Painter and Decorator

Overview

Painting and decorating is one of the most accessible trades in the UK, offering a low qualification barrier, low startup cost, and steady demand.

How to become a painter and decorator

There are two main routes:

• Level 2 apprenticeship (2 3 years) combining paid work with college study.
• Short City & Guilds course (6 12 weeks) followed by on site experience.

A CSCS card is required for site work, but a degree is not necessary.

Responsibilities (day to day)

• Prepare and paint interior and exterior surfaces for homes, commercial premises and new builds.
• Perform surface preparation, cutting in, and ensure colour and product knowledge.
• Manage time efficiently and solve problems to keep projects moving forward.

Typical work environment

• Customers' homes, indoor and outdoor sites.
• Work rhythm varies; no two days look the same.

Skills required

• Surface preparation
• Cutting in / steady hand
• Colour and product knowledge
• Time management

Career progression

Early years - short courses or apprenticeship.

Mid career - gaining experience of 6 18 months on site.

Senior - self employed or leading a small team.

Specialisations

• Heritage / specialist decorator - wallpapering, hand finished period work, high end private clients.
• Spray finisher - spray finishing kitchens, doors, commercial fit outs.

Starting a solo business

• Startup costs are low; first client can be secured in 1 3 weeks.
• Year one income can reach £45k £70k+ with a second pair of hands.

First five paying clients

• Friends and neighbors wanting a feature wall
• Local Facebook recommendations
• Letting agents needing turnaround paints between tenants
• Checkatrade / MyBuilder listings
• Working under another decorator for overflow work

Legal basics

• Choose sole trader or limited company
• Public liability insurance of £2m+

Common pitfalls

• Quoting per day instead of per room - can cause customers to stall.
• Skipping adequate prep leading to callbacks.

Is this a good career?

It offers a low barrier to entry, reliable work, and the potential for good income. It is best suited for individuals who are patient, neat and enjoy transforming spaces.