BIRSTALL, UK, 21st May 2026 – JOHNSTONE’S PAINT™, a brand by PPG (NYSE: PPG), has unveiled Lee Burns Decorators Ltd as the Supreme Winner at the 42nd annual Johnstone’s Painter of the Year Awards.
Voted for on the night by fellow attendees, Lee Burns Decorators Ltd was awarded the prestigious title as their second win of the night after they took home the Residential category award for the outstanding work on Matheson Church, Dunoon.
The historic project required highly skilled, intricate work as the team completely transformed the church’s 172-year-old interior into a bright, modern private residence. The team had to carefully work around striking original features, including a large stained-glass window that dates back to 1867. Also uncovered and brought back to life during the project were the original exposed timber ceiling beams that had been hidden under years of paint layers.
To restore the Victorian-era building and protect it for years to come the team used a variety of Johnstone’s Trade products, including Aqua Guard Primer Undercoat, Aqua Guard Durable Satin, Perfect Matt and Woodworks Quick Dry Polyurethane Varnish Satin and Gloss.
Matt Baines, PPG general manager Architectural Coatings UK & Ireland, said: “A big congratulations to Lee Burns Decorators Ltd on their double win which saw them take home the coveted Supreme Winner title and the prize of a brand-new van. The project required an incredible amount of skill and patience which the team expertly demonstrated when giving this historic building a new lease of life.
“The building’s height, complex angles and original features presented the team with an array of challenges and it’s no small feat that they were able to produce the high-quality finish that they did. We’re incredibly proud that they chose a selection of Johnstone’s Trade products to help them achieve this and ensure that generations to come can enjoy this incredible building.”
Professional painters, decorators and render system applicators from across the UK and Ireland travelled to Glasgow for the awards ceremony on Saturday 16th May, a night of recognition for the skill and craftsmanship the industry has to offer. This year also saw the exciting introduction of three new categories; Exterior, Shared Spaces and Stadium Hospitality.
Category winners
- External Wall Insulation: JW Plastering & Rendering Ltd – Sandford Grange, Liverpool
- Render: Rhondda Rendering Systems – Tyn Y Cae, Cowbridge
- Industrial: G I Sykes Ltd – West Bromwich Albion FC
- Exterior: Alfred Bagnall & Sons (East Midlands) Ltd – Lollipoppet Castle, Sundown Adventureland
- Education: Johns of Nottingham – Yeoman Park Academy, Mansfield
- Shared Spaces: D&D Painters and Decorators Limited – The Monocle, Hull
- Stadium Hospitality: Story Decorating Group Ltd – Everton Football Club, Liverpool
- Residential: Lee Burns Decorators Ltd – Matheson Church, Dunoon
- Leisure & Recreation: Protective and Decorative Coatings Ltd – Penicuik House, Penicuik
The theme of the evening incorporated the 2026 PPG Colour of the Year, Secret Safari, with biophilic design and greenery throughout the venue.
Megan Esmond, PPG Marketing Director, UK & Ireland, Architectural Coatings, said: “It was an electric evening filled with great company, incredible fundraising and live music – truly an opportunity for the hardworking attendees to get some much-deserved recognition and enjoy the celebrations.
“It was an honour to have snooker legend Dennis Taylor in attendance as our VIP guest, and attendees enjoyed watching him as he took to the table for some trick shots. Congratulations to all of our amazing finalists and category winners, and a special mention for our overall Supreme Winner!”
Entries for Johnstone’s Painter of the Year Awards 2026 are open now. To submit your project, visit: https:/zealous.co/johnstonespoty