Course Overview

DIY Painting & Decorating Course is designed for beginners who want to develop practical decorating skills for home improvement, personal projects, or to explore a potential career in the construction and interiors sector.

Delivered in a practical workshop environment, the course runs over six weekly sessions, allowing learners to gradually build confidence and hands-on ability. No previous experience is required.

The course focuses on safe working practices, surface preparation, paint application techniques, and achieving a professional-quality finish.

Students will need:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Steel toe capped safety boots (mandatory for workshop safety)
Tools & Stationery
Notebook or notepad
Pens and pencils
Ruler
Folder for handouts
All major decorating tools, paints and materials will be provided during workshop sessions.

Entry requirements

Must be aged 19+.

Course Modules

Health & Safety in Painting & Decorating

Safe use of ladders and access equipment

Understanding PPE requirements

Safe handling and storage of paints and solvents

Maintaining a clean and safe work area

Tools, Equipment & Materials

Identifying brushes, rollers and specialist tools

Understanding different paint types (emulsion, gloss, satin, primers)

Selecting appropriate materials for surfaces

Surface Preparation

Filling cracks and holes

Sanding and smoothing techniques

Preparing woodwork, walls and ceilings

Masking and protecting surrounding areas

Paint Application Techniques

Cutting in with a brush

Rolling walls and ceilings evenly

Achieving consistent coverage

Avoiding common painting faults

Woodwork & Finishing Techniques

Preparing and painting skirting boards and door frames

Applying undercoat and gloss finishes

Achieving clean edges and smooth finishes

Decorative Techniques & Final Project

Introduction to simple decorative finishes

Completing a small decorating project

Reviewing and consolidating skills learned

How will I be assessed?

This is a practical, skills-focused course. Assessment includes:

Practical Observation

Tutor observation of safe working practices and decorating techniques throughout the course.

Skills Demonstration

Completion of a small decorating project to demonstrate preparation and paint application skills.

Informal Knowledge Checks

Short discussions and questioning to confirm understanding of materials, preparation methods and safety procedures.

There are no formal exams

What can I do next

After completing this 6-week DIY course, learners may progress to:

Level 1 Diploma in Painting & Decorating (accredited qualification)

Construction multi-skills courses

Home renovation projects with increased confidence

Exploring apprenticeship opportunities in painting and decorating

This course provides a strong foundation for anyone considering further training or home improvement projects.