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

Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler Natural 465g

Toupret Fine Surface Filler 1.5kg

Prodec Contractor All Purpose Brush 63mm

Dulux Easycare Kitchen Matt Emulsion Paint Pure Brilliant White 2.5l

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt Paint Polished Pebble 5l

Dulux Trade Supermatt Magnolia 10l

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain Jacobean Walnut 1l

Dulux Trade Weathershield Exterior Undercoat Brilliant White 5l

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain Jacobean Walnut 2.5l

Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain Jacobean Walnut 2.5l

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain Light Oak 2.5l

Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain Light Oak 2.5l

Faithfull Heavy-duty Scratch Brush 4 Row

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Paint - Slate 2.5l

Dulux Trade Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint Black 5l

Cuprinol Anti Slip Decking Stain Urban Slate 2.5l

Ronseal Yacht Varnish Gloss Clear 1l

Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain Dark Oak 2.5l

Gyproc EasiFill 1kg (Pack of 5)

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt Emulsion Jasmine White 5l

Leyland Trade Super Leytex Matt Emulsion Brilliant White 15l

Hammerite Direct To Rust Metal Paint Smooth White 2.5l

Ronseal One Coat Fence Life Medium Oak 5l

Ronseal Fence Life Plus Tudor Black Oak 5l

Prodec Advance Titan Heavy Duty Scraper 150mm

Hammerite Metal Paint Direct To Rust Smooth Dark Green 250ml

Cuprinol Softwood & hardwood Antique pine Furniture Wood stain, 750ml

Dulux Weathershield Multi-Surface Paint Black 2.5l

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt Emulsion Paint Natural Calico 5l

Mapei Flexible White Grout, 2.5kg

Mapei Ultimate shower proof Ready mixed Cream Tile Adhesive, 15kg

Mapei Rapid set Grey Adhesive, 20kg

Dulux Easycare Matt Wall & Ceiling Paint Coastal Grey 2.5l

Dulux Trade Pure brilliant white Gloss Metal & wood paint, 2.5L

Dulux Easycare Matt Wall & Ceiling Paint Timeless 2.5l

Sandtex Trade High Cover Smooth Masonry Paint Brilliant White 5l

Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain Antique Pine 1l

Faithfull Floor Scraper 200mm (FAIFS)

OX Tools Plasterers Float 11in / 280 x 110mm

Dulux Heritage Tester Flax Seed 125ml