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

Dulux Trade Satinwood Paint Pure Brilliant White 2.5l

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler Natural 1kg

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler White 1kg

12mm Hardiebacker Board 1200mm X 800mm

Ronseal Wet Rot Wood Hardener 500ml

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler White 550g

Zinsser Cover Stain Primer & Sealer 1l

Dulux Trade Undercoat Brilliant White 2.5l

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Wood Primer & Undercoat White 2.5l

Polycell Polyfilla Quick Drying Filler 330g

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler Natural 275g

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler Natural 550g

Hammerite Metal Paint Direct To Rust Hammered Black 750ml

Prodec 1L Plastic Paint Can

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt Emulsion Paint White 5l

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt Emulsion Paint White 10l

Dulux Trade Vinyl Silk Paint Pure Brilliant White 5l

Polycell Polyfilla All Purpose Filler 2kg

Hammerite Metal Paint Direct To Rust Smooth Black 750ml

Hammerite Metal Paint Direct To Rust Smooth White 750ml

Geocel Contractors Decorators Caulk White 380ml

Dulux Trade Diamond Matt Paint Pure Brilliant White 5l

Ronseal Fence Life Plus Slate 5l

Toupret Ready Mixed Patch and Repair Filler 1.5kg

Ronseal Diamond Hard Floor Varnish Satin Clear 2.5l

Ronseal Fence Life Plus Dark Oak 5l

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain Slate 2.5l

Osmo Door Oil Satin Clear 1l

Dulux Trade Undercoat White 1l

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Wood Primer & Undercoat White 1l

Prodec Advance 4'' Short Pile Microfibre Mini Roller Refills Pack Of 2

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Satinwood Paint Pure Brilliant White 1l

Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler White 250g

Leyland Trade Vinyl Matt Emulsion Brilliant White 5l

Zinsser Perma-White Mould Resistant Interior Paint Matt 1l

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler White 275g

Polycell Polyfilla Ready Mixed All Purpose Filler 1kg

Dulux Trade Supermatt Emulsion White 10l

Zinsser BIN Primer Sealer Paint White 1l

Cuprinol 5 Star Complete Wood Treatment 5l