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 Diamond Matt Paint Magnolia 5l

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler Catalyst 30g

Dulux Trade Diamond Satinwood Pure Brilliant White 1l

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Gloss Paint Pure Brilliant White 2.5l

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Undercoat Paint White 1l

Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler Medium 250g

Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler Dark 250g

Toupret Touprelith F Masonry Repair Filler 1.5kg

Hammerite Metal Paint Direct To Rust Smooth Silver 750ml

Paint Kettle Plastic 2.5ltr

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain Teak 2.5l

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain Ebony 2.5l

Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain Teak 2.5l

Dulux Trade Weathershield Exterior Undercoat Brilliant White 5l

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain Ebony 1l

Dulux Trade High Gloss Paint White 2.5l

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Paint - Charcoal 2.5l

Zinsser Perma-White Mould Resistant Interior Paint Satin 1l

Dulux Trade Diamond Eggshell Paint Pure Brilliant White 5l

Dulux Trade High Gloss Paint Black 2.5l

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain Rich Teak 2.5l

Leyland Trade Vinyl Silk Emulsion Brilliant White 5l

Dulux Trade Eggshell Paint Pure Brilliant White 2.5l

Ronseal Fence Life Plus Tudor Black Oak 5l

Colron Knotting Solution 125ml

Vitrex Grout Finisher

White Spirit 2l

Dulux Trade Vinyl Silk Paint Pure Brilliant White 10l

Dulux Trade Supermatt Emulsion White 5l

OX-P531501 Speedskim Universal Pole Attachment

Ronseal Wet Rot Wood Hardener 250ml

RONSEAL Soft Grip Fence Life Paint Brush - 4 Inch (101mm)

Ronseal Fence Life Plus Medium Oak 5l

Ronseal Fence Life Plus Charcoal Grey 5l

Bostik Cempolatex Latex Floor Leveller Grey 20kg

Osmo Top Oil Matt Clear 500ml

Ronseal Woodworm Killer 5l

Ronseal Decking Cleaner & Reviver 5ltr

Polycell Polyfilla Easy Sand Interior Filler 2kg

Colron Refined Teak Oil 500ml