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 Catalyst 30g

Dulux Trade Diamond Satinwood Pure Brilliant White 1L

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Undercoat Paint 1L White

Leyland Trade Vinyl Matt Paint Brilliant White 5ltr

Zinsser Cover Stain 2.5ltr

Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler Medium 250g

Toupret Touprelith F Masonry Repair Filler 1.5kg

Toupret Quick Dry Filler TX110 2kg

Hammerite Metal Paint Direct To Rust Smooth Silver 750ml

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain Teak 2.5L

Dulux Trade Undercoat Paint 5L Brilliant White

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain Ebony 1L 5028542

Dulux Trade High Gloss Paint 2.5L White

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Paint Charcoal 2.5ltr

Dulux Trade Diamond Eggshell Pure Brilliant White 5L

Dulux Trade High Gloss Black 2.5L

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain Rich Teak 2.5ltr

Ronseal Trade Total Wood Preserver Clear 5ltr

Ronseal Fence Life Plus 5L Tudor Black Oak

Everbuild One Strike Ready Mixed Filler 1L

Dulux Trade 7.5Ltr Vinyl Matt Emulsion Pure Brilliant White

Mapei Rapid set Grey Adhesive, 20kg

Dulux Trade Emulsion Supermatt White 5.0L

Dulux High Gloss Pure Brilliant White 1L, Solvent Based, 18 sq m/l Coverage Area

Ronseal One Coat Fence Life 5L Dark Oak

Ronseal Wet Rot Wood Hardener 250ml

Zinsser Bulls Eye 1.2.3 Primer - Sealer - Stain Killer 1L White

Bostik Cempolatex Latex Floor Leveller 20kg Grey

Ronseal 5Ltr Woodworm Killer

Ronseal Decking Cleaner & Reviver 5ltr

Colron Refined Teak Oil 500ml

Vitrex Grout Rake

Gyproc Easifiller Light 2.5L

Gyproc Easifiller Finish 3L

Armstead Trade High Gloss Paint Brilliant White 2.5ltr

Dulux Trade Undercoat Brilliant White 1ltr

Polycell Trade Polyfilla Exterior Filler 2kg

Hamilton Prestige Synthetic Paintbrush 2

Purdy 12''- 18'' Adjustable Frame

Dulux Trade Diamond Satinwood Pure Brilliant White 2.5L