Chris Proffit, business sector manager – Construction & Decoration, Mirka UK provides his insights into what’s new in the painting & decorating sector
Q. What tool and abrasive trends are you seeing in the P&D sector?
Chris Proffit (CP) The tooling market is constantly evolving, but there is one constant trend we are seeing and that is businesses are investing in cordless tools. In addition, we are also seeing businesses looking to protect their workforce from dust particles by investing in extraction systems. From an abrasive side of things, we are seeing businesses invest in quality abrasives that provide them with consistent performance and a longer lifespan.
Q. Where do you see the P&D sector heading in 2023 and beyond?
CP Moving into 2023 and beyond, there will be a focus on new applications and preparation methods, such as spray applications. We are also seeing businesses making a concerted investment in premium products, whether that be tools or abrasives, that have a long-life span and help them provide a superior finish on the surfaces being worked.
Q. Can you tell us about some of the latest products Mirka has introduced for painters and decorators?
CP Mirka’s product portfolio offers users a diverse range of products and abrasives and below is a selection that painters and decorators use on a regular basis.
DEOS 75x100mm – A low-profile design ensures the user can get closer to the surface, while being able to easily access hard to reach areas. The tool is suitable for use across multiple applications, including stripping old paint and lacquer, and it is the only electric orbital sander on the market that has been optimised for net abrasives by incorporating more than 45 holes in the pad.
Skimming Blades – The stainless-steel skimming blades have been designed for use across multiple surfaces including spray plastered or rolled plastered walls and come in a variety of sizes from 15cm to 100cm. They have a lightweight focused design that reduces wrist strain and enables comfortable all-day usage.
Edge Protector – The Edge Protector attaches to the DEROS 650 (150mm) to prolong the lifetime of the backing pad, as it helps prevent damage to the periphery of the pad. The protector also safeguards adjacent surfaces as it avoids scuffing or damaging when sanding into corner and edges.
Mini File – This small tool helps remove runs or dirt nibs from surfaces. The file is two-sided, held in place via a magnet with one side coarse cut and the other is fine cut.
Q. What are the benefits of dust-free sanding?
CP A dust-free environment ensures control of the sanding process and allows for multiple work phases to be undertaken in the same room, delivering efficiency both for the business and in terms of tool usage. The lack of dust also reduces the risk of ‘dust pills’ and clogging as the dust can no longer collect in lumps on the sanding discs to the same extent. There is also no longer a danger that sanded dust will build up and create grooves on the sanding surface and fill up the disc and reduce its sanding capacity. This means that an abrasive such as Mirka Abranet maintains its aggressive properties over the entire surface much longer than traditional paper materials that have long wilted and faded, making sanding more even and efficient.
Q. Tell us about the DEOS Delta? What are some of the features decorators will find useful?
CP The DEOS Delta has an iron shape that allows the user to access hard to reach areas easily and efficiently, while reducing the stress on arms and hands.
Its low-profile design enables the user to get closer to the surface at any angle, so there is increased control of the sanding process, even during long periods of use.
It also weighs in at less than 1kg, so there is less strain on the user’s muscles, leading to a reduction in the risk of arm fatigue and potential injury. To complement the lightweight design, the Delta incorporates a powerful brushless motor and 3mm orbit for more effective removal of stock, while keeping vibrations at a low level.
Q. What are some of the advantages of the Mirka LEROS products?
CP The Mirka LEROS’ flexible and practical design offers advantages, such as ergonomic working positions, so there is less strain on the operator’s body and back. At less than 3.5kg, the operator can sand for longer periods without fatigue. In addition, the operator can work very close to corners because of the LEROS’ sanding head and backing pad design. The tool’s random orbital movement enables it to respond precisely to the operator’s movements, so the overall sanding process is made easier.
The LEROS-S combines the benefits of the LEROS in a more compact design that enables it to reach enclosed spaces that other tools cannot access. It is also dual voltage, which means it works on sites as well as in homes. This enables the user to focus on the job at hand rather than having to worry about where to plug the tool in.
Q. What aftersales and technical support do you offer painters and decorators?
CP The tools have a two-year warranty as standard but if they are registered within 30 days of purchase on the Mirka UK website an additional year is added. Our experienced technical team is in constant communication with customers to understand their needs and requirements as well as offering the relevant technical support the customer might require.
In addition, as part of our full-service offering, we offer training programmes, which can be customised based on the business’ needs and requirements to maximise the efficiencies of the products and abrasives it uses. This usually results in subtle cost savings that add up over time, while also increasing productivity.
For further information on Mirka visit Mirka Ltd: Abrasives, Sanding Tools & Polishing… – Mirka.
