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

Toupret Touprelith F Masonry Repair Filler 5kg

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

Dulux Trade High Gloss Paint White 1ltr

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain Dark Oak 2.5ltr

Osmo Top Oil Matt Clear 500ml

Hammerite Metal Paint Smooth White 2.5L

Dulux Trade 7.5Ltr Vinyl Matt Emulsion Pure Brilliant White

Ronseal Fence Life Plus Dark oak Matt Exterior Wood paint, 5L

Mapei Rapid set Grey Adhesive, 20kg

Dulux Trade Pure brilliant white Silk Emulsion paint, 10L

Dulux Trade Pure brilliant white Gloss Metal & wood paint, 2.5L

Sandtex Highcover Masonry Paint Brilliant White 5L

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain Slate 2.5ltr

RONSEAL One Coat Fence Life Harvest Gold - 5l

Fit For The Job Jumbo Sponge

Bostik Cempolatex Latex Floor Leveller 20kg Grey

Ronseal 5Ltr Woodworm Killer

Artex Textured finish coating, 25kg

Ronseal Decking Cleaner & Reviver 5ltr

100mm Aluminium Foil Tape (45m/Roll)

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Undercoat Paint 2.5L White

Hamilton Paint Brush 5 Pack 1x 1, 2x 1 1/2, 2x 2

Gyproc Easifiller 2.5L

Dulux Trade Weathershield Exterior Undercoat Brilliant White 1ltr

Bird Brand 500ml Brush Cleaner

Armstead Contract Matt White 10L

Dulux Trade Satinwood Pure Brilliant White 5ltr

Dulux Trade Super Grip Primer White 1L

Dulux Trade Durable Flat Matt White 5L

Prodec Polythene Dust Sheet 12' X 9'

Prodec 6'' Long Handle Wall Scraper

Toupret Wood Repair Filler 1kg

Dulux Trade Diamond Satinwood Pure Brilliant White 2.5L