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

OX-P531501 Speedskim Universal Pole Attachment

Hamilton Prestige Synth Sash Brush Pack of 3

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain Slate 2.5ltr

RONSEAL One Coat Fence Life Harvest Gold - 5l

Fit For The Job Jumbo Sponge

Polycell Polyfilla Deep Hole Filler 1kg

Osmo Top Oil Satin Clear 500ml

Osmo Top Oil Matt Clear 500ml

Sealocrete 750ml Sealoline Line Marking Paint Red

Artex Textured finish coating, 25kg

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

EVO-STIK Instant Grab Wall Tile Adhesive Natural 5ltr

Ronseal Fence Life Plus 5 Litres Sage

Dulux Trade Quick Dry Undercoat Paint 2.5L White

Ronseal Fence Life Plus 5 Litres Warm Stone

Hamilton Paint Brush 5 Pack 1x 1, 2x 1 1/2, 2x 2

Polycell Trade Polyfilla One Fill 4ltr

Gyproc Easifiller 2.5L

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt Paint Magnolia 2.5ltr

Dulux Trade Weathershield Exterior Undercoat Brilliant White 1ltr

Bird Brand 500ml Brush Cleaner

Armstead Contract Matt White 10L

Dulux Trade Satinwood Pure Brilliant White 5ltr

Dulux Trade Durable Flat Matt White 5L

Prodec Polythene Dust Sheet 12' X 9'

Prodec Contractor Painters Dozen 12 Piece Brush Set

Prodec 6'' Long Handle Wall Scraper

Toupret Wood Repair Filler 1kg

Prodec Premier Synthetic 1'' Paint Brush

Prodec Premier Synthetic 1.5'' Paint Brush

Hamilton Prestige Soft Grip Cage Frame 9''

Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler White 3.7kg

Taktec 600mm Carpet Protection Film Roll 100m

Dulux Trade Quick Dry High Gloss Paint 1L Pure Brilliant White

Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback 5 Litre Silver Copse

Hippo Low-tac Masking Tape 50mm X 50m Beige

Hammerite Direct To Rust Metal Smooth Finish Paint 400ml Black

Dulux Trade Diamond Matt Paint 2.5L Pure Brilliant White

Ronseal Trade Fencing Stain Red Cedar 5L

Ronseal Trade Fencing Stain Dark Oak 5 Litre