+200 VISUAL MAPS · 10 KNOWLEDGE BLOCKS · 3 COMPANION GUIDES

+200 Visual Maps for UK Painters & Decorators

Painting & decorating clearly explained. See how each detail fits, from preparation to the final finish.

For UK painting and decorating students, apprentices and professionals: illustrated processes, comparisons and worked examples, organised by topic.

Connect the surface, the coating system and the finish
Follow calculations with the working beside the answer
Revisit a topic without rebuilding your notes

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Digital PDFs · Read on screen or print for personal study

Trade knowledge is easier to follow when you can see it.

Preparation steps get mixed up

Paint systems sound alike

Calculations lose their context

Tools are hard to picture

Faults look similar

Notes are scattered everywhere

Bring the drawing, the explanation and the reasoning onto the same page.

See the maps inside the collection.

Actual pages from the guide. Open any page to inspect the details.

Repeat and match: three different layouts

A clear way into each topic.

Read the drawing, follow the explanation, then check the reasoning.

Annotated drawings

See substrates, coating layers, tools and finishes with labels beside the detail they explain.

Worked calculations

Follow the dimensions, assumptions and units from the first measurement to the result.

Comparisons & checks

Compare materials and symptoms, then identify what needs checking before choosing a method.

Reasoning made visible

Use sequences and explained examples to connect each step with its purpose.

Choose a topic. See the detail. Follow the reasoning.

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Drag to compare: the same calculation, two formats.

Room dimensions, openings and surface areas — written out on the left, drawn step by step on the right.

SURVEYING & JOB PLANNING

Measuring wall and ceiling areas

Consider a room 4 m long and 3 m wide, with a height of 2.4 m. The total wall area is the perimeter multiplied by the height: 2 × (4 + 3) × 2.4 = 33.6 m².

The door is 2 m × 0.8 m, giving an opening of 1.6 m². The window is 1.2 m × 1.5 m, giving an opening of 1.8 m². Deduct these measured openings from the gross wall area: 33.6 − 1.6 − 1.8 = 30.2 m² of net flat wall area.

The ceiling area is the floor plan area: 4 × 3 = 12 m². Measure reveals and mouldings separately. Record repair work separately, but keep repaired wall areas within the area to be painted.

This quantity example is not a pricing rule. The coat count and stated spreading rate are used next to calculate the material quantity.

Worked wall and ceiling area calculation

Written calculationVisual map

Both sides use the same example from this guide: 30.2 m² of net flat walls and a 12 m² ceiling.

OPEN THE FULL PAGE

Ten knowledge blocks. One organised reference.

From the first room survey to inspection and maintenance. Find the area you want to understand, then open its maps.

Surveying & Job Planning

Survey rooms, measure surfaces and define the work.

Explore the maps →02

Substrates & Existing Coatings

Read wall layers, timber, metals and existing finishes.

Explore the maps →03

Preparation, Repairs & Protection

Connect cleaning, repairs and protection to sound preparation.

Explore the maps →04

Paint Systems & Material Selection

Understand primers, undercoats, finishes and drying stages.

Explore the maps →05

Brushes, Rollers & Application

Compare tools and follow loading, cutting-in and rolling.

Explore the maps →06

Spray Equipment & Application

Understand equipment, spray patterns and setup checks.

Explore the maps →07

Wallcoverings

Read repeats, plan drops and compare hanging methods.

Explore the maps →08

Colour & Decorative Finishes

Explore colour relationships, lighting and decorative effects.

Explore the maps →09

Interior & Exterior Details

Study junctions, trim and exposed details.

Explore the maps →10

Defects, Inspection & Maintenance

Separate symptoms from causes and follow the evidence.

Explore the maps →

See the principle. Work through the example.

Build your understanding with annotated maps, calculation sheets and illustrated cases. Use the companion questions to check how the ideas connect.

+200visual maps

10knowledge blocks

3companion guides

4PDF files

SEE WHAT IS INCLUDED

Made for the way you learn the trade.

You study painting & decorating

Connect classroom terms with illustrated surfaces, tools and processes.

You are an apprentice

Revisit the principles behind the work you see during supervised training.

You work in the trade

Find a visual explanation of a topic you want to refresh.

You prefer seeing the detail

Use labelled diagrams and side-by-side comparisons to follow the explanation.

You want the working, too

Trace quantities and units through each calculation, rather than seeing only an answer.

