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Records of Achievement: Speed, Scale, and Artistry While the Guinness World Records may not have a dedicated "painting and decorating" category, the craft's impact is undeniable. Notably, the record for the fastest time to paint a 10-square-meter wall stands at an impressive 4 minutes and 40 seconds, achieved by Wilhelm Probst in 2006. This feat showcases the remarkable speed and efficiency that professional painters can achieve.

Beyond speed, the world of painting and decorating encompasses diverse achievements. The longest painting by an individual, measuring a staggering 5,310 meters, was created by Luca Fruzzetti in 2020. This artwork, titled "The Walk of Peace," symbolizes hope and resilience in the face of adversity. In the realm of large-scale artistry, murals have captivated audiences worldwide. Although records are not always officially recognized, artists like Eduardo Kobra have pushed boundaries with their massive spray paint murals, showcasing the collaborative power and creative potential of the medium. A Turning Point: The VOC Revolution

The painting and decorating industry has not only embraced artistic advancements but also prioritized environmental responsibility. One significant shift has been the phasing out of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paints and finishes. VOCs, once common in paints, release harmful fumes into the air and contribute to air pollution. The move towards low-VOC and VOC-free products began in the late 20th century, with various countries implementing regulations to limit VOC content in paints and other coatings. For example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced stricter VOC regulations in 1998, and the European Union followed suit with similar measures. Today, many countries have regulations in place to control VOC emissions, making the painting and decorating industry more sustainable and environmentally friendly.  

Restorative works such as gilding, solid plaster repairs and heritage wallpaper should ultimately require a professional touch, as professional painters also take the responsibility in meeting and exceeding the customers expectations. The final touch to every project will determine how well you showcase your property and its' living spaces, which is a great deal of responsibility. As the industry evolves, embracing sustainable practices and pushing the boundaries of creativity, it remains an integral part of our cultural landscape, enhancing our lives and enriching our environments. 

Published 14/07/2024, by Andrew Grey

As of Two days ago the 20/04/2023, invitations were sent out for the Master Painters Association of Victoria and Tasmania "Awards for Excellence 2022".

Best of luck to all the nominees, and Women at Work Painters congratulations for being nominated again🎉. Invitations to the Awards for Excellence have been sent out to members and stakeholders. "Check your letterbox, and if its empty, please email media@mpav.com.au for a digital invite and booking form 😊." Masters Painters Association of Victoria and Tasmania

Anti-bacterial coatings are now being used in medical equipment, as recent studies have shown that the tracheal microflora of intubated patients with subglottic stenosis is imbalanced. The use of conventional antibiotics can upset both the “good” and “bad” bacteria and can also lead to antimicrobial resistance. Instead, researchers are investigating the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are small proteins that destabilize bacterial membranes and disrupt bacterial cells to death. Furthermore, activated carbon coatings are being investigated for their resistance to bacteria, parasites, and viruses.

Moving on to water-based industrial coatings, regulators in the US and North America are pushing to reduce VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds found in solvent-based and in small quantities in many water-based paints and coatings. The new standards can be met by using water-based paint and high-solids solvent-borne paints. Recent gains in the performance of water-based industrial coatings together with advances in application equipment are helping to make this a reality. This is a significant shift, as traditionally, industrial painters were not keen on using water-based paint for their applications.

Lastly, antimicrobial paints are a real thing now (2022) - the FN® interior and exterior range of paints. These paints contain microscopic crystals of the titanium dioxide semiconductor, which is a necessary ingredient for the photocatalysis reaction. When light hits the paint surface, it turns into a powerful cleansing and antimicrobial agent that literally burns up airborne bacteria, viruses, and pathogens upon contact. This technology is particularly relevant in today's times, as it offers protection against the deposition of pathogenic germs, including Covid-19 Coronavirus. You can learn more about this technology by visiting www.fn-nano.com.