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

Colron Knotting Solution 125ml

White Spirit 2l

Leyland Trade Contract Matt Emulsion Paint Brilliant White 10l

Ronseal Diamond Hard Garage Floor Paint Slate 5l

Dulux Easycare Matt Wall & Ceiling Paint Stonewashed Blue 2.5l

Dulux Heritage Tester Piano White 125ml

Bitumen Black Paint 2.5l

OX-P531501 Speedskim Universal Pole Attachment

Hamilton Prestige Synth Sash Brush Pack of 3

Sadolin Superdec Opaque Wood Protection Satin Black 2.5l

Polycell Polyfilla Deep Hole Filler 1kg

Bostik Cempolatex Latex Floor Leveller Grey 20kg

Osmo Top Oil Matt Clear 500ml

Ronseal Woodworm Killer 5l

Artex Textured Finish Powder 25kg Bag

HIPPO Heavy Duty Tape Silver 50mm x 50mtr 2pk

Colron Refined Teak Oil 500ml

EVO-STIK Instant Grab Wall Tile Adhesive Natural 5ltr

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Undercoat Paint White 2.5l

Gyproc Easifiller Light 2.5l

Gyproc Easifiller Finish 3l

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Wood Primer & Undercoat White 5l

Armstead Trade High Gloss Paint Brilliant White 2.5l

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt Emulsion Paint Magnolia 2.5l

Polycell Trade Polyfilla Exterior Filler 2kg

Dulux Trade Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint Pure Brilliant White 7.5l

Toupret Wood Repair Filler 1kg

Dulux Trade Diamond Satinwood Pure Brilliant White 5l

Prodec Premier Synthetic 1'' Paint Brush

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler White 3.7kg

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Gloss Paint Pure Brilliant White 1l

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Undercoat Paint White 1l

Hammerite Metal Paint Direct To Rust Smooth Black 400ml Spray

Dulux Trade Diamond Matt Paint Pure Brilliant White 2.5l

Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain Jacobean Walnut 1l

Polycell Polyfilla Trade Fine Surface Filler White 500g

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt Paint Gardenia 5l

Leyland Trade Acrylic Primer Undercoat White 2.5l

Leyland Trade Eggshell Paint Brilliant White 5l

Leyland Trade Eggshell Paint Brilliant White 2.5l