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

Bedec Multi Surface Paint Soft Matt Black 750ml

Bedec Multi Surface Paint Soft Satin White 2.5L

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Undercoat Paint 1L White

Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler White 465g

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Paint Chestnut 2.5ltr

Hamilton For The Trade Foam Mini Roller Sleeves 4 10pk

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt Emulsion Paint 5 Litres Natural Hessian

Sadolin Classic Wood Protection 2.5L Jacobean Walnut

Zinsser Perma-white Mould Resistant Interior Paint Matt 5ltr

Bedec Barn Paint Matt Black 2.5L

Osmo Polyx Hard Wax Oil Effect Raw Transparent 750ml

Polycell White Filler, 2kg

Dulux Easycare Kitchen Polished pebble Matt Emulsion paint, 30ml Tester pot

Dulux Easycare Kitchen Timeless Matt Emulsion paint, 30ml Tester pot

Dulux Magnolia Matt Emulsion paint, 10L

Leyland Trade White Vinyl silk Emulsion paint, 10L

Dulux Trade Pure brilliant white Satinwood Metal & wood paint, 1L

Leyland Contract Matt Brilliant White 10ltr

Dulux Heritage Tester DH Slate 125ml

Crown Trade Clean Extreme Stain Resistant Durable Matt Emulsion Paint - White - 5L

Armstead Vinyl Matt White 5L

Dulux Trade White Wood Primer, 1L

Zinsser AllCoat Exterior Satin White 2.5ltr

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler-White -Dark 275 g 275g

Easifix Textured Wall & Ceiling Repair Kit

Dulux Trade Eggshell White 2.5ltr

Tembe Hippo Hard Floor Protector 600mm X 50mtr

Hamilton Prestige Roller Sleeve Short Mini 4 2 Pack

Hamilton Prestige Roller Sleeve Med Mini 4 2 Pack

Toupret Wood Repair Filler 1kg

Dulux Trade Weathershield Exterior Gloss Paint 1L Black

Dulux Trade Weathershield Exterior Gloss Paint 5L Brilliant White

Dulux Trade Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint Magnolia 7.5ltr

4trade Boiled Linseed Oil 500ml

Leyland Trade Super Leytex Matt Brilliant White Emulsion Paint 15Ltr

Bedec Multi Surface Paint Satin Gold 750ml

Soudal Repair Express 290ml Cement Grey

Dulux Standard Jasmine white Matt Emulsion paint, 30ml Tester pot

Dulux Standard Almond white Matt Emulsion paint, 30ml Tester pot