Decorator Workwear and PPE: The Ultimate Guide

Like any job, there are many safety precautions to consider when decorating. As a decorator, it’s your job to assess the risks surrounding a given project and to be equipped with suitable workwear and PPE.

Wondering what to wear as a painter or decorator? This guide will take you through the correct workwear and PPE that every decorator should own, from overalls to safety boots. We’ll advise you on why decorators need proper workwear and PPE and recommend relevant products you can find on the Dulux Decorator Centre website.

Why do decorators need workwear and PPE?

Not only does wearing the right workwear and PPE make decorating tasks much easier to complete, but it also ensures total 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.

PPE stands for personal protective equipment and includes clothing and other garments to protect the wearer from harm.

Some of the risks involved in painting and decorating include:

Exposure to harmful fumes – this could be from paints, solvents and varnishes

Falling from height – decorators can put themselves at risk of injury if they are working above ground level 

Wearing the right PPE can help minimise the risk of injury and accidents. Aside from professional painters and decorators, adequate PPE should also be worn by anyone working on a DIY project.

The best workwear and PPE for decorators

The best workwear and PPE for decorators includes:

• Workwear trousers and a jacket

• A boiler suit

• Painters’ bib and brace overalls

• A mask

• Safety goggles

• Safety gloves

• Knee pads

• Safety boots

• A hard hat

Read on as we take you through some of these items in more detail.

Painters’ bib and brace overalls

Bib and brace overalls are needed to protect against paint splashes when working. This type of clothing offers comfort for the wearer and often features utility pockets for storing small pieces of equipment. Bib and brace overalls also often have reinforced knees for extra protection, and they are very easy to slip on over existing 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 fumes from paints and adhesives. As well as keeping your workspace ventilated, it’s also crucial to wear a dust mask while you’re working.

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 should always be worn when painting and decorating to protect your eyes from paint and fumes. Unlike protective glasses that sit across the wearer’s eyes, safety goggles are placed directly onto the face and provide a protective seal for the eyes.

There are three main types of safety goggles: non-vented, directly vented and indirectly vented. Before putting on a pair of safety goggles, make sure to inspect them to check for any dents or cracks that might make them unfit for use.

The Ox Tools Indirect Vent Anti-Mist Safety Goggles are a must-have for every painter and decorator, featuring an elasticated head strap and UV-resistant lens.

Safety gloves

As well as stopping paint from getting on your hands, safety gloves also prevent injuries from splinters and sharp debris. Every decorator should wear safety gloves when completing a project 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. The Ox Tools PU Flex Gloves are an excellent choice, with polyurethane palm and finger coating that provides outstanding grip and dexterity.

Knee pads

Many painting and decorating jobs involve resting your knees on wooden or tiled floors for long periods of time. Therefore, it’s important to wear knee pads to prevent injury to your knees. Resting on a hard floor can damage your knees over time, and effective kneepads can help prevent this.

A good knee pad shouldn’t move about when it’s being worn. We recommend the Ox Tools Trade Pocket Kneepad for high-quality protection while you’re working.

Safety boots

A pair of safety boots is essential for protecting your feet against injury. They could 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.

Safety boots should be able to grip surfaces easily so you won’t slip. They should also be resistant to chemicals and easy to clean.

A hard hat

A hard hat is one of the most important aspects of decorating PPE, particularly if you lift heavy objects or work above ground level on a regular basis. Hard hats are essential for protecting the wearer from injury caused by falling objects and debris. To be effective, they must be water-resistant and shock-absorbent. It’s important to replace a hard hat regularly, especially if it has been damaged.

Looking for a new hard hat? The Ox Tools Standard Safety Helmet – White is a brilliant option. A lightweight helmet made from high-density polyethylene, it features a fully adjustable headband for ultimate protection and comfort.

Want to find out more about PPE? Discover our detailed workwear article packed full of tips and advice from the experts. You can also find all the products you need for your next decorating project over on the Dulux Decorator Centre website. From wallpaper to spray paint machines, browse hundreds of high-quality items in one place.