This painting and decorating course is an immersive, hands-on four-day workshop designed to help you decorate like a professional. Whether you’re tackling your own home renovation or looking to take the first step into the trade, you’ll learn essential skills, practical techniques, and insider tips that transform your results from average to exceptional.

Experience Level: Suitable for beginners and improvers alike

Led by experienced decorators, this course blends detailed tuition with plenty of guided practice. By the end, you’ll know how to prepare surfaces, choose and use tools confidently, apply different finishes, and achieve a professional-standard result in any room.

1. Tools, Products, and Health & Safety

You’ll begin the painting and decorating course by exploring the full range of decorating equipment used by professionals, from brushes, rollers, and frames to extension poles, lighting, and power tools. You’ll learn what’s worth investing in, how to maintain your kit, and how to avoid buying unnecessary extras. The session also covers product types such as primers, fillers, and paints, along with proper storage and handling.

Health and safety are at the core of every project. You’ll be shown how to set up a well-lit workspace, use PPE correctly, and manage ventilation when working with solvent-based paints. Please wear appropriate clothing that you don’t mind getting paint on, closed-toe shoes, and keep long hair tied back for safety and comfort.

2. Understanding Surfaces and Preparation

Every good finish starts with preparation. In this section, you’ll learn how to assess and prepare different materials, plaster, wood, metal, and masonry, for painting or coating. Topics include cleaning, sanding, filling, priming, and sealing, plus how to repair minor damage like cracks, damp patches, and flaking paint.

Good prep work separates a professional job from a rushed one, and you’ll gain the knowledge to create smooth, long-lasting results in any environment.

3. Protecting the Work Area

Professional decorators know that prevention saves hours of cleanup. You’ll learn how to properly mask, tape, and sheet an area before painting, protecting floors, furniture, and fixtures. We’ll also cover best practices for organising materials, working efficiently, and maintaining a clean site.

By mastering these techniques, you’ll spend less time fixing mistakes and more time achieving a perfect finish, a skill that sets apart anyone serious about decorating.

4. Application Techniques and Practice

Now comes the hands-on part. You’ll practice cutting in, rolling, edging, and blending to achieve clean, even coats. You’ll experiment with emulsions, glosses, and specialist finishes, learning when to use each product and how to adapt for different surfaces. This is where the painting and decorating course gets truly practical, you’ll leave with new muscle memory and confidence in your technique.

5. Spraying Techniques and Equipment

Modern decorating increasingly involves spraying, and this session demystifies the process. You’ll gain hands-on experience with HVLP and airless spray systems, learning setup, masking, and adjustment to achieve a smooth, professional finish without overspray. You’ll also learn how to choose the right nozzle, control pressure, and maintain the equipment for consistent performance.

6. Finishes, Styles, and Professional Standards

Here, you’ll discover how to elevate your work with design awareness. We’ll explore different finish types matt, satin, gloss, and washable coatings and how light, texture, and colour interact in a space. You’ll also learn how to spot imperfections and correct them quickly, ensuring a polished, professional outcome.

By this stage of the painting and decorating course, you’ll be equipped to approach any project with confidence

7. Trade Insight and Takeaway Toolbox

For those considering a move into the trade, this final session covers pricing, quoting, insurance, and working with clients. You’ll get introductions to trusted suppliers and receive exclusive discounts on professional decorating tools and materials. Every participant leaves with a decorator’s toolbox packed with essential kit, brushes, rollers, masking tape, and starter consumables, to continue practising at home or on future projects.

By the end of this painting and decorating course, you’ll have the skills, confidence, and professional mindset to approach real decorating work with precision and pride. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or taking on a full renovation, you’ll know exactly how to plan, prepare, and deliver a beautiful, lasting finish.

Looking to expand your DIY skills? Explore our Power Tools Course for hands-on training with saws, drills, and essential workshop tools.

✅ What You Need to Know

To help you get the most out of the experience, here are a few practical details to keep in mind:

• Wear old clothes – Paints can get messy, and some materials may stain permanently.
• Closed-toe shoes are required – For safety during hands-on work with tools and materials.
• Long hair must be tied up – To avoid any safety hazards while working.
• Course hours are 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM – However, sessions may run over slightly depending on project progress, so please allow some flexibility.
• Lunch is not included – But there is a café onsite, and we’ll take a lunch break each day to give you time to grab a bite or bring your own.
• Bring a bottle of water – Staying hydrated is important while working through each step.

We want you to feel comfortable, safe, and fully immersed in the process—so come prepared to roll up your sleeves and get creative!

Things to Remember

• Parking: Free onsite parking is available. Drive up to the gates, and the security attendant will assist your entry.
• Public Transport: If using public transportation, the nearest train stations are Woolwich Dockyard (10-min walk), Woolwich Arsenal (bus: 5 mins – 161, 177, 180, 472 to Warspite Road), and North Greenwich (bus: 15 mins – 472 or 161 to Yateley Street).
• Timeliness: Entry to classes is not permitted 15 minutes after the listed start time. This policy ensures an uninterrupted lesson for all participants.
• Class Duration: Classes may exceed the stated time. Please allocate additional time after the class, as we prioritize a comprehensive learning experience and avoid rushing students.

Thank you for your understanding and commitment to punctuality. We look forward to welcoming you to The Rivershop.