Adding Character To New Builds With Decorator, Gary Marsh!

This month’s Brewers Spotlight winner, Gary Marsh, has just completed an impressive project, completely transforming a new build with the help of GR Design Studios. We got in touch with him to find out more!

Congratulations on being the latest Brewers Spotlight winner Gary! How long have you been a painter and decorator for?

I have been a painter and decorator since I was 16, (so 38 years in total!), for 29 of those years, I have been self-employed.

I was all set to go to catering college, but I bottled it and went to the local careers office to ask if there was anything available in the construction industry.

I managed to get a YTS/CITB placement with a local decorating company with block release at college.

And you never looked back! Tell me more about your recent newbuild project, what were some of the highlights and challenges?

The project in question was quite a challenge!

Despite being a new build, the quality and finish was not up to scratch, so every ceiling, wall and all the woodwork had to be sanded back using our dustless sanders. 

The specification from the interior designers was quite elaborate with a mix of various colours, wallpapers and murals.

It was a challenge to get all the finishes in the right place and order – it took some working out!

It was all worth it when the job was completed though and as you can see by the photos… it looked amazing.

It was so good to see it all come together, and the client was over the moon.

I will be using this job as a great example of the type of work we can do for future clients.

The pictures really do speak for themselves, it looks incredible! What was it like working with an interior designer?

I've worked with GR Interior Design many times over the years, so I know the way the way they like to work and what the expectations were…we definitely delivered!

What were some of the products you used on the job?

We used specialist wallpaper and murals that involved the 'overlap and splice' technique during the installation process. Not only is it time consuming, but if you get it wrong, can be disastrous.

For the paint finishes, we used the bespoke colour match service in Johnstone’s Trade paints which were really nice to work with.

The wallpaper doesn’t sound like it’s for the faint of heart! What’s it like using Brewers as a supplier?

My local Brewers is Sunderland, and I've recently started to use them more, creating a very good relationship with them. They are always ready to help and advise me on the best products to use.

I also get on well with my local ADMs, Leon and Garry, whom I've known for many, many years!

Fancy being in the Brewers Spotlight? Head to the Brush Wizards Facebook Page to find out more.

Brush Wizards is an online community that cultivate a safe space for painters and decorators to share their challenges and provide mutual support. 

Founded by painter and decorator, Gary Proctor, the community is a place where painters and decorators can thrive personally and professionally with access to mental health support, industry resources, networking opportunities, and so much more. Join today!

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