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

600mm Taktec Carpet Protection Film Roll 50m

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Undercoat White 5l

Dulux Trade Wood Primer White 2.5l

Zinsser Perma-White Mould Resistant Interior Paint Satin 2.5l

Zinsser Bullseye 123 Primer & Sealer White 2.5l

Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler Medium 250g

Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler Dark 250g

Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler Light 250g

Toupret Touprelith F Masonry Repair Filler 1.5kg

Toupret Touprelith F Masonry Repair Filler 5kg

Toupret Rock Solid Repair Filler Murex 2kg

OX Tools Telescopic Universal Pole 1350-3500mm

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Paint - English Oak 2.5l

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain Light Oak 1l

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain Teak 1l

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain Mahogany 2.5l

Ronseal Trade Quick Dry Interior Varnish Matt Clear 750ml

Prodec Dust Sheet Cotton Twill 2.7x3.7mtr

Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain Mahogany 2.5l

Ronseal 6 Year Anti Mould Paint Matt White 2.5l

Dulux Trade High Gloss Paint White 1l

C-TEC FC1 Filler & Caulk White 310ml

Cuprinol UV Guard Decking Oil Natural 5l

Everbuild Roll and Stroll Hard Surface Protector 25m x 600mm Clear

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain Rich Teak 2.5l

Ronseal Trade Quick Dry Interior Varnish Gloss Clear 750ml

Soudal Trade Decorators Caulk White 290ml

Soudal Trade Gap Filler Expanding Foam Hand Held 750ml

Frog Tape Delicate-24 mm 24mm

Everbuild 404 Fungicidal Wash 5L

Dulux Trade Eggshell Paint Pure Brilliant White 2.5l

Ronseal Fence Life Plus Tudor Black Oak 5l

Leyland Trade Contract Matt Emulsion Paint Brilliant White 10l

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt Emulsion Paint Pure Brilliant White 7.5l

Mapei Super flexible White Tile Adhesive, 20kg

Ronseal Diamond Hard Garage Floor Paint Slate 5l

Dulux Easycare Matt Wall & Ceiling Paint Stonewashed Blue 2.5l

Dulux Trade High Gloss Paint Pure Brilliant White 1l

Dulux Heritage Tester Piano White 125ml

Bitumen Black Paint 2.5l