booked 3 to 4 months in advance.
My book has been thoroughly approved by Dulux, Master Painters, Be Constructive Qld. and TAFE teachers from various colleges around Australia. 1200 books are being given out by Dulux to every final stage painting apprentice and Post Trade graduates in Australia each year. It is also being used as a reference book by Dulux in New Zealand and a TAFE College in Fiji.
If you are looking for improvements in your business, then “How To Become A Really Successful Painter” can really help you.
A copy of my book is available by emailing your name and address to [email protected]
http://www.housepainteradvice.com.au
Regular retail price:
$25.50 (inclusive of GST and postage).
House Prices in 2012 – Where To?
The housing market is
constantly in a tug-o-war
between two factors —
demand and supply. And really
it doesn’t get simpler than that.
If there is a limited number of
properties for sale and plenty
of keen, cashed-up buyers then
prices are almost certainly
going to be bid up. Similarly if
there is an abundance of
property on the market and
buyers are cautious —
preferring to take time to find
the ‘right’ home — then prices
are more likely to ease.
Clearly there is no single
“housing market”; rather there
are countless markets, even
down to street level. But if
there is a common
characteristic across markets at
present it is that the supply of
homes is up.
RP Data has data on almost
every single property in
Australia, so it is best placed to
describe what’s going on. And
its latest estimate is that there
is 5.8 months of effective
housing supply in Australian
capital city markets at present.
That takes into account the
current sales rates as well as
the number of homes on the
market.
But that figure doesn’t mean
much without some reference
point. RP Data advises that a
year ago there was around 4.5
months of supply in capital city
markets. Over the past 4 years,
effective supply has ranged
between 2.3 and 6.5 months,
averaging 3.9 months. So it is
clear that housing supply is
currently relatively high.
But as always supply conditions
vary across the country. RP
Data notes that supply is
lowest in Canberra while
highest in Brisbane. However
supply in actually lower than a
year ago in one capital city —
Perth.
So much for supply — how do
you measure demand? In part
it is determined by interest
rates (cost of finance) but also
includes labour market
conditions, risk preference
(desire to take on debt), rent
levels and attractiveness of
other asset classes. And then
you have to incorporate other
elements, such as demand
being brought forward into
earlier periods — as occurred
with the global financial crisis
when rates were cut and
incentives were provided to
first home buyers.
It is clear that demand for
housing has weakened over the
last 6 to 12 months. The job
market has clearly softened;
Aussies have become more
reluctant to take on debt, while
returns on cash-based
investments have held
up in relation to other
asset classes. While
interest rates have just
been cut, this is a
more recent
development and the
key question is
whether the reduction
in rates has been
enough to offset
conservative risk
preferences.
Overall, it shouldn’t be
surprising that capital city
home prices have fallen by
3.4% over the past year,
especially following a period of
above-normal demand and
price growth in 2009 and early
2010. But with supply arguably
peaking, job markets healthy
and interest rates down, 2012
should
be a year
of home
price
recovery.
Shannon Michell - Finance Manager
Australian Credit Licence: RFS Finance
Pty Ltd No 388022 M 0408 759 030 | F (07) 3112 5058
E/ [email protected] W/ www.rfsfinance.com.au
Page | 20
Work place health and safety
Page | 21
Page | 22
Eco Painting and Your Business Such a significant part of our industry’s future, APC will be regularly revisiting principles of
environmentally friendly and sustainable painting practices. Here’s a brief overview…
Across the board, industries have to take a
fresh look at their practices, materials and
processes and the way they might be
impacting on the world, and the population.
With heightened awareness of dwindling
resources, and a polluted environment the
consumer is beginning to demand to know
more about the goods and services they
purchase. Significant resources are available
now in our industry that have been developed
to provide reusable, renewable alternatives
and minimise use of valuable natural
resources, and potential for harmful waste.
The impact of painting on the environment
can be various and far reaching. Fortunately
toxic ingredients like lead and chromium have
largely been eliminated (not to diminish what
a massive problem the removal lead paint
continues to be..), but other contents mean
heavy metals potentially building up within
the food chain and the emission of noxious
gases, causing nausea, headaches and asthma
to name a few, in the short and long term.
Fortunately, our industry has responded to
the demand for change, with a number of
accredited courses now available to those
who wish to be certified as an
“Environmentally Friendly Painter”. Chances
are, your requests for quotes are more and
more being accompanied by questions
regarding your own sustainable choices as a
professional. People wishing to make the
right choices for the environment and
healthiest for their family will want to know
this about their options regarding
Environmentally Friendly painting:
Sustainable, environmentally
friendly painting - What is it?
