Decorating Sundries

Decorating Sundries at MTN Shop UK

Decorating sundries are the small consumable products that make the difference between a paint job that lasts five years and one that fails within twelve months. The Decorating Sundries collection covers the specialist surface treatments and chemicals that go on before the paint, not the paint itself: sugar soap for cleaning grease, nicotine and old paint residue off walls; mould killer for treating mildew growth in bathrooms and kitchens; rust remover for preparing ironwork; brass restorer for hardware and door furniture; and paint driers for accelerating oil based paint cure times in cold weather. The products are sold to UK decorators, landlords, property managers, holiday let owners and committed homeowners who understand that proper preparation determines paint longevity.

Sugar soap: the trade reference for wall cleaning

Sugar soap is the traditional UK trade name for the alkaline wall cleaning solution that strips grease, nicotine residue, old paint flakes, kitchen cooking deposits, soot, and the general grime that builds up on walls between decorating cycles. It gives a clean key for the next coat to bond to and is the single most important prep step on previously painted walls that have not been redecorated for years. Three options in the collection:

• Rustins Sugar Soap 500ml (£3.22): the classic British liquid concentrate, diluted with water (typically 1:8) and applied with a sponge or cloth, then rinsed off. The economical trade option for large area work.
• Everbuild Sugar Soap Trigger Spray 500ml (£4.50): the ready-to-use spray format for faster application on small to medium areas, no mixing required.
• Everbuild Sugar Soap Liquid Concentrate 500ml: the bulk dilution option for full property redecoration or trade use across multiple jobs.

Ronseal 3-in-1 Mould Killer

Mould and mildew in bathrooms, kitchens and any room with persistent condensation will grow back through fresh paint within months if not properly treated first. The Ronseal 3-in-1 Mould Killer kills the mould spores, removes the existing growth and protects the surface against re-growth. Available in two formats: the Trigger Spray 500ml (£7.64) for direct application on visible mould patches, and the Bottle 500ml refill (£6.12) for restocking an existing trigger or for use with a dilution sprayer on larger jobs. Apply to clean dry surfaces, wait for the recommended dwell time, then wipe off and allow to dry fully before painting. For long term mould prevention in high humidity areas, combine with a mould resistant finish like Zinsser Perma-White® from our primers and sealers range.

Rust remover and metal preparation

The Rustins Rust Remover 125ml (£2.58) is a phosphoric acid based liquid that chemically converts active rust to a stable black phosphate coating, which can be painted directly without further preparation. Used on railings, gates, ornamental ironwork, garden tools, radiators and any metal that needs repainting but cannot be fully wire brushed back to bright metal. Brush on, allow to react for the recommended time, wipe off the residue and apply primer. Pairs with Hammerite direct to rust topcoat for the standard UK ironwork specification.

Brass restorer for hardware and fittings

The Rustins Brass Restorer 125ml (£2.58) cleans tarnish, verdigris and oxidation from solid brass door furniture, lock cases, hinges, decorative fittings, candlesticks and brass ornaments. Apply with a soft cloth, work in gently, then buff to a polished finish. Not for use on lacquered brass (which has a clear protective coating that must not be stripped) or brass plated steel (which has a thin brass surface that the abrasive cleaner will wear through). Useful in period property restoration, antique furniture work and traditional joinery where original brass fittings are being retained.

Paint driers for oil based paint

The Rustins Paint Driers 300ml (£4.92) is a metallic salt additive that accelerates the drying time of traditional oil based paints, varnishes and stains in cold weather, high humidity or thick film applications where the paint would otherwise stay tacky for days. Add a small quantity (per manufacturer instructions, typically 1-2% of the paint volume) and stir thoroughly before application. Only for oil based products; will not work with water based emulsion or modern acrylics. The trade choice for finish coats applied in autumn and winter when natural drying times become impractically long.

How decorating sundries fit into the workflow

• Before painting walls: sugar soap to clean and degrease, mould killer if mildew is present, allow to dry fully.
• Before painting metal: rust remover on active corrosion, allow to react and wipe off, then primer.
• Restoring period brass fittings: brass restorer on tarnish, buff to finish, refit before redecorating.
• Cold weather painting: paint driers added to oil based finish coats to prevent overnight tackiness.

Build your decorating setup

The Decorating Sundries collection works alongside the rest of our paint and decorating range. Browse our Rustins, Ronseal and Everbuild brand pages, our primers and sealers range (including Zinsser Perma-White® for long term mould prevention), our fillers and prep range, our Hammerite direct to rust finishes, our paint strippers, plus the wider paint and decorating category.

For trade orders, full property redecoration supplies or specific Rustins, Ronseal or Everbuild references, request a quote and our team will come back with availability.