Book excerpt: Assuming no prior experience of the trade, Roy Hughes details the underpinning knowledge of the materials, tools and techniques required for successful painting and decorating, and provides step-by-step guidance towards developing the essential skills required for anyone wishing to embark on a career in decorative occupations. The reader is guided through each of the key areas and processes in the field, with additional emphasis placed on Health & Safety. Written by the author of the CITB/City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate, the book fully covers the syllabus requirements for the Intermediate Construction Award (painting and decorating route) and the Decorative Occupations NVQ at Level 2. Readers will find the topic Colour in Decoration – a critical aspect of actual painting and decorating practice – is also addressed, making this essential reading for Modern Apprentices in the trade, as well as serving as a useful reference for qualified painters and decorators. The book is designed to maximise accessibility of the text for the reader. Activities, key points, and ‘test your knowledge’ questions (for use during college/centre training), feature throughout the text to allow application of theory into practical contexts. An additional answer section at the back of the book aids self-assessment, enabling the reader to revise all key concepts that have been introduced.