1/ The use of Low VOC paint.
Volatile organic compounds in
paint are a gaseous emission
from the paint solids on your
wall that can continue to
vaporise for years after
application. (See APMF p24).
Their effect is and cumulative
over long term exposure,
making research into the
many and varied impacts
difficult. Basically stuff to try
to avoid.
2/ Reduce Reuse and Recycle… of course. The
other side of this best practice painting is
seeking alternatives which result in less waste
and lower impact. There are government
grants and subsidies available to help painters
cut waste. Consideration for recycling of
water, tins; ensuring safe disposal etc. Heat-
reflective coatings which are used on exteriors
to improve energy efficiency cut carbon
emissions and reduce electricity consumption.
These products will be the fastest growing
market once the carbon tax comes in in July.
Solvents should always be recycled, and there
are programs and technology available to
help.
Page | 23
- Will it cost me more?
The good news is that Low VOC paints are
comparable to traditional paint in cost so it’s a
perfectly viable alternative now. No VOC and
totally natural options may be more costly.
Thoughtful actions and environmental
stewardship may require more attention
which can cost you time. Be honest with your
client about what’s involved, and don’t be
tempted to overcharge. Chances are,
environmentally sustainable practices may
cost slightly more in time but your
professionalism is worth the investment
- What are the benefits/drawbacks, and are
the products as good?
Well, according to a few questions of our
members and some online reviews there are
good options, although a few considerations.
You sacrifice some gloss with low VOC it was
said; some fantastic products but expect to
pay a bit more for the best rated and most
natural. Be aware of issues with tinting that
you might encounter.
- How available is it, and what is required?
Most paint manufacturers now produce their
own version of Low VOC paint, so alternatives
are readily available. Website “Ecospecifier”,
(www.ecospecifier.com.au – great database
of product and consumer information, check it
out) acknowledges paints for meeting Good
Environmental Choice specifications and for
their participation in The Australian Eco Label
Program. Do a bit of research yourself. Talk
to your peers. Look at product reviews
online.
As for what is required, it depends on your
time, resources and commitment. You should
consider undertaking a relevant course to
become accredited in this regard. But even
simple, cost effective measures can be taken,
like ensuring a good estimation of paint
required - reducing waste, and being mindful
of water use. A Business ethos that includes
an ongoing commitment to opportunities to
improve the environment and protect your
customer will pay off in a variety of ways in
the long term, including customer loyalty, the
marketing of your ‘Environmentally
Friendliness’, and even community
acknowledgement. So consider reviewing
your business and its practices. See what you
think you can include or change for the better
for everyone.
Page | 24
Zero and Low VOC Paint
Available at most paint outlets is zero-VOC or low-VOC paint. This type of paint contains no, or very few of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have traditionally acted as solvents in the paint and evaporate as the paint dries. In old-style paints this kept the paint wet and allowed it to be spread evenly and adhere to surfaces. But the bad thing about these odoriferous chemicals is that, while the paint dries and in high doses, they can contribute to kidney and liver damage, as well as cause problems in the lungs.
Most premium paint manufacturers have come out with their own version of zero and low VOC paint. The growth in popularity of this type of paint has been driven by safety concerns, government caps on the amount of VOCs in paint, and consumer demand.
But the question remains: are Low and Zero VOC paints as effective as the old-fashioned paints? There have been complaints in the past that these eco-friendly paints leave brush marks and require more coats. However, recent studies have shown that the technology for this type of paint has been improving and most low-VOC paints on the market are comparable to solvent-based paints.
Purchasers of this type of paint should be aware that the amount of VOCs can vary depending on the colour. Darker colours usually have slightly higher VOC levels, often depending on the vendor’s hues and colouration system. VOCs in paint are mainly released during the drying process.
Thanks to the Australian Paint Manufactures’ Federation.
http://www.apmf.asn.au/documents/lowvocpaint.html
The voice of Australia’s paint and ink manufacturers.
