Interview with “The Woman with the Brush” – Mandy, house painter with a passion for the craft

How did you get into the painting profession, and what attracted you to this work?

At first, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to become, but I knew I wanted to do something with my hands and preferably work outdoors. I discovered the profession through open days at a training program (ESPEQ). Shortly after that, I was able to start working for a company right away. The creative and practical side of the job – restoring things and seeing the results – really appealed to me. I now mainly work for private clients and focus on both interior and exterior painting: painting window frames, doing smaller finishing jobs, and renovating homes. I get a lot of joy and pride from it!

What do you enjoy most about working on homes and commercial buildings, both indoors and outdoors?

I enjoy exterior work the most because it’s often more challenging. I also love high-gloss painting! I think it’s beautiful when everything shines at the end of my workday. I also enjoy building scaffolding and working at height. The job stays varied thanks to wood repairs and finishing work.

What makes your way of working and finishing distinctive as a house painter?

Quality is my top priority. My work is always neat and clean, and I listen carefully to the client. I enjoy giving advice, but I definitely don’t want to make all the decisions, everyone has their own taste. Thinking along with the client really characterizes my work. It’s important to me that the final result truly matches their wishes.

When did you discover how important good brushes are for the final result of your work?

I discovered this when I started getting more and more painting jobs alongside my regular work. The more projects I took on, the higher I set the bar for each one. I wanted my results to look cleaner and more refined every time, and I quickly realized that good brushes are essential for that. Without a quality brush, you simply can’t achieve a truly smooth finish. I realized that quite early on, and it still plays a big role in my work today.

How did you first come into contact with Staalmeester brushes?

I discovered Staalmeester brushes on Instagram and became inspired by your reels, especially the mirror doors. Not long after, I saw the brushes at my local wholesaler and decided to buy them. Since then, I’ve been hooked, they paint so smoothly!

What qualities must brushes have for your daily painting work?

For me, brushes need to deliver a clean finish, be suitable for both interior and exterior work, offer good control, be durable, and hold paint well to create a smooth result. The brushes from the Classic and Pro-Hybrid Series are perfect for this.

Which Staalmeester brushes do you use most, and why those specifically?

I use pointed sash brushes and bent fitch brushes the most. They are very versatile and suitable for both detailed work and larger surfaces. They’re especially great for finishing and high-gloss painting because they help create a very clean result.

Do you notice a difference in finish, speed, or control when working with high-quality brushes?

Yes, absolutely. High-quality brushes provide more control and a cleaner finish. They hold paint better and make painting feel smoother. You notice the difference especially with high-gloss and finishing work.

Are there specific techniques you use to achieve a clean and durable end result?

A good start is half the work; proper preparation is extremely important. I always spend a lot of time on preparation and have plenty of patience with this step. For sharp lines I sometimes use tape, but most of the time I work freehand. With good brushes, it’s easy to achieve a clean finish.

Can you describe a project where Staalmeester brushes really made the difference?

Definitely! Recently I painted a kitchen using the pointed sash brush 2020 size 18 and the bent fitch brush 2024 size 20 from the Pro-Hybrid Series. The wooden cabinet doors received a satin finish, and the result was incredibly smooth. It was another moment where I realized how much difference high-quality brushes make in projects like this.

How important is the lifespan and durability of brushes in your work?

Very important. I think it’s a shame to throw brushes away quickly. If you maintain them well, they last a long time and continue to perform well. That’s more sustainable and better for the quality of the work.

What makes a brush a real “go-to” brush for you, and what is your go-to Staalmeester brush?

For me, a go-to brush is versatile, comfortable to use, and suitable for detailed finishing. My go-to brushes are pointed sash brushes and angled brushes because I can use them for both large surfaces and detailed work.

What advice would you give to (beginner) painters who want to invest in high-quality brushes?

Don’t be too economical when buying your tools. Good brushes last longer and deliver better results. Working sustainably and carefully always pays off in the end.

What would you say to someone who thinks all brushes are the same?