Video summary

J’ai testé le Matériel ACTION Comme un Peintre Pro

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product reviewed

A range of DIY/pro painting tools and protection materials sold at Action, mainly from the:

  • TCX line (technical masking tapes and related protection)
  • Spectrum line (preparation tools, painting mounts/rollers/sleeves, brushes, abrasives)

Key features & what was tested

1) TCX technical masking tapes (3 types, ~36–38 mm wide)

Pink (sometimes purple): low adhesion

  • Used to mask/preserve edges after painting to avoid paint bleed onto adjacent surfaces.
  • Also used for sealants on sensitive surfaces.
  • Reported as especially effective after use on construction sites.

Apricot: protective for areas you don’t want to “run away”

  • Protects well without shifting/creeping.
  • Can be left a couple of days without issues.
  • Works well for protecting workspaces using kraft paper, especially on the floor; also adheres to baseboards.
  • Claimed advantage over “classic painter’s tape”: can stay longer without leaving traces.

Blue: weather/UV resistant

  • More resistant to weathering/UV, suitable for outdoor use.
  • Less ideal for long indoor stays (e.g., not always ideal to leave 15 days / 3 weeks, especially mid-summer).

Durability note

  • Tape damage to the substrate can still occur (not unique to TCX).
  • Outside testing mentioned: 3–4 weeks on tiles without particular problems.

Overall rating

  • The narrator gives 100% approval to all three technical masking tapes.

2) Action protection sheets/film (tarpaulin + protective film)

Thick tarpaulin

  • Size: 4 m x 4 m (16 m²), intended for ground protection.
  • Compared to “professional ranges” often around 20 m².
  • Thickness not clearly stated by the brand; narrator estimates ~30 microns.
  • Tears relatively quickly when applied.
  • Not recommended for long-duration ground work.
  • Fine for protecting furniture and small projections/plaster bits with light scraping.
  • Not for plaster/brick: “it will tear anyway.”

Protective film

  • Very thin; estimated ~7 microns.
  • Used to protect small items/furniture (wrap “like a turban”) during painting.
  • Not for ground (tears immediately).

Overall verdict

  • 100% approval for the protective film.
  • Tarpaulin is mainly for basic work.

3) Spectrum multi-function “riflar” / scraper (core tool)

Main praised aspects

  • Includes a feature for small sleeves (not all multi-function scrapers have this).
  • Full bevel scraping edge (instead of the “field-to-fine bevel” many pro models use), making deep scraping easier.
  • Resharpening advantage: blade “foams” when scraping and can be resharpened to keep removing plaster/paint.
  • Thin blade (~1.1 mm):
    • Adds flexibility for stripping/purging.
    • Caution: don’t press too hard; possible bend/break at joints.
  • Reported performance: can surpass some professional models when removing paint without damaging the surface.
  • Recommendation: “invest” because it supports high-quality results.

Noted drawbacks / minor annoyances

  • Nail puller: not useful for rusty/narrow nails (leverage bends it).
  • Some attachment limitations: a more square footprint would help for certain lock/door operations.
  • Can opener: very sharp; risk of injury if you slip; needs sharpening/grinding if damaged.
  • “Skin opener”: not very useful; tends to damage plastic lips and can lead to air pockets/paint issues.
  • Accessories can be situation-dependent; not universally “transcendent.”

4) Spectrum knives + putty/coating knives

Knives: generally positive

  • Described as far from bad for DIY.
  • Bimat / elastomer handle: grip-friendly; reduces dropping; works with slightly damp hands.
  • Thinner blades: more “plasterer-like” feel and better for tight fit.
  • Blades are sharpened; useful for calico/strips and some “temporary repair” tasks.

Knife criticisms

  • Geometry issues:
    • Handle can be too prominent.
    • Symmetrical edge may cause removed material to stick to the blade, slowing work.
  • Coating/putty knife (250 mm):
    • Claims: ~70 mm blade clearance, ~0.5 mm blade thickness, doesn’t deform.
    • Downsides: can “jump” due to clearance.
    • Rust issue observed on a stainless knife sample (possible low chromium/defect). Reader asked whether similar rust is known.

5) Abrasives / sanding block (negative)

  • Abrasive sanding block/sheets:
    • Bulky, uncomfortable handle/pommel.
    • Abrasive relaxes quickly; breaks or shifts side-to-side during sanding.
    • Smell described as extremely unpleasant (“smells like snot”).
  • Overall narrator recommendation: do not recommend.

Tools for painting (Spectrum / Action mounts, poles, trays, sleeves)

Telescopic/extension & compatibility

  • Key theme: compatibility with professional systems.
  • Many Action mounts reportedly fit well with professional poles/sleeves (highlighted as a major plus).