Page | 25
Colour Me Fantastic! I have just received the Colour Forecast 2012-13 Fandeck from Dulux and I must say – “I like it!” It’s a little bold, breaks some conventions and I notice that the neutrals are more monochromatic (ie. white, grey, black) than beige and browns. Not a pastel in sight! The blues are bold and bright, some with a warmish hue, teamed with cool whites such as Dulux White on White, and Lexicon. The purple/plums are somewhat playful teamed lusciously with warm whites like Peplum, and Sago in their varying strengths. Red/Orange – wow! Really bold add texture, gloss, it seems like anything goes here. The Re-Set palette is quite technology coded – very white with quite strong blacks, silver, foil, metallic features here too – loving it. The greens are quite quirky, everything from bright emerald to lemon-lime, grassy green to
olive. Team these with Ecru, Handmade Linen, Grand Piano, Whisper White. Throughout the neutral palette add stone, rust, suede, natural wood stains, icy white and a great range of new Powdercoat colours. Add neutrals in Flat, Matt, Low Sheen, then add
some super High Gloss to add even more texture.
Let’s face it, the world is looking brighter, let’s Colour it Fantastic! Don’t be shy, let yourself shine, it’s paint – it’s not forever – use it for a season then change it – it’s paint, be bold, be brave. It’s not difficult to update the colours on an existing building – dwelling or otherwise – an eye for detail is all that’s required. It’s great preparing a colour scheme for a new building – elevation drawings and a profile of who it’s for will give keys to the perfect scheme. If in doubt find a colour consultant in your area, ask to see some work they’ve done before and make sure the owners have been happy. Beware of consultants who continuously regurgitate the same schemes over and over again. Happy painting! Belinda Ross Colour Transformations
07 3886 4488 0413 464 289
Page | 26
Roskilde CathedralTake a tour with Stephanie Gadd
This magnificent cathedral was first built in
Roskilde, just outside of Copenhagen by
Harold Bluetooth who died around 985 and is
rumoured to be buried in the Church itself in
order to honour the Holy Trinity. In- saying
this however, no evidence has been found of
Bluetooth’s original church.
Roskilde is, and has been the resting place of
the Danish Royalty for over 1000 years. Over
the many years churches have been built, and
rebuilt. The present brick Cathedral was
started in the 1170’s under Bishop Absalon
(Bishop 1177- 1201).
One of the chapels which I found particularly
fascinating was Christian 4’s Chapel. Designed
by the architect Lorenz Steenwinckel. There
are two large paintings which depict scenes
from the life of Christian 4. On the east wall is
a famous scene on the ship Trefoldighed
during the sea battle off the island of
Fehmern in which the king was wounded. The
painting on the west wall shows the king as a
righteous judge exposing forgery. Both
paintings and the painting of Christ were done
by Vilhelm Marstrand while the illusory frame
is the work of Heinrich Hansen.
The whole chapel is painted in “Trompe
d’loiel”, an illusory style of Painting. Mostly
art however we can use it as decorative
painting in modern day decorating. Its truly a
beautiful and an amazing exhibit of this
creative style.
During my visit I had the honour of talking
with one of the female conservation painters
restoring Saint Brigitte’s Chapel. To become a
conservator it takes 6 years of study.
The conservationists have been assigned to
this restoration, which has involved the
cleaning of the chapel taking no less than 1
year to date. The cleaning involves firstly
removing the loose dirt, which has
accumulated over the years, using a soft, wide
brush. The public are not permitted onto the
scaffolding, and the work being conducted
there will take a few years.
When beginning the preliminary examination
of the Frescos when retouching firstly the
conservationist must ascertain the condition
of the murals and the materials involved.
Page | 27
Based on the information they must then
decide on the best way to correct the damage
and the best way to prevent further
deterioration. At the same time, the Frescos
are carefully documented and photographed
before, during and after the restoration work.
These photos then used to record what works
are carried out and where. It is very
important for them to study the archives to
find out when the paintings were previously
restored and what was done.
The Frescos were painted over with a layer of
lime wash in 1536 after the Reformation,
where they remained concealed until the mid
19th century. At this time, the paintings
enjoyed a revival and were uncovered,
restored, and repainted using the best
techniques available at the time.
The Frescos were first painted onto plastered
and lime washed walls using pigment paint
mixed with lime. In some parts of the Frescos,
where the paint has become loose, a mixture
of Lime and Sand are injected behind the
painting to help adhere it to the walls. Some
of the original materials used now to aid in
the restoration are lime, quartz and sand
powder.
Saint Birgittes Chapel is being restored for the
current Monarch, Queen Margrete II and her
husband Prince Consort Henrik.
