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

Crown Vinyl Matt Brilliant White 2.5L

Macpherson Trade Vinyl Matt Brilliant White 2.5L

Axus Blue Angled Pro-Cutter Brush -2 inch 2inch

Axus Blue Angled Pro-Cutter Brush -3 inch 3inch

Axus Silk Touch Ultra Brush-2 inch 2inch

Zinsser Bullseye 123 Primer & Sealer White 5l

Rustins Quick Dry Step & Tile Paint Gloss Red 500ml

Geocel Painters Mate Flexible Filler Magnolia 310ml

DULUX PRIMER & UNDERCOAT WHITE 2.5l 5092090

Ronseal Garden Paint White Ash 750ml

Ronseal Garden Paint Lime Zest 750ml

Ronseal Garden Paint Slate 2.5l

Ronseal Garden Paint Cornflower 750ml

Ronseal Garden Paint Elderflower 750ml

Ronseal Garden Paint Sage 2.5l

Ronseal Ultimate Decking Oil Dark Oak 5l

Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain Redwood 1l

Dulux Colour Emulsion Paint Tester Pot - Pine Needle - 30ml

Dulux Easycare Bathroom Soft Sheen Emulsion Paint - Mineral Mist - 2.5L

Toupret Wood Hardener 1l

Macpherson Trade Vinyl Matt Paint Brilliant White 5L

Hippo Hazard Tape 50mm x 33m - Yellow/Black

Hamilton Perfection Pure Bristle Brush 3"

Hamilton Prestige Heavy Duty Stripper 100mm

Hamilton Prestige Heavy Duty Stripper Blades 100mm

Azpects Easyseal Deck Protect 3l

Osmo Wood Protector Clear 750ml

Azpects EasyCare Wood Revive 3ltr

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 Pure Tung Oil 500ml

Dulux Heritage Matt Light Base 2.5l

Rust-Oleum Flint Flat matt Furniture paint, 750ml

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