Interview with Liam Gent: High-end painter and Staalmeester brush user

How did you get into painting?

“I started my career by chance. During my school holidays, I worked for a construction company to earn some extra pocket money. After a few years, I decided not to go to university and stayed with the company. When they needed a painter, I was the youngest, so they asked me to take on the painting work. I quickly realized I really enjoyed it, and when I started painting full-time 16 years ago, I knew this was my calling.”

What motivated you to start your own business?

“It actually came from being asked more and more to do private jobs, even on weekends alongside my regular weekday work. At one point, I was working seven days a week, and that gave me the confidence to start my own business. I also had a mentor at one of the decorating companies I worked for. He taught me a lot, and without him, I might not have continued in this field.”

Why did you decide to focus on high-end projects?

“During the COVID period, I had time to think about my career and where I wanted to go. At that time, I was working on a village hall, painting the front doors. I decided to invest extra time and money, out of my own pocket, to make those doors as perfect as possible, knowing that many people in the area would see them. That eventually led to word-of-mouth recommendations, and I started getting more high-end jobs.”

How important is word-of-mouth for your business?

“It’s absolutely the most important way I get new clients. Wherever I work, people see what I’ve done and often ask me to quote for their own homes. The quality of your work is really your best marketing.”

Are clients now willing to pay more for high-quality painting projects?

“Yes, definitely. It takes some time to get to that level, but once you have a few clients who are willing to invest, their network usually follows. I work a lot on historic homes, and people who own these types of properties are often passionate about maintaining and restoring them.”

How did you come across Staalmeester brushes?

“During my search for brushes that were suited to the high-end work I do, I came across Staalmeester. In the UK, there wasn’t much availability of good brushes, so when I discovered Staalmeester, I immediately bought the One Series. Since then, I’ve used them every day, and there’s no other brand that can do what Staalmeester does.”

Which Staalmeester brushes do you use the most, and why?

“I mainly use the One Series and the Pro Hybrid brushes. The One Series is perfect for high-gloss finishes, while the Pro Hybrid brushes are ideal for eggshell finishes. What I love about the One Series is how they distribute the paint. The brushes have a density that you don’t find in other brands, and that makes all the difference in the finish.”

What makes Staalmeester brushes different from other brands?

“You really can’t compare Staalmeester with other brands. The One Series is truly unmatched. The quality and finish you can achieve are on a whole different level. While the brushes might be a bit more expensive, they are worth every penny. I have brushes that I bought four years ago, and they still work perfectly.”

Do you have tips for painters who are hesitant to invest in more expensive brushes?

“A lot of painters see a brush for five or six euros and think, ‘Why would I spend so much on a brush?’ But a Staalmeester brush is in a completely different league. Cheap brushes might last a few weeks, but investing in a good brush not only improves your work but also gets you more jobs. It pays for itself.”

How do you maintain your Staalmeester brushes?

“I make sure to clean my brushes properly, depending on the type of paint I’m using. For example, when I work with oil-based paints, I clean them with white spirit and then use brush soap to keep them soft. Sometimes I leave my brushes in white spirit for a few days if I’m working on a project, and even then, they stay in perfect condition.”

Can you describe a project that you are particularly proud of where Staalmeester brushes played a key role?

“I’ve been working on a Georgian house with nine bedrooms for five or six years. The owner loves perfection, especially when it comes to high-gloss doors, and every year, I have a new project in her home. It’s a challenge to work at that level, but with Staalmeester brushes, I can always deliver the quality she expects. It’s a project I’m really proud of.”

What type of projects do you enjoy the most?

“I love working on restoration projects in old houses, especially when I get to restore wooden details like cornices. I also really enjoy painting high-gloss doors, although it takes a lot of time. It’s incredibly satisfying when it’s done perfectly.”

What trends do you see in the painting industry?

“Paint has improved dramatically in the last few years, especially water-based paints for woodwork. When those paints were first introduced, they just weren’t good enough. Now, there are more and more brands offering high-quality paints. Plus, we have amazing tools today, like Festool sanders, that make the work much easier.”

Do you have a favorite paint brand?

“My favorite brands are Benjamin Moore and Little Greene. What I love about Little Greene is that you can use the paint exactly as it comes, without needing to adjust it. Their flat emulsions are beautifully matte, and their eggshells are a joy to work with.”

Do you have any tips for painters who want to achieve a perfectly smooth finish?

“You need to prep every step carefully and have patience. There are no shortcuts. Every layer has to be perfectly smooth before you apply the next. And, of course, I recommend the One Series brushes from Staalmeester. They really make all the difference, especially for high-gloss finishes.”