For more information about this beautiful
Cathedral in Denmark, visit
http://www.roskildedomkirke.dk/historie/kirkernes
-historie/roskilde-domkirke
Page | 28
Celebrate
Life is full of reasons to celebrate, but we
don't celebrate as BIG or as often as we
could. We all have hundreds of reasons to
celebrate - whether it’s the celebration of a
brand new life, or celebrating a life-well-lived,
whether you are becoming an adult or
becoming a student, because you got first
place or because your baby got their first
tooth...whatever - life just seems more
rewarding if we celebrate the things that
matter to those we love. Celebrations are a
great tool for building relationships, whether
they be personal or business relationships,
and with a little planning you can create
celebrations that are simple yet meaningful,
memorable and really joyful.
Celebrate
the little
things. I
started a
new part-
time job
recently
and I
decided one
week that I
would take
some home
baked treats for work. One of my colleagues
asked what the occasion was and all I could
think of was that it was WEDNESDAY…why??
Just because it’s the middle of the week. It
stuck! And it’s been wonderful because there
is a lot of team building happening which has
really positive flow-on effects for the office -
it’s not because I made a cake, but because
the people in the office get involved in the
celebration of it all and look forward to it.
So - how do you turn an occasion or event
into a memorable celebration? It’s a
celebration when you take the time to make it
special, but make it authentic. By that I mean
that it should be a reflection of the guest/s of
honour, their likes, interests and passions - in
other words it should fit.
Valentines Day is approaching quickly and
whether you go for the whole romantic thing
or lean towards the conspiracy between
florists and greeting card companies theory,
it’s a great occasion to have a celebration.
Whether it’s a romantic picnic in bed with
your partner; a heart themed dinner with
your children or a "who needs love when I
have mates like you" party with your single
friends. If the idea of it really doesn't appeal
then celebrate Austrian Ferris Wheel Day on
Feb 14th instead.
So with that, here are my FIVE TOP REASONS
to CELEBRATE:
1. Celebrate your successes of today, don't keep looking to the 'what's next'. When we celebrate our achievements, it motivates
us for the future. We always have a celebration when school report cards come out, to recognise the achievements of our children and it really does spur them on. 2. Celebrate the new season. It just gives us 4 more occasions to get together with friends and family in a year. Spring picnics,
summer barbecues, autumn wine tasting and winter dinner parties. Or you could celebrate the solstices and equinoxes.
Page | 29
3. Celebrate cross-culturally. AS a culturally diverse nation its interesting and fun and brings to join the celebrations that go on all around us such as NAIDOC Week, Chinese New Year, Diwali or St Patrick's Day
4. Celebrate anniversaries - anniversaries are the events that changed our lives, big and small. Celebrate them because they did.
Even the sad anniversaries are worth honouring.
5. Celebrate what matters to you. If you have a cause that you are passionate about - celebration bring awareness. I was challenged recently to put together a lunch for National Recycling Week…it was enormous fun.
Visit our website www.umbrellaeventsbrisbane.com for ideas and more on celebrating.
The Industry Idiots
Important Contacts
Home Painters Info http://www.homepaintersinfo.com Ph. 0430 399 800
Australian Tax Office http://www.ato.gov.au Business Ph. 13 72 26 / Personal Ph. 13 28 65
Award Rates http://www.fairwork.gov.au Ph. 13 13 94
The Office of the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner http://abcc.gov.au Ph. 1800 003 338
Mates In Construction http://www.matesinconstruction.com.au 1300 642 111
Workplace Health and Safety contacts State Website Phone
ACT http://www.worksafe.act.gov.au/health_safety (02)62073000
NSW http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx 13 10 50
NT http://www.worksafe.nt.gov.au/home.aspx 1800 019 115
QLD http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/ 1300 369 915
SA http://www.safework.sa.gov.au/ 1300 365 255
VIC http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/wsinternet/WorkSafe 1800 136 089
WA http://www.safetyline.wa.gov.au/index.html 1300 307 877
Cancer Council Australia State Website 13 11 20 ACT www.actcancer.org (02) 6257 9999 NSW www.cancercouncil.com.au (02) 9334 1900 NT www.cancercouncilnt.com.au (08) 8927 4888 QLD www.cancerqld.org.au (07) 3634 5100 SA www.cancersa.org.au/ (08) 8291 4111 VIC www.cancervic.org.au (03) 9635 5000 WA www.cancerwa.asn.au (08) 9212 4333
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