Eto Paint and Up-Cycling Technician

Paint Reuse Operative

As the Eto Paint and Upcycling Technician, I’m responsible for collecting, checking, and reblending water-based paints that come into our four recycling centres. Once the paint has been quality-checked and safely processed, I relabel it and prepare it for delivery to our reuse shop, Canolfan Eto in Nantycaws, where it’s ready for customers to use again.

I also upcycle unique pieces of furniture that are donated to our repair workshop. I restore, paint, and give each item a new lease of life, ready to be sold in our reuse shops. Whether it’s interior or exterior paint, or a one-off piece of furniture, I make sure everything meets a high standard before it reaches the shop floor. It’s a great feeling to know that my work helps reduce waste and supports people in choosing more sustainable options.

My Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Collect water-based paint from our four recycling centres

• Check and assess the quality of donated paint

• Reblend suitable paint to create usable products for reuse

• Relabel and prepare tins for delivery to Canolfan Eto

• Organise and maintain the paint storage area to ensure safety and efficiency

• Select and upcycle donated furniture items from the repair workshop

• Sand, paint, and restore furniture to a high standard

• Make sure all products are shop-ready and meet reuse quality guidelines

• Support the wider team with deliveries and shop displays when needed

• Engage with customers and visitors about the benefits of paint reuse and upcycling

My Journey to Where I Am Now

After spending ten years working abroad as a lift technician, I returned to Wales looking for a new opportunity. I initially joined CWM Environmental through an agency, working at one of the household waste recycling centres. This gave me a good insight into the company’s values and its commitment to sustainability.

In August 2024, I successfully applied for a permanent position as an Eto Paint Technician. More recently, my role has expanded to include the upcycling of furniture items donated to our repair workshop. This new direction has allowed me to combine practical skills with creativity, while continuing to support CWM’s mission to reduce waste and promote reuse in the community.

Key Attributes for Success in My Role

My previous experience working for a company called Aadolin gave me a strong foundation in blending paints and maintaining high cleaning standards, both of which are essential in my current role. Attention to detail, patience, and a hands-on approach are key. It also helps to have a good eye for colour, an interest in restoration, and a genuine commitment to reducing waste through reuse and upcycling.

What I Love About My Role & Challenges

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is blending different types of paint, whether it’s matte, silk, masonry, or kitchen and bathroom paints, and creating new, usable colours from materials that would otherwise go to waste. It’s satisfying to see the finished product, knowing it’s stable, high quality, and ready for reuse.

I also really enjoy upcycling furniture. Giving an old item a second life and turning it into something functional and visually appealing is both creative and fulfilling.

Of course, there are challenges too. Each batch of paint needs to be carefully balanced to ensure consistency and safety. Furniture restoration can be unpredictable, but that’s all part of what keeps the role interesting.