You already have notes or a course

Use the maps alongside your existing learning materials and product instructions.

Your visual reference, brought together.

+200 VISUAL MAPS + 3 COMPANION GUIDES

+200 Visual Maps for UK Painters & Decorators

Choose your topic and start with the detail you want to understand.

Over 200 illustrated maps across ten knowledge blocks
Clear labels, sequences and comparisons
Calculations with assumptions and units beside the working
Three illustrated fault-finding cases
Eight practice questions with explained answers
Four separate PDFs to read, zoom or print

3 COMPANION GUIDES

TAKE THE NEXT STEP WITH WORKED EXAMPLES

BONUS 01

Decorating Calculations & Quick Tables

Three pages covering paint quantities, wallpaper drop calculations and unit conversions.

Follow the working, assumptions and checks beside each result.

INCLUDED · 3 PAGES

BONUS 02

Decorating Fault-Finding Cases

Three illustrated cases: a returning stain, opening wallpaper seams and peeling trim.

Compare evidence and hypotheses before choosing the next check.

INCLUDED · 3 PAGES

BONUS 03

Practice Questions & Worked Answers

Eight original questions across three pages, each with an explained answer.

Practise quantities, specifications, coating evidence and application reasoning.

INCLUDED · 3 PAGES

THE COLLECTION: +200 VISUAL MAPS + 3 BONUSES

The maps and all three companion guides.

4 PDF FILES INCLUDED

THE VISUAL COLLECTION

+200 Visual Maps for UK Painters & Decorators

Over 200 visual maps across ten knowledge blocks
Annotated drawings, processes and comparisons
Read on your phone, tablet or computer
Print for personal study and add your own notes
Companion guide · Decorating Calculations & Quick Tables
Companion guide · Decorating Fault-Finding Cases
Companion guide · Practice Questions & Worked Answers

£27

Visual maps + all three companion guides.

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PDF collectionScreen readingPersonal printing

Find your topic. Follow the illustrations. Work through the examples.

See the detail. Follow the reasoning.

Read the drawing and its explanation together, then apply the reasoning to a worked example. Use comparisons and case questions to check what you have understood.

A practical companion for study and trade knowledge.

Sources linked by topic

The materials library links each topic to its listed HSE, manufacturer or technical guidance.

Use the actual specification

Follow the current product instructions, project specification and appropriate training when applying a concept.

Open a topic. Make it part of your learning.

Choose your topic

Find the knowledge block and open the relevant map.

Follow the page

Read the labels, comparisons and working in their visual order.

Check your understanding

Try the companion questions and revisit any steps that need another look.

EXPLORE THE COLLECTION →

Frequently asked questions

What is this collection?

A digital study and reference collection covering ten areas of painting and decorating, with three companion guides.

Who is it for?

Painting and decorating students, apprentices, beginners and professionals building or refreshing their trade knowledge. Use it alongside training, project information and product documentation.

Does it cover the wider trade?

It spans surveying, substrates, preparation, paint systems, brushes and rollers, spraying, wallcoverings, colour, interior and exterior details, and defects. It is a visual reference, not a professional qualification.

Can I use it to revise my training?

Yes. Topic-based maps and explained practice answers support revision. The material is independent and does not promise coverage of a particular examination.

Is it intended for the UK?

Yes. The language and examples use British English. Always check the instructions and requirements applying to your project and selected products.

What do the included PDFs contain?

Four PDFs: the main guide contains over 200 visual maps across ten knowledge blocks. Decorating Calculations & Quick Tables has three pages of calculations and tables; Decorating Fault-Finding Cases has three illustrated case pages; Practice Questions & Worked Answers has three pages with eight explained questions.

Can I read it on my phone?

Yes. Open the PDFs on a phone, tablet or computer and zoom into the diagrams. A larger screen makes dense illustrations easier to study.

Can I print the maps?

The pages are suitable for personal study and reference printing. No physical books are supplied.

Do I need prior knowledge?

The maps explain concepts visually. Training and supervised experience help you apply them appropriately. They do not replace competence, project specifications or product instructions.

Are the examples product specifications?

No. Calculations identify their assumptions, and illustrated processes explain principles. Use the current technical data sheet and safety information for the actual product and task.

PAINTING & DECORATING, MADE VISUAL

Bring the detail into focus. Build your understanding.

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Ten knowledge blocks · Three companion guides · Digital PDFs