Question 1

1. What CSCS card do I need for painting and decorating?

Accepted Answer

To work as a painter and decorator on most UK construction sites, you’ll need a Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card. This requires completing an NVQ Level 2 in Painting and Decorating, along with passing the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test relevant to your trade.

Question 2

2. How should I price painting and decorating jobs?

Accepted Answer

Start by measuring the surface area, then factor in prep time, materials like paint supplies, and labour. Include allowances for masking, protection, drying times, and any specialist access or finishes. Always confirm client specifications in advance and allow for site conditions, snagging, and waste disposal when calculating a final price.

Question 3

3. What tools are essential for painting and decorating?

Accepted Answer

You’ll typically need brushes, rollers, trays, filling knives, sandpaper, and masking tape. For larger areas or specialist finishes, spray guns and sanding systems may be useful. Don’t forget ladders or towers, dust sheets, PPE, and reliable painting and decorating equipment suited to your trade tasks.

Question 4

4. Can I spray paint indoors on a live site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but you must take precautions. Use masking to protect surfaces, ensure good ventilation or extraction, and wear appropriate PPE. Check product safety data sheets and COSHH guidance. Always follow site rules, especially around noise, overspray, and shared workspaces during active phases of construction.

Question 5

5. What’s the best way to prep new plaster for painting?

Accepted Answer

Let fresh plaster dry fully, then apply a mist coat made from a diluted water-based emulsion. This helps seal the surface and avoid peeling. Once dry, apply two full coats of your chosen topcoat. Sand between coats if needed to achieve a smooth, even finish.

Painting and decorating supplies

Zinsser Perma-white Interior Paint 1 Litre Satin

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler 550g Natural

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler Natural 1kg

Zinsser Perma-white Interior Matt 1ltr

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler 550g White

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler White 1kg

Dulux Trade Black High gloss Metal & wood paint, 1L

Toupret Le Reboucheur Interior Filler 2kg

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Wood Primer Undercoat 2.5ltr

Bedec Multi Surface Paint Soft Matt Black 2.5L

Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler Medium 250g

Ronseal 275g High Perf.wood Filler Natural 35302

Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler White 250g

Dulux Trade Diamond Matt Emulsion Brilliant White 5ltr

Ronseal 750ml Decking End Grain Protector

Dulux Trade Vinyl Silk Emulsion Magnolia 5ltr

Hamilton Perfection Medium Pile Roller Sleeve 12''

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler White 275g

Zinsser Perma-white Interior Matt 2.5ltr

Ronseal 1Ltr Anti-Bacterial Worktop Oil

Dulux Trade Undercoat Brilliant White 2.5ltr

Polycell Trade Polyfilla One Fill 1ltr

Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler Dark 250g

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Paint Charcoal 2.5ltr

Dulux Trade Pure brilliant white Gloss Metal & wood paint, 2.5L

Dulux Trade High Gloss Paint Pure Brilliant White 2.5ltr

Shurtape 36mm X 41.1mtr Frog Tape Multi Surface

Dulux Trade Supermatt Emulsion White 10ltr

Dulux Once Pure brilliant white Gloss Metal & wood paint, 2.5L

Dulux Trade 2.5L Dark Grey Undercoat

Hamilton Performance Roller Sleeve Short Pile 9"

Ronseal 6 Year Anti Mould Paint Matt White 750ml

Leyland Trade Magnolia Matt Emulsion paint, 10L

Leyland Trade Vinyl Matt Emulsion Magnolia 5ltr

Hamilton Performance Roller Sleeve Long Pile 9"

Armstead Trade High Gloss Paint Brilliant White 2.5ltr

Polycell Trade Polyfilla Exterior Filler 2kg

Hamilton Prestige Synthetic Paintbrush 2

Zinsser Perma-white Interior Satin 2.5ltr

Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler Light 250g