COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Site Preparation & Planning for Painting & Decorating Installations course. This training will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to properly prepare and plan a painting site for efficient, high-quality, and safe execution.
In the painting and decorating industry, outcomes are directly influenced by how well a site is assessed, organised, and coordinated prior to the commencement of work. Poor preparation leads to costly rework, compromised finishes, delays, and safety breaches. This course focuses on the critical pre-painting activities that ensure your team is ready, your site is compliant, and your project can proceed with confidence and clarity.
This course begins by exploring the role of site planning in determining project success. Participants will learn how structured preparation boosts productivity, improves coating performance, and reduces on-site conflicts. By understanding the different phases of preparation—from reviewing specifications to setting up access zones—you will be better positioned to manage time, resources, and personnel effectively.
Careful review of project documentation is essential before work begins. This section explains how to interpret painting plans, finish schedules, and specifications, and how to confirm the levels of finish, coating systems, and any client-specific requirements. Participants will also learn how to detect scope creep and prevent misalignment with the overall project deliverables.
Site assessments form the basis of informed planning. Participants will gain the skills to evaluate access, lighting, substrate conditions, and site readiness in relation to other trades. These assessments help determine sequencing, confirm material suitability, and identify any defects that need rectification prior to application.
Surface and substrate analysis is vital to achieving a professional finish. This section addresses the inspection of plasterboard, timber, masonry, and metal substrates for issues such as cracks, delamination, moisture, or contamination. Participants will learn how to apply preparation techniques based on the surface type and project context.
WHS obligations are integrated into every part of site planning. Participants will be trained to conduct hazard assessments and implement control measures before painting begins. Topics include identifying electrical hazards, fall risks, and ensuring that site-specific safety protocols are in place and documented.
Establishing access and working platforms is crucial to both safety and workflow efficiency. This section explains how to determine the need for ladders, scaffolds, or elevated work platforms (EWPs), and how to comply with working-at-heights legislation while minimising repositioning and site congestion.
Material and equipment zones must be carefully designated. Participants will learn how to allocate areas for paint and tool storage, separate clean and mixing zones, and ensure compliance with flammable goods storage requirements. This includes planning for ventilation and safety clearances within the storage layout.
Waste management must be embedded in the planning process. This section outlines how to set up waste bins, wash stations, and disposal zones for water-based and solvent-based products. Planning for clean-up contributes to environmental compliance and reduces the risk of site contamination.
Masking and surface protection strategies are essential for quality assurance. Participants will be taught how to choose appropriate masking materials, protect adjacent surfaces, and coordinate masking with preparation and painting sequences to reduce damage and rework.
Coordination with other trades is a key part of site readiness. This section provides strategies for confirming timing, access requirements, and sequencing to avoid clashes with electricians, plumbers, joiners, and other contractors. Participants will be encouraged to attend site meetings and align plans with project stages.
Ensuring that materials are confirmed and ready is vital. Participants will learn how to calculate surface areas, determine the correct volumes of paint, confirm product types and finishes, and schedule deliveries in line with job progression.
Equipment readiness is equally important. This section covers how to inspect, clean, and stage tools such as rollers, brushes, ladders, and sprayers to prevent downtime and maintain consistent finish standards.
Surface preparation procedures must be clearly planned. Participants will be trained to sequence tasks such as patching, sanding, sealing, and identify any lead paint removal requirements or other specialist prep needs. Proper sequencing prevents delays and improves adhesion and finish performance.
Environmental conditions must also be factored into planning. This section explains how to review weather forecasts for external projects and ensure that indoor conditions such as temperature, ventilation, and humidity are suitable for application and curing of paints.
Labour allocation plays a key role in workflow continuity. Participants will learn how to assign tasks based on worker experience and skill level, divide roles such as prep, priming, cutting-in, and finishing, and schedule breaks to support productivity without compromising safety or output.
Communicating site plans is essential to maintaining consistency and compliance. This section addresses how to conduct toolbox talks, display safety signage, and record briefings, inductions, and plan updates for team awareness and WHS accountability.
Contingency planning prepares teams for disruptions. Participants will develop strategies to address common issues such as delayed deliveries, weather setbacks, and access conflicts. By preparing backup tools and communicating clearly, teams can minimise project delays and maintain schedule integrity.
