Decorate in a Day

In this full day course running from 10am-4pm, we’ll start with a coffee and a chat and take you through decorating step by step. 

We’ll show you how to prepare and clean a surface for painting properly. We’ll take you through proper sanding techniques, various paint removal techniques, dealing with loose paint and dust and keeping clean as you go. 

We’ll show you how to fill holes properly and which products the trade use to make life easier. We’ll practice filling large and small holes and sanding to perfection.  

Once our surface is fully prepped, we’ll give you a good understanding of paints to use. We’ll cover emulsions, wipeable paints, breathable paints, sprayable paints, undercoats and when to use them, stain blockers, one coat paints and more! 

Understanding synthetic and real bristle paint brushes and the different types you need make life a lot easier on the job. We’ll cover them in detail as well as rollers and keeping clean as you go to get you started on the right track. 

How fast to use a roller? What’s the best way to cut-in an edge? Which bit do I do first and why? How to load a paint brush properly? Which masking tape should I use? We’ll answer all these questions and more before practicing all these techniques until you’ve mastered them. 

We’ll give you a space to work in, the tools, paints and fillers you need to practice all the techniques throughout the day. We include free tea and coffee and all PPE required for the course. By the time you finish you’ll be decorating like a pro! 

TOOLS YOU WILL USE:
• Paint Brushes
• Paint Rollers
• Variety of fillers and filling tools
• Caulk and gun
• Sanders and correct sandpaper
• Emulsion, stain blockers, gloss 
• Masking tapes
• Variety of other great decorating tools that you probably haven’t heard of! 

WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?:
The course is designed to take you from a beginner level to a pro level over the course of the day. It’s for anyone that wants to decorate properly.

IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR ME?:
Compare our courses to find the right one for you with our handy guide: 'Which Ash & Co Workshop is Right for You?'

THE VENUE:
Located just off the A287 on the Hampshire / Surrey border, Ash & Co. Workshops is a super friendly, fun and relaxed environment that welcomes all ages and all genders to share in our passion for making. We want you to leave the workshop happy, content and full of knowledge that you didn’t have before. 

We’re there with you to offer advice every step of the way and always have time to answer all your questions. All tools, materials and safety equipment are provided on the course and complimentary tea, coffee and water are available throughout the day.

HOW TO BOOK:
To secure your place on one of our Decorate in a Day courses simply fill out the form at the top of this page and purchase through the usual checkout process.

We will need the name of the attendee and a contact phone number or email address. You will receive an email confirming all the details, and we are always happy to answer any questions you may have before you arrive.

Beginners Decorate in a Day Course – Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need any decorating experience?
Not at all. This course is designed for beginners and improvers. Whether you’ve never picked up a paintbrush before or you’ve decorated before but want a better finish, you’ll be in the right place.

What will I actually learn?
You’ll learn the core skills that professional decorators use every day, including preparation, filling, sanding, cutting in neatly, painting walls and ceilings, and achieving a smooth, professional finish.

Is the course hands-on?
Yes. This is a practical decorating workshop where you’ll practise the techniques yourself. Watching is useful, but the real learning happens when you try the techniques with guidance.

Will I learn how to get neat edges when painting?
Absolutely. One of the key skills we cover is cutting in — the technique decorators use to create clean, sharp edges without getting paint everywhere!

What tools and materials do I need to bring?
Nothing at all. All tools, paints and materials are provided during the workshop. You’ll also get advice on which decorating tools and paints are actually worth buying.

Will this help me avoid common decorating mistakes?
Yes. A big part of the course is learning the shortcuts and professional tips that stop DIY decorating jobs from going wrong.

Will I learn how to prepare walls properly before painting?
Yes. Preparation is the secret to a great finish. We cover cleaning, filling, sanding and priming so your decorating lasts longer and looks better.

How many people are on the course?
We keep the groups small - a maximum of 6 people - so everyone gets personal guidance and plenty of opportunity to practise the techniques.

Is the workshop warm or cold?
Our workshop is comfortable throughout the year. It’s heated in winter and has air conditioning to keep things pleasant in warmer months.

What should I wear?
Just wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind if you get a bit of paint on and closed-toe shoes.

Do you provide aprons?
Yes, we have aprons for everyone who would like one.

Do you provide tea and coffee? 
Yes, we have a tea and coffee station and you are welcome to help yourself throughout the day.

Do you provide lunch? 
No, we ask participants to bring their own food for the day. We take a break for lunch and the workshop is within a few minutes drive of a Co-op or Marks & Spencer garage if you would prefer to buy your lunch on the day.

Do you cover wallpapering on the course?
No — this course focuses on the core decorating skills needed to achieve a great paint finish, such as preparation, filling, sanding, cutting in and painting walls and woodwork. Wallpapering is a specialist skill in its own right and isn’t covered during the day. However, the techniques you learn for preparing surfaces properly will still be incredibly useful if you decide to hang wallpaper in the future.

Do I need to bring anything with me?
Just your lunch and willingness to learn! Everything else you need for the DIY training workshop is provided. 

What if I’ve decorated before but it never quite looks right?
You’re exactly the sort of person this course helps. Most people have tried decorating before but never been shown the proper techniques.

Will I leave feeling confident to decorate at home?
That’s the goal. By the end of the day you’ll understand the process, know which tools to use, and have practised the techniques needed to achieve a professional-looking result.