Painting and Decorating Course

Lesson 1 • Introduction to the Trade

Overview of the painting and decorating profession, its scope, and career pathways. Establishes context for all subsequent technical learning.

Lesson 2 • Materials and Their Properties

Introduces paints, primers, fillers, and adhesives along with their chemical properties. Understanding material behaviour underpins correct product selection throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Setting Up a Work Area

Teaches systematic preparation of a workspace before any decorating task begins. Proper setup reduces rework and protects surfaces and occupants.

Lesson 4 • Health, Safety, and Site Conduct

Covers hazard identification, personal protective equipment, and safe handling of materials. Compliance with workplace safety regulations is reinforced as a non-negotiable professional standard.

Lesson 1 • Cleaning and Degreasing Surfaces

Covers washing, degreasing, and mould treatment across different substrate types. Clean surfaces are prerequisite to all subsequent preparation and coating steps.

Lesson 2 • Priming and Sealing Substrates

Covers primer selection and application for wood, plaster, metal, and previously painted surfaces. Correct priming seals porosity and ensures uniform topcoat adhesion.

Lesson 3 • Assessing Substrate Condition

Teaches systematic inspection of walls, ceilings, woodwork, and metal surfaces before work begins. Accurate assessment drives correct preparation method selection.

Lesson 4 • Filling, Patching, and Repairs

Develops skill in repairing cracks, holes, and damaged areas to a smooth, paintable surface. Correct filler selection and application prevent future cracking and paint failure.

Lesson 1 • Multi-Coat Systems and Drying

Teaches the application of undercoat and topcoat systems with correct inter-coat preparation. Understanding drying vs. curing times prevents common coating failures.

Lesson 2 • Roller Application Methods

Covers roller frame selection, sleeve choice, and systematic rolling patterns for large flat areas. Consistent roller technique eliminates stipple marks and lap lines.

Lesson 3 • Brush Technique Fundamentals

Teaches correct brush loading, stroke direction, and pressure control for smooth application. Mastery of brush technique is essential before progressing to complex surfaces.

Lesson 4 • Painting Woodwork and Trim

Focuses on doors, skirting boards, window frames, and architraves using appropriate brushes and paints. Precise cutting in and smooth laying off distinguish professional woodwork finishes.

Lesson 1 • Types of Wall Coverings

Surveys paper-backed, vinyl, fabric, and specialty wall coverings and their installation requirements. Knowing product characteristics guides correct adhesive and technique selection.

Lesson 2 • Papering Ceilings and Awkward Areas

Extends hanging skills to ceilings, stairwells, alcoves, and around obstacles such as switches and radiators. These challenging areas require adapted technique and additional planning.

Lesson 3 • Hanging Wallpaper on Walls

Develops the skill of plumbing a true vertical, positioning drops, and smoothing paper without tears. Students hang straight-match and pattern-match papers to a professional standard.

Lesson 4 • Measuring, Estimating, and Cutting

Covers room measurement, drop calculation, and waste-efficient cutting for pattern-matched papers. Accurate estimation prevents costly material shortfalls and excess.

Lesson 1 • Stenciling and Pattern Work

Teaches stencil alignment, paint loading, and repeat positioning for decorative borders and feature walls. Precise registration and minimal paint loading prevent bleed and smudging.

Lesson 2 • Faux Finishes and Marbling

Develops skills in imitating marble, stone, and aged plaster using layered glazes and specialist tools. Faux finishes require observation, practice, and colour-mixing confidence.

Lesson 3 • Stippling and Dragging

Covers stippling brushes and dragging combs to produce fine-textured and linear decorative effects. Consistent pressure and speed are critical to achieving uniform results.

Lesson 4 • Introduction to Decorative Techniques

Surveys the range of decorative paint finishes and the tools and glazes required for each. Understanding the full menu of techniques helps students advise clients effectively.

Lesson 1 • Exterior Timber and Metal Finishing

Covers preparation and coating of fascias, soffits, gutters, railings, and gates. Exterior timber and metal require specific primers and topcoats to resist moisture and corrosion.

Lesson 2 • Exterior Preparation Methods

Covers pressure washing, wire brushing, and chemical stripping for exterior surfaces. Correct preparation removes contaminants and creates the profile needed for durable adhesion.

Lesson 3 • Exterior Surface Assessment

Teaches inspection of exterior substrates for weathering, cracking, and biological growth before work begins. Thorough assessment determines preparation scope and product specification.

Lesson 4 • Masonry Coatings and Application

Teaches application of masonry paint, textured coatings, and stabilising solutions to brick and render. Correct application rate and technique ensure weather resistance and uniform appearance.

Lesson 1 • Masking and Overspray Management

Covers comprehensive masking strategies and containment methods to protect uncoated surfaces. Effective overspray control reduces cleanup time and protects adjacent finishes.

Lesson 2 • Spray Technique and Pattern Control

Develops consistent gun distance, speed, and overlap technique for uniform film build. Poor technique causes runs, dry spray, and uneven sheen that require costly rework.

Lesson 3 • Spray Equipment Types and Setup

Introduces airless, HVLP, and compressed-air spray systems and their components. Correct equipment selection and setup are prerequisites for safe and effective spray application.

Lesson 4 • Spraying Interior and Exterior Surfaces

Applies spray technique to walls, ceilings, cabinetry, and exterior cladding in realistic scenarios. Students adapt technique and product viscosity to each substrate and environment.

Lesson 1 • Client Handover and Documentation

Covers final walkthrough procedures, handover documentation, and aftercare advice for clients. Professional handover reinforces quality perception and generates repeat business.

Lesson 2 • Quality Inspection and Snagging

Develops a systematic approach to self-inspection and snagging before client handover. Identifying and correcting defects internally protects reputation and avoids costly callbacks.

Lesson 3 • Reading and Interpreting Specifications

Teaches how to read paint schedules, architect drawings, and client briefs to extract work scope. Accurate interpretation prevents costly misunderstandings and scope disputes.

Lesson 4 • Scheduling and Workflow Management

Teaches sequencing tasks, coordinating with other trades, and managing drying times within a project timeline. Efficient scheduling minimises downtime and meets client deadlines.