March 13, 2026
2026 marks 30 years of the Dulux Select Decorators scheme
The Dulux Select Decorators scheme was set up in 1996 to help sole trading professionals improve their businesses. As well as being able to associate themselves with Dulux and stand out from the competition, the scheme offers decorators a chance to connect with experts and each other to deliver the very best for their customers.
The scheme was launched to offer decorators the power and scale of the Dulux brand and, over the years, it has evolved to ensure it continues to meet the needs of professional decorators. With ill mental health affecting over 70% of construction workers in the UK, having support from the trade community has never been more important. The Dulux Select Decorators scheme brings like-minded professionals together, while also providing exclusive benefits and external recognition that can help their businesses thrive, including a two-year quality workmanship guarantee.
Les Copestake has been a Dulux Select Decorator since 2019. He explained: “I am always looking for ways to improve my business and the Dulux Select Decorator scheme felt fitting. It enables me to meet other decorators and receive help and advice from those who are at the top of their game.
“The Facebook group is one of the main reasons that I still use the app. It is an amazing tool to have at my fingertips. It gives me unbiased and uninfluenced opinions, and answers to things that genuinely help me as a decorator. I have met decorators in the group who I would genuinely call friends, which is a huge benefit and unique for our industry.
“The Dulux Select Decorator awards are also brilliant. I entered for the first time in 2020 and managed to win the grand prize: Dulux Select Decorator of the Year. It was really unexpected, especially when surrounded by so many other brilliant decorators. Being recognised by my peers in such high regard really gave me a spring in my step and helped propel me to a new level. It gave me belief that I maybe didn’t have before.”
All potential Dulux Select Decorators undergo a thorough vetting process that includes reference checks and an on-site assessment, to ensure their working practices are to the highest standard. Once approved onto the scheme, decorators must follow the Dulux Select Code of Conduct and continue delivering quality work for customers.
Dulux Select Decorator, Mike Katembala, said: “I joined the Dulux Select Decorators scheme in June 2013 as I wanted to be a better painter, stand by my work and be proud of it. The scheme has really benefitted me and my business, as it offers support from the Dulux team, help from other members and discounts on Dulux Academy courses. My advice to anyone wanting to join the scheme is do it now, as you won’t regret it. This is the group that is winning.”
To mark 30 years of the scheme, Dulux Select Decorators will be invited to a year-long calendar of celebrations, including in-person get-togethers, opportunities to connect from home via the Fitch & Bristle virtual pub, and a gala dinner to recognise long-serving members.
Wayne de Wet, who has been a Dulux Select Decorator since the very beginning of the scheme, said: “The Dulux Select Decorators scheme has enabled me to associate my business with Dulux. It sets you apart from other decorators, and has helped me secure some incredible, high-quality work over the 30 years that I have been a member.”
