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

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler 550g Natural

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler Natural 1kg

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler 550g White

Ronseal Wet Rot Wood Hardener 500ml

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt White 5ltr

Ronseal Diamond Hard Floor Varnish Satin Clear 2.5ltr

Dulux Trade Undercoat Brilliant White 2.5ltr

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Wood Primer Undercoat 2.5ltr

12mm Hardiebacker 500 Fibre Cement Tile Backer Board 1200mm X 800mm (4' X 2.6')

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler White 1kg

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt Paint White 10ltr

Ronseal 275g High Perf.wood Filler Natural 35302

Hammerite Metal Paint Direct To Rust Hammered Black 750ml

Dulux Trade Eggshell White 2.5ltr

Dulux Trade Vinyl Silk Paint Pure Brilliant White 5ltr

Geocel Painters Mate White 310ml

Hammerite Direct To Rust Metal Smooth Finish Paint 750ml Black

Hammerite Metal Paint Direct To Rust Smooth White 750ml

White Spirit 2L

Ronseal 5Ltr Fence Life Plus+ Slate

Ronseal Fencelife Plus+ Dark Oak 5ltr

Osmo Door Oil Satin Clear 1ltr

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt Paint Magnolia 10ltr

Dulux Trade Undercoat White 1ltr

White Spirit 750ml

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Wood Primer Undercoat White 1ltr

Dulux Trade High Gloss Paint Pure Brilliant White 2.5ltr

Polycell Polyfilla Quick Dry Surface Filler 330g Tube

Polycell Trade Polyfilla All Purpose 2kg

Ronseal Trade Decking Protector Natural 5L

Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler White 250g

Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler Medium 250g

Zinsser Perma-white Interior Matt 1ltr

Geocel Contractors Decorators Caulk White 380ml

Dulux Trade Satinwood Paint 2.5L Pure Brilliant White

Polycell Trade Polyfilla Ready Mixed All Purpose Filler - 1kg

Dulux Trade Diamond Matt Emulsion Brilliant White 5ltr

Dulux Trade Supermatt Emulsion White 10ltr

Zinsser BIN Primer 1L White

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt Paint White 2.5L