Aluminium pole for ceiling painting

  • Button-unfolding pole with locking.
  • Working height (folded/extended roughly):
    • ~102–103 cm folded → ~172–173 cm extended
    • Depends on the sleeve fiber height.
  • Range of mount compatibility emphasized:
    • Action mounts may not fit every off-brand mount.
    • Narrator recommends using a known compatible Rota mount.
  • Criticism:
    • Deployment height is lower than professional poles (typically ~200–210 cm), so it may be short for higher ceilings.

Mounts / stirrups / trays

  • Paint tray frames (stirrups):
    • Praised as robust enough even with solvent-based products.
  • Weight/feel:
    • Compared favorably; roughly equivalent weight.
  • Price-to-performance:
    • Repeated “excellent value” compared with professional.

Small trays & mini sleeves

  • Mini tray and sleeves are convenient for tight areas/corners.
  • Pricing note:
    • Mini tray described around €1 (as remembered).
  • Compatibility:
    • Mini tray imprint fits professional poles.
    • Better lock with the 180 mm variant.

Sleeves/rollers (most detailed segment)

General stance

  • For DIY, many rollers/sleeves are usable.
  • However, quality is inconsistent, especially for microfiber and short-fiber sleeves.
  • Strong advice: avoid poorly specified/low-quality sleeves if you care about finish—one bad sleeve can ruin a costly job.

Microfiber sleeves: important distinctions

  • High density / longer pile (e.g., ~12–18 mm class):
    • Generally better performance with fewer streaks.
  • Short-fiber microfiber (~5–6 mm):
    • Not recommended; fiber loss and uneven finish risk.
  • Some Action microfibers:
    • Can be uneven or poorly constructed; may shed fibers.

Beveled/“folded edge” special sleeve (positive)

  • A particular Action sleeve has beveled edges with folded edge.
  • Claims/benefits:
    • Improved durability and reduced visible marks.
    • Helps prevent paint from getting underneath and causing cracking/unsightly effects.
  • Fit/length caution:
    • Reported length may be slightly too long (~257 mm vs expected 250 mm), potentially touching the roller frame/handle and requiring adjustment.

Knitted polyester sleeves

  • Generally good for everyday work.
  • One noted as very cheap (~20 cents each).
  • Key condition: check batch quality (how well the sleeve is made).
  • Clamping behavior:
    • Professional sleeves include a ring that holds the wire better.
    • Basic Action sleeves can have more lateral movement at this price tier.

Polyester vs microfiber vs synthetic wool

  • Synthetic wool (“polycrylic”, softer, wrinklier):
    • Good only for entry-level/basic paints.
    • Shorter lifespan; wrinkles sooner.
    • Not ideal for better finishes or velvet/satin types.
  • Polyester:
    • More suited to matte paints; often acceptable.
    • Better glide on thicker/oilier products like velvet/satin.

Brush review (Paint accessory range)

Sash brushes (edging/stenciling)

  • Action offers sash brush sizes commonly 15, 18, 21 in sets.
  • Criticism vs professional:
    • Shorter fiber outlet/reach than professional brushes (professional may have >20 mm reach).
    • Requires skill; inexperience can cause bleeding/uneven edging.
  • Recommendation:
    • Narrator wishes Action offered larger common sizes like 25, 27, 29 for easier edging.

Other brushes (mixed)

  • Some “zapping brushes”:
    • Poor cutting/dirty application; mainly useful for dusting, not varnish/paint.
  • A spalter brush (100 mm mentioned):
    • Better-tier quality; flexible fibers help blend stains/varnish.
    • Too much pressure can deform fibers and create small droplets.

Flat brushes

  • Described as somewhat misleading:
    • Looks thick, but “wedge/shims” reduce density → entry-level feel.
  • Still workable with care (e.g., masking tape/edging), but limited for thick paints.

Pros (recurring positives)

  • TCX technical tapes: very effective and durable; all three types approved.
  • Protective film (7 microns): excellent for small furniture protection; easy “wrap and paint.”
  • Spectrum multi-function scraper: standout value; full-bevel scraping + easy resharpening + good flexibility.
  • Many poles/mounts/trays offer strong value and compatibility with professional systems.
  • Certain roller sleeves (especially higher-density microfiber and beveled-edge versions) can produce clean, consistent results.

Cons (recurring negatives)

  • Abrasives: poor durability/comfort and strong unpleasant odor → not recommended.
  • Some accessories/brush types:
    • Low cleanliness, short reach, or misleading construction (flat brush density).
  • Microfiber rollers can be inconsistent:
    • Short-fiber versions can shed fibers or leave marks.
    • Some sleeves may have fit/length issues (257 mm vs expected 250 mm).
  • Some knives show rust risk (possible manufacturing/grade issue).
  • Multi-function tool accessories (nail puller/can opener/skin opener) are not universally useful.

