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

Purdy Premium Putty Knife 50mm

Purdy Premium Painter's Tool 6 In 1

Prodec Wall Brush 150mm

Prodec Contractor All Purpose Brush 75mm

Prodec Contractor All Purpose Brush 50mm

Prodec Contractor All Purpose Brush 38mm

Prodec Craftsman Brush 75mm

Purdy XL Elite Monarch Brush 38mm

Roller Sleeve 75mm

Roller Frame With Sleeve 75mm

Rota Roller Sleeve Microfibre Stick 300mm

Prodec Advance Protector Mini Dust Sheet Cotton 0.9x1.8mtr

Hammerite Special Metal Primer Red 500ml

Toupret Quick Fill Filler Lightweight 1ltr

Spontex Decorators Sponge

Zinsser Peel Stop Primer 1ltr

Hammerite Metal Paint Direct To Rust Smooth Blue 750ml

Hammerite Metal Paint Direct To Rust Smooth Gold 750ml

Hammerite Metal Paint Direct To Rust Smooth Dark Green 750ml

Hammerite Metal Paint Direct To Rust Smooth Red 750ml

Hammerite Metal Paint Direct To Rust Hammered Blue 750ml

Prodec Swivel Pole Sander Head

Fit For The Job Decorators Cork Sanding Block

Prodec Caulking Blade 250mm

Prodec Caulking Blade 300mm

Prodec Advanced Super Cling Dust Sheet Roll 4x50mtr 200m²

Dulux Trade Heritage Velvet Matt Tester Pot Green Slate 125ml

Dulux Trade Heritage Velvet Matt Tester Pot Red Sand 125ml

Toupret Quick Dry Patch & Repair Filler 5kg

Hammerite Radiator Enamel Satin Aerosol Paint White 400ml

12.5mm Hydro Insulated Tilebacker Board 2400mm X 600mm (8' X 2')

Hippo 14 Day Masking Tape 50m X 50mm Blue

Sadolin Classic Wood Protection 1L Natural

Hamilton Perfection Pure Synthetic Angled Brush 35mm W

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain 2.5L Jacobean Walnut

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain 2.5 Litres Light Oak

Oakey Liberty Green Roll 5m X 115mm 120 Grit

Mirka Sandpaper Yellow Oxide 115mm X 50mtr 80G

Prodec Triangular Shavehook

Cuprinol CX Wood Preserver 5L Clear