Before painting begins, a final round of checks must be completed. Participants will learn how to inspect masking, cleanliness, surface condition, and ensure all required approvals are in place. This includes confirming product types, finish levels, and application requirements with clients or supervisors prior to proceeding.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped to confidently plan, prepare, and coordinate a painting and decorating site for optimal productivity, compliance, and quality—ensuring each project starts on a solid foundation and is delivered with professionalism and efficiency.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Site Preparation and Planning
- Importance of effective preparation before painting begins
- How planning impacts productivity, quality, and safety
- Overview of key preparation stages in painting projects
2. Reviewing Project Documentation and Scope of Work
- Interpreting plans, specifications, and finish schedules
- Understanding required levels of finish and coating systems
- Identifying inclusions, exclusions, and special requirements
3. Conducting Initial Site Assessments
- Inspecting access, lighting, ventilation, and working conditions
- Identifying existing coatings, substrate conditions, and defects
- Confirming site readiness and sequencing with other trades
4. Determining Surface Type and Substrate Condition
- Assessing surfaces such as plasterboard, timber, masonry, and metal
- Identifying cracks, moisture issues, delamination, or contaminants
- Selecting surface-specific preparation techniques
5. Site Safety Planning and Hazard Identification
- Reviewing the site for WHS risks before commencing work
- Identifying hazards such as electrical, slip, trip, and fall risks
- Implementing control measures and securing the work area
6. Establishing Access and Working Platforms
- Planning for ladder, scaffold, or EWP requirements
- Ensuring compliance with working at heights regulations
- Positioning access equipment to minimise movement and delays
7. Setting Up Material and Equipment Zones
- Allocating safe areas for storage of paint, tools, and equipment
- Separating clean areas from mixing zones
- Ensuring ventilation and compliance with flammable goods storage
8. Organising Waste Management and Clean-Up Areas
- Locating bins and disposal points for masking, rags, and empty tins
- Setting up wash stations or washout areas for water-based products
- Planning environmental controls to prevent site contamination
9. Surface Protection and Masking Strategies
- Selecting appropriate masking materials and techniques
- Protecting adjacent surfaces: floors, fittings, windows, and trims
- Timing masking to suit prep and application sequencing
10. Coordinating with Other Trades and Stakeholders
- Confirming timing and access with electricians, plumbers, and joiners
- Avoiding conflict over workspaces, sequencing, or wall access
- Attending site meetings to align painting plans with project stages
11. Verifying Material Requirements and Quantities
- Calculating surface areas and determining paint volumes
- Confirming coating types, colours, and finish levels
- Ordering and scheduling delivery of paints and sundries
12. Ensuring Equipment Readiness and Functionality
- Inspecting brushes, rollers, ladders, and spray equipment
- Cleaning, servicing, or replacing worn tools before use
- Staging tools to avoid downtime and improve efficiency
13. Planning Surface Preparation Procedures
- Sequencing prep tasks: patching, filling, sanding, sealing
- Choosing surface-appropriate preparation techniques
- Identifying lead-based paint risks and removal protocols
14. Environmental Conditions and Site Timing
- Reviewing weather forecasts for external works
- Ensuring indoor sites are dry, dust-free, and temperature-controlled
- Timing coats based on drying times and climate conditions
15. Allocating Labour and Task Responsibilities
- Assigning prep, priming, cutting-in, and topcoat tasks
- Matching tasks to skills and experience of workers
- Scheduling breaks and shift transitions to maintain workflow
16. Communication of Site Plans and Safety Requirements
- Holding pre-start briefings and toolbox talks
- Displaying site signage and work plans clearly
- Keeping records of inductions and safety updates
17. Risk Management and Contingency Planning
- Planning for delivery delays, access issues, or product shortages
- Preparing backup tools and alternative product options
- Communicating changes to the team quickly and clearly
18. Final Pre-Painting Quality Checks
- Inspecting masking, surface cleanliness, and primer readiness
- Confirming colours, finishes, and coating systems with client or supervisor
- Documenting sign-offs and approvals before application begins
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.