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

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain Heritage Oak 2.5l

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain Redwood 2.5l

Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain African Walnut 2.5l

Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain Dark Palisander 2.5l

Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain Burma Teak 2.5l

Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain Heritage Oak 2.5l

Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain Rosewood 2.5l

FAITHFULL Woodcare Shed & Fence Paint Brush - 2.5 inch (65mm)

Passive Purple Airtight Liquid Vapour Control Membrane Brush - External 5kg

25m Airtight Tape 150mm

25m Airtight Tape - 100mm

25m Airtight Tape 75mm

Baumit Multi Primer 10L

Baumit DG27 Premium Primer 20kg

CMS Tools Tecnic Foil Gun

CURE IT Hand Cleaner

135mm Plastering Scarifier

Ronseal Quick Drying Decking Stain 2.5L Rich Teak

Hammerite Ultima Metal Paint Smooth Ruby Red 750ml

Hammerite Ultima Metal Paint Smooth Brown 750ml

OX Pro Heavy Duty Sealant Gun 400ml (OX-P044440)

Evo-Stik Expanding Gun-Applied Foam Filler 700ml

Mapei Keraflex Maxi S1 Grey 20kg

Dulux Trade Weathershield Ext High Gloss Pure Brilliant White 2.5L

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt Emulsion Paint Pure Brilliant White 10l

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler Dark 275g

ProDec Polythene Dust Sheet 12' x 12'

Toupret Quick Dry Patch & Repair Filler 2kg

Ronseal Trade Quick Dry Interior Varnish Matt Clear 2.5l

Ronseal One Coat Gloss Cupboard & Furniture Paint - White - 750ml

Everbuild 720 Self Level Floor Compound 20kg

Hardiebacker 500 Tile Backing Board 12mm x 800mm x 1200mm (50 Per Pallet)

Ronseal Interior Varnish Satin Antique Pine 750ml

Ronseal Total Wood Preserver Dark Brown 5l

Dulux Weathershield Satinwood Exterior Metal & Wood Paint Hazelnut Truffle 750ml

Dulux Weathershield Exterior Metal & Wood Paint Gallant Grey 750ml

Dulux Weathershield Exterior Metal & Wood Paint Green Glade 750ml

Dulux Easycare Kitchen Matt Emulsion Paint Chic Shadow 2.5l

Hamilton Perfection Roller Sleeve Short Pile 9"

Leyland Trade Acrylic Eggshell Paint Brilliant White 750ml