How to Become a Painter & Decorator in the UK
Everything you need to know about starting a career as a painter & decorator — qualifications, training routes, what you will actually earn, and the tools you need to get started.
Average Salary
Self-employed painter & decorators often earn more, especially in London and the South East. Experienced specialists can exceed the upper range significantly.
Qualifications You Need
Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Painting and Decorating, CSCS card for site work, optional advanced qualifications in specialist finishes.
Training Route
2-3 year apprenticeship or college course. One of the easiest trades to enter - the barrier to starting is low, but the barrier to doing it well is high. Cutting in, wallpapering, and specialist finishes separate professionals from amateurs.
A Day in the Life
Prepare surfaces - fill, sand, prime. Mask up areas. Apply coats of paint with brush, roller, or spray gun. Hang wallpaper. Apply specialist finishes on high-end jobs. Work is often indoors and clean compared to other trades. Evening and weekend work is common for domestic jobs.
Essential Tools
Get Kitted Out
Amazon has starter kits and individual tools for painter & decorators:
Recommended Books
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- 📖Farrow & Ball How to Decorate(Amazon)