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

Hamilton Perfection Bristle Brush 2.5inch

Brush Mate Trade 4+

Axus Blue Angled Pro-Cutter Brush -1 inch 1inch

Frog Tape Gloss and Satin-36 mm 36mm Orange

Plastikote Quick Dry Acrylic Spray Paint 400ml White Matt

Rustins Quick Dry Outdoor Clear Varnish Satin 1L

Rustins Pure Tung Oil 500ml

Dulux Heritage Matt Light Base 2.5l

Rust-Oleum Flint Flat matt Furniture paint, 750ml

Bostik Bituminous Black Paint 1l

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Oil Natural Oak 2.5l

Ardex K 40 HB Fibre Reinforced Levelling Compound 22Kg

Ardex K 301 External Self Levelling Concrete Resurfacing Compound 25Kg

Mapei Ultralite D2 Tile Adhesive 12.5kg

Ardex X 77W White Microtec Standard Set Tile Adhesive 20Kg

Ram Board Vapor Cure Tape - 76mm x 33m

Mapei Shower Waterproofing Kit

Fine Grade Foam Sponge Sanding Contour Pad Pack 3

Hippo Clean Edge Tape 25mm x 41m

Hippo Masking Tape 38mm x 50m

Ronseal Wood Treatment Clear 2.5l

Ronseal Crystal Clear Outdoor Varnish Satin 2.5ltr

Ronseal Interior Varnish Matt Clear 2.5l

Ronseal One Coat Tile Paint 750ml Granite Grey Satin

Ronseal Multi-Purpose Smooth Finish Filler 600g

RODO PBPT018 3 PIECE PRODEC ALL PURPOSE BRUSH SET

Dulux Quick Dry Eggshell Paint Pure Brilliant White 2.5l

HIPPO Aluminium Tape 75mm x 45mtr

HIPPO Aluminium Tape 50mm x 45mtr

Cure It GRP Concrete Primer 5l

CURE IT Hand Cleaner

Ronseal Quick Drying Decking Stain 2.5L Rich Teak