Kannan Seshadri, Ph.D., is an advanced product development specialist for 3M. He has extensive experience with the development of products, including abrasives, and also holds patents and has published scientific articles related to coatings and abrasives. Here, Seshadri answers a question about how to work with sanding sponges. Q: I’m using a…

In the world of paint tools, new product ideas can show up in a passing moment for any paint pro facing an on-the-job challenge. Some seize those moments and create products that fulfill a need. DUAL HEAD TIP EXTENSION That was the case with the Dual Head Tip Extension from Hyde Tools….

No matter the type of work you specialize in—interior or exterior, residential or commercial or industrial—every job comes with its own unique demands, requiring you to choose the right tape for the job. Fortunately, tape manufacturers have kept pace with ever-changing coating and substrate options and now offer a wide range of…

Some busy painting professionals simply don’t have the time or resources to build a company website. Instead, many opt for a Facebook business page that becomes their go-to source for finding customers and communicating with them. It’s not a bad online marketing start, but there are some pitfalls to staying this course…

Archie Bartel is a wholesale marketing director for Sherwin-Williams. In this position, he works with a wide range of painting professionals and learns of the challenges they face with finding and hiring talent. Here, he answers a question about training. Q: What tips can you offer for training those new to the…