The Ultimate Guide to Painters’ Workwear and PPE

There are several safety precautions to consider when painting and decorating, including hazardous chemicals and fumes, sharp tools, and working at height. As a decorator, it’s your job to assess the risks surrounding a project and to equip yourself with suitable workwear and PPE.

Our guide outlines the essential PPE that every decorator should own, including decorators’ overalls, painters’ trousers, safety boots, masks, and goggles. You’ll also find tips on maintaining your work safety equipment to retain its protective qualities.

Why do decorators need workwear and PPE?

Not only does wearing the right workwear and PPE make decorating tasks easier to complete, but it also improves safety. While painting and decorating may seem like relatively risk-free jobs, they can bring about serious harm if the correct safety measures aren’t in place.

Some of the risks involved in painting and decorating include:

• Exposure to harmful fumes from paints, solvents and varnishes.

• Debris generated by sanding or drilling, which could aggravate your eyes, respiratory system or skin.

• Falling from height when using ladders and platforms.

• Objects falling from height on building sites.

• Slipping on uneven or wet surfaces.

• Working at night or in low visibility, where you might not be seen by traffic.

• Noise exposure when working with machinery.

Wearing the right PPE can help minimise the risk of injury and accidents. Aside from professional tasks, PPE should also be worn during DIY projects.

Maintaining decorator workwear and PPE

PPE and workwear should be properly maintained and stored to preserve their protective qualities and lifespan. These are our top maintenance tips:

Store PPE in a dry, cool place with adequate ventilation, as direct sunlight, high heat and humidity can degrade certain materials.

Clean workwear and PPE after each use to remove any dirt, debris or hazardous chemicals. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the right cleaning products to protect your safety equipment.

Check your PPE regularly for signs of damage, including cracks, tears and holes. Replace any worn items immediately, as they won’t provide adequate protection.

The best workwear and PPE for decorators

Discover the essential workwear and PPE for painting and decorating to upgrade your safety gear today.

Painters’ bib and brace overalls

Bib and brace overalls protect against splashes when working with chemicals, paint or varnish. Their all-in-one design offers comfort and many feature utility pockets for storing tools and equipment. Many overalls have reinforced knees for extra protection, and they are easy to slip on over your work clothing.

We recommend the Dulux Decorator Centre Decorator Bib & Brace overalls, featuring fully elasticated shoulder straps and deep patch pockets. These overalls are available in different sizes and offer total comfort and protection during every painting and decorating project.

A dust mask

When carrying out painting and decorating tasks, you will likely be exposed to dust or fumes. As well as keeping your workspace ventilated, it’s also crucial to wear a dust mask while working.

Our RPE range includes different types of dust masks. Disposable dust masks provide adequate protection when dusting and sanding, while more advanced designs with filters and valves offer greater protection when working with water-based paint and spray paint. Make sure to choose a mask that fits the contours of your face – an ill-fitting mask will provide little to no protection.

There are different types of dust masks available. Disposable dust masks provide adequate protection when dusting and sanding, while more advanced designs with filters and valves offer greater protection when working with water-based paint and spray paint. Make sure to choose a mask that fits the contours of your face – it’s no good wearing an ill-fitting mask as it will provide little to no protection.

Safety goggles

Safety goggles protect your eyes from paint, debris and fumes. Unlike protective glasses that sit across the eyes, safety goggles are placed directly onto the face and provide a protective seal. There are three main types of safety goggles: non-vented, directly vented and indirectly vented, so you can find the right option for any job.

Safety gloves

In addition to preventing paint from getting on your hands, safety gloves also protect against injuries from splinters and sharp debris. Every decorator should wear safety gloves to keep their hands clean and protected. It’s important to choose gloves that offer precise dexterity so you can carry out painting tasks to a high standard – find a comfortable pair in our range.

It’s important to choose gloves that offer precise dexterity so you can carry out painting tasks to a high standard. The Ox Tools PU Flex Gloves are an excellent choice, with polyurethane palm and finger coating that provides outstanding grip and dexterity.

Knee protection

Many painting and decorating jobs involve resting your knees on hard floors for long periods. Therefore, it’s important to wear knee protection to prevent injury over time. Knee pads shouldn’t move about when worn, so choose a close-fitting, comfortable design from our selection.

Safety boots

A pair of safety boots is essential for protecting your feet against injury. They help minimise the risk of harm if you were to drop a heavy item on your feet or step on a protruding object, such as a nail.

Additionally, safety boots should provide a secure grip on surfaces to prevent slips and falls. They should also be resistant to chemical corrosion and easy to clean.

A hard hat

A hard hat is essential when lifting heavy objects or working at height, protecting you from injury caused by falling objects and debris. They must be water-resistant and shock-absorbent. It’s important to replace a hard hat regularly, especially if it has been damaged.

Hi-vis clothing

If you’re working at night or in poor visibility, hi-vis clothing can help you stand out to traffic. Choose from hi-vis vests, coats, or reflective patches you can apply to your workwear.

Alongside our range of workwear and PPE, we stock essential tools and equipment for your next decorating project at Dulux Decorator Centre. From wallpaper to spray paint machines, browse high-quality items from leading trade brands.