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 Satinwood Pure Brilliant White 2.5L

Dulux Trade Diamond Satinwood Pure Brilliant White 5L

Purdy 9'' Revolution Frame

600mm Taktec Carpet Protection Film Roll 50m

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Gloss Pure Brilliant White 2.5L

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Undercoat White 5L

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Satinwood Paint 1L Pure Brilliant White

Ronseal Trade Fencing Stain Forest Green 5l

Sadolin Classic Wood Protection Mahogany 1 Litre

Polycell Polyfilla Trade Fine Surface Filler 500g White

Leyland Trade Acrylic Primer Undercoat White 2.5ltr

Leyland Trade Eggshell Paint Brilliant White 2.5ltr

Hammerite Metal Paint Direct To Rust Smooth Black 5ltr

Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 Primer White 2.5ltr

Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler Dark 250g

Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler Light 250g

Toupret Touprelith F Masonry Repair Filler 5kg

Zinsser Peel Stop Primer 1ltr

Paint Kettle Plastic 2.5ltr

OX Pro Telescopic Universal Pole 1350-3500mm

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Paint English Oak 2.5ltr

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain Light Oak 1L 5028574

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain Teak 1L 5028534

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain 2.5L Mahogany

Ronseal Trade Quick Dry Interior Varnish 750ml Matt

Ronseal Trade Quick Dry Interior Varnish 2.5L Clear

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Paint Slate 2.5ltr

Shurtape Frogtape Delicate Surface Masking Tape 41m X 36mm

Ronseal 6 Year Anti Mould Paint Matt White 2.5L

Dulux Trade High Gloss Paint White 1ltr

Cuprinol Garden Shades Exterior Paint - Silver Birch 2.5l

C-TEC FC1 Filler & Caulk White 310ml

Cuprinol UV Guard Decking Oil Natural 5ltr

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

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain Dark Oak 2.5ltr

Ronseal Trade Quick Dry Interior Varnish Gloss Clear 750ml

Soudal Trade Decorators Caulk White 290ml

Hammerite Direct To Rust Metal Paint Smooth White 2.5l

Mapei Super flexible White Tile Adhesive, 20kg

Ronseal Diamond Hard Slate Satinwood Garage floor paint, 5L