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

4trade Boiled Linseed Oil 500ml

Sadolin Classic Wood Protection Teak 2.5L

Dulux Trade Quick Drying Eggshell Mouldshield 5L Pure Brilliant White

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain 2.5L Jacobean Walnut

Sadolin Classic Wood Protection 2.5L Jacobean Walnut

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain 2.5 Litres Light Oak

Sadolin Classic Wood Protection 2.5L Light Oak

Oakey Liberty Green Roll 5m X 115mm 120 Grit

Prodec Triangular Shavehook

Faithfull Heavy-duty Scratch Brush 4 Row

Prodec Dust Sheet Cotton Twill 2.7x3.7mtr

Sadolin Classic Wood Protection 2.5 Litres Mahogany

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain 1L Redwood

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain 1L Natural

Polycell Trade Polyfilla All Purpose Filler 10kg

Sadolin Polyurethane Varnish Matt Clear 1 Litre

Ox Pro 8'' Taping Knife

Ultratape Low Tack Masking Tape 50mm X 50m

Bedec Barn Paint Matt Black 2.5L

Bedec Barn Paint Matt Black 5L

Everbuild Multi-purpose Wood Filler 250ml Light Stainable

Everbuild One Strike Filler 5 Litre White

Ronseal One Coat Tile Paint Satin White 750ml

Cuprinol Ultimate Garden Wood Preserver Autumn Brown 4L

Cuprinol Anti-Slip Decking Stain Natural 5L

Cuprinol Anti Slip Decking Stain Hampshire Oak 2.5ltr

Ronseal Yacht Varnish Satin Clear 2.5ltr

Ronseal Clear Yacht Varnish - Gloss 2.5ltr

Dulux Trade Diamond Glaze Varnish Clear Satin 1ltr

Ronseal Trade 10 Year Woodstain Satin Walnut 2.5ltr

Ronseal Trade 10 Year Woodstain Satin Teak 2.5ltr

Ronseal Trade Total Wood Preserver Green 5ltr

Osmo Polyx Hard Wax Oil Effect Raw Transparent 750ml

Azpects EasyTileAlign Levelling Caps 50pk

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Varnish Clear Gloss 1ltr

Armstead Trade Vinyl Matt 10L White

Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint - Mid Stone - 5L

EVO-STIK Decorators Caulk White 280ml

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Varnish Clear Satin 1ltr

Dulux Trade Polyurethane Varnish Clear Satin 1ltr