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 Undercoat Dark Grey 2.5l

Toupret Le Reboucheur Interior Filler 2kg

Shurtape 36mm X 41.1mtr Frog Tape Multi Surface

Zinsser BIN Primer Sealer Paint White 2.5l

Ronseal Fence Life Plus Sage 5l

Dulux Trade Eggshell Paint White 2.5l

Dulux Trade Undercoat White 5l

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt Emulsion Paint Magnolia 10l

Dulux Trade Undercoat Dark Grey 1l

White Spirit 750ml

Dulux Trade High Gloss Paint Pure Brilliant White 2.5l

Dulux Trade Weathershield Exterior Undercoat Brilliant White 2.5l

6mm Hardiebacker Board 1200mm X 800mm

Geocel Painters Mate Flexible Filler White 310ml

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Satinwood Paint Pure Brilliant White 2.5l

Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain Mahogany 1l

Zinsser Cover Stain Primer & Sealer 2.5l

Toupret Quick Dry Filler TX110 2kg

Hammerite Metal Paint Direct To Rust Smooth Black 2.5l

Zinsser Peel Stop Clear Binding Primer 1l

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain Mahogany 1l

Shurtape Frogtape Delicate Surface Masking Tape 41m X 36mm

Zinsser Perma-White Mould Resistant Interior Paint Satin 1l

Evo-Stik Linseed Oil Putty Natural 1kg

Cuprinol Garden Shades Exterior Paint - Silver Birch 2.5l

Dulux Trade Vinyl Silk Emulsion Paint Magnolia 5l

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt Emulsion Paint White 2.5l

Leyland Trade Contract Matt Emulsion Paint Brilliant White 10l

Ronseal Decking End Grain Protector 750ml

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Oil Natural 5l

Dulux Trade High Gloss Paint Black 1l

Dulux Once Gloss Paint Pure Brilliant White 2.5l

Window Scraper

Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler Natural 250g

Dulux Trade Wood Primer White 1l

Sadolin Superdec Opaque Wood Protection Satin Super White 2.5l

Zinsser Bullseye 123 Primer & Sealer White 1l

Osmo Top Oil Satin Clear 500ml

Ronseal Fence Life Plus Harvest Gold 5l

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt Emulsion Paint Magnolia 2.5l