COURSE CONTENT
This course has nine lessons.
Lesson 1. Introduction
- Introduction
- Preparing Surfaces
- Tools and Equipment for Preparation
- Painting and Decorating Tools and Equipment
- Painting Tools
- Types of Brushes
- Types of Rollers
- Wallpapering Tools
- Other Equipment (including safety gear)
Lesson 2. Paints
- Reasons for painting
- Paint Components
- Pigments
- Solvents
- Binders
- Additives
- Examples of typical paint mixes
- How Paints Work
- Types of Paint -oil based, water based
- Interior versus Exterior Uses
- What to Paint a Surface With
- Use of Primers
- Painting Brick
- Painting Concrete
- Fibrous Cement
- Stone
- Mudbrick
- Plaster
- Metal
- Wood
- Choosing Colours
- Colour Matching
Lesson 3. Preparation for Painting
- Stages of Preparation
- Preparing to Paint
- Using Masking Tape
- Using Ladders, Scaffold, Platforms
- Sanding
- Safe Preparation of Old Lead Paints
- Preparing Different Surfaces -
- Fibrous Cement
- Brick
- Stone
- Mudbrick
- Plaster
- Metal
- Wood
Lesson 4. Painting Techniques
- Before you Paint
- Using Brushes
- Loading the Brush
- Cutting in
- Cleaning and Storing Brushes
- Using Rollers
- Cleaning and Storing Rollers
- Spray Painting - Sprayers
- Cleaning and Storing Sprayers
- Special Effects
- Texture Finishes - with sand, joint compound, texture additives
- Applying Textured Finishes
- Faux Finishes - Scumble, Glaze
- Rag Rolling
- Rag Painting
- Sponging
- Dragging/Strie
- Marbling
- Tortoise Shell
- Graining
- Using Stencils (Introduction)
- Other Methods
Lesson 5. Special paint effects
- Stencilling
- Stencilling Equipment
- Stencilling Techniques
- Stencilling on Wood
- Marbling
- Murals
- Tromp Lóeil
- Using Paint in the Garden
- Garden Art
- Wall or Fence Painting
Lesson 6. Wallpapering
- Introduction
- Reasons tor Wallpapering
- Types of Paper - printed, vinyl coated, vinyl, washable, flock, foil, anaglypta, superglypta, brown vinyl, natural fibre, lining paper.
- How to choose Wallpaper
- Pattern Matching
- Planning
- Measuring up
- Buying the Paper
- Choosing the Right Paste - cold water paste, multi purpose adhesive, heavy duty adhesives, paste the wall adhesives, readymade pastes
- Preparation
- Removing old Wallpaper
- Wallpapering - Tool checklist
- Deciding where to start
- Cutting the paper
- Applying Paste
- Booking (folding) the Paper
- Hanging Wallpaper
- Cleaning up
- Maintenance and Repairs
- How to Repair Holes, Blisters, Stains, Fingerprints
Lesson 7. Tiling
- Introduction to Tiling
- Tiles - reasons to use tiles
- Tile Materials - glass, ceramic, porcelain, terracotta, stone, concrete, terrazo, natural materials
- Surface Treatments
- Where to use Different Tiles
- Preparing to Tile
- Tiling Tools
- Adhesives
- Grouts
- Preparing Floors for Tiling
- Concrete Substrate
- Timber substrate
- Preparing Walls for Tiling
- How to tile - a floor, a wall
- Cutting Tiles
- Grouting
- Sealing Grout
- Tile Maintenance -cleaning
- Removing or Replacing a Tile
- Painting over Tiles
Lesson 8. Panelling
- Introduction -types and applications
- Materials - Natural timber, MDF, hardboard, chipboard, plywood, vinyl, glass, fibreglass, stone, brick, faux stone or brick
- Panel Designs-planks, sheets, tiles, veneers, self adhesive
- Panel Installation
- Installing an Interior Stone Veneer
- Installing Interior Brick Veneer
- Installing Timber Panels
- Installing Self Adhesive Panelling
Lesson 9. Other Surface Treatments
- Interior versus Exterior Finishes
- Exterior Paints
- Preparation of Outdoor Timber Surfaces
- Application Tips
- Timber Preservatives
- Preservative Coatings
- Applying Preservatives
- Stains - staining timber, staining concrete
- Whitewash - applying whitewash
- Lime Wash Paints - making them, problems
- Varnishes
- Polyurethane
- Shellac
- French Polish
- Polishing Concrete
- Oils and Waxes - Linseed, Teak, Tung oil
- Wax Finishes
- Making Your Own Healthier Paints
- Natural Paints
- Tallow and Lime Based Coating
COURSE AIMS
- Describe the nature and scope of painting and decorating of buildings, interior and exterior, including (in broad terms) the materials, equipment, and techniques.
- Explain different types of paints used, including their comparative characteristics and appropriate applications.
- Carry out appropriate preparations for painting.
- Explain how to use painting tools, painting techniques and special effects.
- Explain a variety of special paint effects and applications.
- Explain how to use wallpaper.
- Explain how to attach tiles to walls, floors, or other surfaces.
- Explain how to attach panels to walls.
- Explain a range of other ways to finish surfaces inside and outside buildings including stains and protective coatings.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
What are the benefits of studying Painting & Decorating?
Comfort and pride from improving interior spaces or exteriors with a professional-looking finish.
More creative freedom to express style and choose products and colours that suit a room and surface.
Better decision-making about preparation, durability, and maintenance – so you don’t waste effort or materials.
Gain skills to plan and sequence work so projects feel less stressful and more manageable.
Stronger employability for entry roles (painter/decorator assistant, surface-prep support, finishing support).
More confidence in workplace basics like safe preparation work, product handling, and tidier project standards.
Build a practical portfolio of finished work to show when applying for jobs or freelance opportunities.
What is the course duration and format?
There are 9 lessons.
The course can be completed in approximately 10 weeks.
Each lesson includes experiential tasks, a self-assessment test, and a written assignment.
Assignments and projects are marked by our expert tutors and returned with written feedback.
There is an optional exam upon completion of the course.
The course is self-paced. Study wherever you want, whenever you want.
How long can I access course materials?
You have all the time you want. We don't have a cut-off date. You can continue to access your course indefinitely. This is one of the ways we are different.
You can review and revisit course material as often as you like, helping to reinforce learning and improve retention.
Can I use this course as a credit toward a qualification?
Yes. This can be used as a module in a variety of certificates and diplomas with ACS or in a degree with one of our affiliate partners, Warnborough College.
Various other universities and colleges around the world have also assessed and given credits for our courses in degrees.
Who is this course for?
People interested in taking the first step towards a career in painting & decorating
Self-employed or sole business operators
Entrepreneurs
Volunteers/trainees looking for entry-level employability
Property managers/landlords
DIY beginners
Home renovators who want professional-quality finishes on their projects
Career starters/career changers interested in roles like painter/decorator assistant or decorator
People working in related trades (construction/maintenance) who want to add finishing capability
Ready to Enrol?
If you're ready to enrol or have any questions, please follow the instructions at the top of the page.
|