Comparisons made

  • TCX technical tapes implicitly compared to “classic painter’s tape”:
    • Apricot allegedly leaves no traces longer.
  • Spectrum scraper compared to professional riflars:
    • Full bevel + thin blade + resharpening described as potentially surpassing some pro models.
  • Ceiling poles/mounts compared to professional height:
    • Action pole max usable height (~172–173 cm) vs ~200–210 cm professional systems.
  • Brushes compared to professional sash brushes:
    • Action sizes (15/18/21) have shorter reach, making stenciling/edging harder.

Unique points list (all distinct product-related claims)

  • TCX masking tapes: 3 types, ~36–38 mm wide.
  • Pink/purple tape:
    • Low adhesion for paint edge masking and sealants on sensitive surfaces.
  • Apricot tape:
    • Stays a couple of days.
    • Great with kraft paper floor protection.
    • Adheres to baseboards.
    • Leaves no trace longer than classic painter tape.
  • Blue tape:
    • Better UV/weather resistance.
    • Mainly outdoor use.
    • Less ideal to leave 15 days–3 weeks in summer.
  • Outside tests:
    • Leaving outside on tiles 3–4 weeks had no particular problems.
  • Tarpaulin:
    • 4 m x 4 m (16 m²), ground-focused.
    • Estimated ~30 microns; tears quickly.
    • Not for long-duration ground work.
    • Okay for furniture; not for plaster/brick.
  • Protective film:
    • Estimated ~7 microns.
    • Excellent for wrapping small furniture; not for ground.
  • Spectrum multi-function scraper:
    • Includes small-sleeve remover feature.
    • Full-bevel edge.
    • Blades resharpenable.
    • Thin blade (~1.1 mm) adds flexibility.
    • Some accessories (nail puller, can opener, skin opener) are low usefulness or risky.
  • Spectrum knives:
    • Bimat elastomer handle for grip.
    • Thinner blades.
    • Generally usable; some shapes can cause debris sticking.
  • Coating/putty knife:
    • ~70 mm clearance, ~0.5 mm thickness, doesn’t deform.
    • May “jump.”
    • Stainless rust observed in one sample.
  • Abrasive/sanding block:
    • Bulky, relaxes/shifts, side-shifts, extreme bad smell → not recommended.
  • Aluminium extension pole:
    • Button-unfold, locks.
    • Effective height ~102–103 cm to 172–173 cm.
    • Some mount compatibility issues; recommends specific Rota mount.
    • Shorter than pro poles.
  • Mounts/trays:
    • Compatible with solvent-based uses.
    • Good value; can fit professional poles.
  • Mini tray & mini sleeves:
    • Around €1 remembered for the mini tray.
    • Great for tight areas.
    • Professional-level practicality.
    • Compatibility with “Perfect tool” poles.
  • 250 mm tray and 250 sleeve kit:
    • Higher-quality tray.
    • Smaller tray flex/overflow risk with too much paint.
    • 250 sleeve tray should use 180 sleeves.
  • Roller sleeves:
    • Knitted polyester: cheap; check batch quality; more lateral movement without professional ring.
    • Microfiber: inconsistent; short-fiber sheds/marks; high-density versions can perform well.
    • Beveled-edge microfiber: better finish, less cracking/marks; possible slight overlength (~257 mm).
    • Polycrylic/synthetic wool: entry-level; wrinkles sooner; shorter lifespan; not for velvet/satin.
    • Polyester: good for matte; better glide on oilier products.
  • Brushes:
    • Sash brush sets (15/18/21): short reach; harder edging/stenciling; narrator wants larger sizes (25/27/29).
    • Cheap “zapping” brushes: rough/dirty; dusting only.
    • Spalter brush: flexible fibers blend; too much pressure causes droplets.
    • Flat brushes: misleading density due to shims; entry-level.

Speaker-specific views

  • Primary narrator (single viewpoint throughout):
    • Provides the main reviews, performance tests, durability observations, compatibility claims, and recommendations.
    • Strongly approves TCX tapes + protective film.
    • Strongly negative on the sanding abrasive and mixed performance on some brushes/sleeves.

Concise verdict / recommendation

  • Buy Action/TCX “technical masking tapes” and the protective film—they’re repeatedly praised for performance and durability.
  • For tools, the Spectrum full-bevel multi-function scraper is a standout value purchase.
  • Be selective: avoid the abrasive sanding block, and don’t assume all sleeves/brushes are equal—microfiber and some brush lines are inconsistent and can ruin a finish if chosen wrong.

Original video