How Did Jamie Bourne Transform Decorating with Spray Finishing?

2025-03-24

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Episode Summary: In this episode of The Beard and Finisher Podcast, Zach Shrum welcomes Jamie Bourne of Abode Academy to talk about his journey from traditional decorator to one of the UK’s leading trainers in spray finishing. Jamie shares how he transitioned into education, the rise of spray techniques across the UK, and why specialty finishes like liquid metal and spray stone are creating new income streams for decorators. The conversation dives into training standards, equipment needs, and product innovations decorators face today, especially as the industry shifts from solvent t...

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Beard and Finisher Podcast, Zach Shrum welcomes Jamie Bourne of Abode Academy to talk about his journey from traditional decorator to one of the UK’s leading trainers in spray finishing. Jamie shares how he transitioned into education, the rise of spray techniques across the UK, and why specialty finishes like liquid metal and spray stone are creating new income streams for decorators.

The conversation dives into training standards, equipment needs, and product innovations decorators face today, especially as the industry shifts from solvent to water-based technologies. Jamie also offers advice on marketing, personal branding, and balancing business with life outside the booth. This episode is packed with practical knowledge, mindset shifts, and insights for decorators looking to grow both in skill and in business.

Key Takeaways:

Jamie went from full-time decorator to full-time trainer after mastering spray techniques.
Spray finishing is growing rapidly in the UK, especially with high-end specialty finishes.
Abode Academy offers in-depth training and aftercare support to elevate the industry.
Liquid metals, granite spray, and faux stone finishes are becoming highly profitable niches.
Water-based products are growing, but safety and education are lagging behind.
Personal branding and social media consistency are essential to standing out in the market.
Sales and communication matter just as much as technical decorating skills.
Jamie emphasizes balance, especially family time, as a key part of long-term success.

Sound Bites:

"It's a niche market."
"It looks like real stone."
"People think it’s safe, but it’s not."
"Consistency is key for social media growth."
"You’ve got to be dedicated to it like hard."
"My whole life is about them really."

Chapters:

00:00 — Weather Talk and Intro to Jamie Bourne
02:05 — Jamie’s Journey into the Decorating Industry
04:51 — The Rise of Spray Finishing in the UK
09:53 — Abode Academy: Training Decorators for Success
14:58 — Specialty Finishes: Liquid Metals, Spray Stone, and More
20:10 — Tools and Techniques for Spray Finishing
25:03 — Support Systems and Equipment Aftercare
30:31 — Coating Innovations and Industry Shifts
31:59 — Water-Based vs. Solvent-Based Products: Pros and Cons
39:44 — Challenges in Product Education and Application
43:15 — Advice for Aspiring Painters and Decorators
44:50 — Social Media Strategy and Building a Brand
53:47 — Fishing, Family, and Life Outside the Booth