70 | CONTRACTING Crispy Painting Solid builds. Detailed Process. Quality YouCan Trust. Key Specialities: NewBuilds Renovations & Extensions Full Project Management Decking & Fencing Architectural Landscaping GET IN TOUCH Phone: 021 474 867 Email: info@rhinobuild.co.nz Web: rhinobuild.co.nz Solid • Detailed • Quality TM www.danam.co.nz SCAFFOLDING SAFETY NETS EDGE PROTECTION SHRINKWRAP MOBILE SCAFFOLDS Call or email the team for a free no obligation quote: 0800 DANAM SCAFF (0800 326 267) admin@danam.co.nz Being fussy brings its rewards Ruakaka-based Crispy Painting was recognised at the Master Painters NZ Awards, claiming a Gold Award and a category win. T T Sue Russell “We go anywhere in between Mangawhai and Whangarei. The size we are at the moment, there’s enough work to keep us busy.” This year, the exemplary attention to detail and craftsmanship of Ruakaka-based Crispy Painting was recognised at the Master Painters NZ Awards, claining a Gold Award and a category win. Owner, Chris Butler, says he was delighted to receive the awards, having submitted two house projects in the over $30k category. “The home we took out the category win in had curved walls, ceilings and architraves. I think that was the home’s architectural point of difference, and because of this detailing the paint quality needed to really be exceptional. Having said this, I was still surprised we took out the category.” Chris joined Master Painters last year, encouraged by the professional standards the organisation upholds, and the networking possibilities – a decision he hasn’t regretted. “It’s actually really good to belong to an organisation with like-minded business owners. We are all dealing with similar things, and it’s just a good place to share thoughts and ideas.” Chris has been painting for about 15 years now and started running his own business five years ago. He reflects that this year, things have felt a little slower. His son, Fidel, who has just signed on for his apprenticeship through BCITO, and one other staff member make up the painting crew, with and the bulk of work being in the residential space. “We go anywhere in between Mangawhai and Whangarei. The size we are at the moment, there’s enough work to keep us busy,” Chris says. And while new painting technologies and applications evolve over time, Chris says the good basics of how to paint well, remain unaltered. Of the two projects submitted for judging, both from One Tree Point, the Gold Award was given to the largest house, a significant 620sqm, single-level interior project. “It was quite an undertaking. We almost treated it as three houses in one,” says Chris. “It took us the best part of two months non-stop to complete, but when we stepped back and looked at the finish we knew we had something very special. The award was the icing on the cake really.” Regarding the trends that come and go, Chris says he has noticed in the last few years a lot more use of colour coming in to the interior painting space, including feature walls. “Wallpapers have also come into their own, but these things are cyclical.” Chris began his painting career after he left high school, recalling asking the father of a friend if he wanted some help. “We’re just a small company, but I’m very fussy about the quality of our work. We punch well above our size, for sure. I think we carry the values that small family businesses do – wanting to do a good honest job, something to be proud of and give our customers a really positive experience.” Chris says he hopes more young people are attracted to taking on qualifications and learning from those experienced in the sector. “It’s a trade that demands attention to detail, patience and a very good eye for detail, but there’s nothing better than stepping back from a job well done and seeing the impact a top- quality painting surface has to an interior.”
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