Major Work Activity B - Prepares surfaces

Table of contents

Task B-6 Performs general surface preparation

Task Descriptor

Painters and decorators prepare substrates by chemical and mechanical means (using power tools and hand tools), and clean surfaces to ensure the proper adhesion of primer and successive coats. Caulking is applied when needed.

B-6.01 Removes existing paints and coatings

B-6.01 Removes existing paints and coatings
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
NV yes NV NV NV yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
B-6.01.01P select and use tools, equipment and procedures tools, equipment and procedures are selected and used according to coating to be removed and substrate
B-6.01.02P abrasive blast paints and coatings from substrate paints and coatings are abrasive blasted from substrate using blasting equipment
B-6.01.03P power tool surface surface is power tooled using hand-held power tools according to profiling specifications
B-6.01.04P apply heat or paint stripper/remover heat or paint stripper/remover is applied according to product data sheets, and chemical and physical characteristics to lift paint or coating for ease of removal by scraping
B-6.01.05P scrape lifted paint or coating from substrate lifted paint or coating is scraped from substrate using scrapers

Range of variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
B-6.01.01L demonstrate knowledge of substrates, their characteristics and applications identify types of substrates and describe their characteristics and applications
B-6.01.02L demonstrate knowledge of procedures to remove existing paints and coatings from substrates identify blasting equipment, hand-held power tools and hand tools used to remove existing paints and coatings from substrates, and describe their procedures for use
describe procedures to remove existing paints and coatings from substrates
identify hazards associated with removal of hazardous materials
B-6.01.03L demonstrate knowledge of regulatory requirements pertaining to hazardous materials identify standards and regulations pertaining to removal and disposal of hazardous materials

Range of variables

B-6.02 Removes existing wall coverings and adhesives

B-6.02 Removes existing wall coverings and adhesives
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
NV yes NV NV NV yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
B-6.02.01P select and use tools, equipment and procedures tools, equipment and procedures are selected and used according to wall covering and adhesive to be removed, and substrate
B-6.02.02P strip wall covering wall covering is stripped using stripping tools and equipment
B-6.02.03P saturate wall coverings with warm water wall coverings are saturated with warm water to loosen adhesive bond before removal
B-6.02.04P peel and scrape off loose wall covering materials loose wall covering materials are peeled and scraped off
B-6.02.05P soak adhesive to loosen for scraping and washing adhesive is soaked to loosen for scraping and washing
B-6.02.06P remove old adhesive from substrate old adhesive is removed from substrate using cleaning materials

Range of variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
B-6.02.01L demonstrate knowledge of wall coverings and adhesives, their characteristics and applications identify types of wall coverings and adhesives, and describe their characteristics and applications
B-6.02.02L demonstrate knowledge of procedures to remove wall coverings and adhesives identify stripping tools and equipment used to remove wall coverings and adhesives, and describe their procedures for use
describe procedures to remove wall coverings and adhesives
describe stripping methods based on wall covering to be removed
identify cleaning materials used to remove adhesives

Range of variables

B-6.03 Cleans surfaces

B-6.03 Cleans surfaces
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
NV yes NV NV NV yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
B-6.03.01P select and use cleaning tools and equipment cleaning tools and equipment are selected and used according to task and manufacturers’ specifications
B-6.03.02P determine cleaning procedures to follow cleaning procedures to follow are determined according to project requirements
B-6.03.03P perform cleaning procedures cleaning procedures are performed
B-6.03.04P dry substrate substrate is dried to ensure that coating adheres to substrate
B-6.03.05P blow down surface and vacuum surface is blown down and vacuumed to eliminate dust and debris from work area

Range of variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
B-6.03.01L demonstrate knowledge of procedures to clean surfaces identify cleaning tools and equipment used to clean surfaces, and describe their procedures for use
describe cleaning procedures used to clean surfaces based on project requirements
describe results of unclean surfaces

Range of variables

B-6.04 Primes surfaces

B-6.04 Primes surfaces
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
NV yes NV NV NV yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
B-6.04.01P determine priming procedures to follow priming procedures to follow are determined according to project requirements
B-6.04.02P select and use tools and equipment tools and equipment are selected and used according to task and manufacturers’ specifications
B-6.04.03P apply primer using techniques primer is applied using techniques according to manufacturers’ specifications
B-6.04.04P cover stains with stain-inhibiting primer stains are covered with stain-inhibiting primer according to manufacturers’ specifications to avoid bleed-through to finish coat

Range of variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
B-6.04.01L demonstrate knowledge of primers, their characteristics and applications identify types of primers and describe their characteristics and applications
explain reasons for using primers
B-6.04.02L demonstrate knowledge of procedures to prime surfaces identify tools and equipment used to prime surfaces, and describe their procedures for use
describe procedures and techniques used to prime surfaces

Range of variables

B-6.05 Sands surfaces

B-6.05 Sands surfaces
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
NV yes NV NV NV yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
B-6.05.01P select sandpaper type and grit sandpaper type and grit are selected to improve adhesion of subsequent coats, to create desired surface and according to substrate
B-6.05.02P select and use sanding tools and equipment sanding tools and equipment are selected and used according to desired finish
B-6.05.03P create surface profile for adhesion of subsequent coats surface profile is created for adhesion of subsequent coats
B-6.05.04P perform sanding procedures sanding procedures are performed according to project requirements

Range of variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
B-6.05.01L demonstrate knowledge of sandpaper, and sanding tools and equipment, their characteristics, applications and operation identify types of sandpaper, and sanding tools and equipment, and describe their characteristics, applications and operation
describe sandpaper grits and backing materials
B-6.05.02L demonstrate knowledge of procedures to sand surfaces describe sanding procedures
identify types of surfaces to be sanded
explain importance of sanding sequence and relevance to smoothness desired

Range of variables

B-6.06 Applies caulking

B-6.06 Applies caulking
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
NV yes NV NV NV yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
B-6.06.01P prepare substrate for caulking substrate is prepared for caulking by cleaning, drying completely and priming to ensure adhesion
B-6.06.02P cut caulking tube tip at an angle caulking tube tip is cut at an angle to optimize flow of caulking and ease of tooling
B-6.06.03P tool caulking caulking is tooled for uniformity, aesthetics and to create a tight seal
Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
B-6.06.01L demonstrate knowledge of caulking, its characteristics and applications identify types of caulking, and describe their characteristics and areas of applications
explain reasons for caulking breakdown
B-6.06.02L demonstrate knowledge of procedures to apply caulking identify tools and equipment used to apply caulking, and describe their procedures for use
describe procedures and techniques used to apply caulking
describe caulking removal procedures

Range of variables

Task B-7 Prepares wood surfaces for paints, coatings and wall coverings

Task Descriptor

Painters and decorators prepare the surface by repairing imperfections such as by applying wood filler. Treating wood surfaces prior to painting is an important step in preparing the substrate. It helps to ensure a uniform finish and good adhesion of top coats. Wood surfaces that may be painted range from doors, door frames and sheds to signage, dimensional lumber, siding and shakes.

B-7.01 Treats wood surfaces

B-7.01 Treats wood surfaces
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
NV yes NV NV NV yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
B-7.01.01P determine procedures to follow for treating wood procedures to follow for treating wood are determined according to project requirements
B-7.01.02P seal wood substrate with stain-sealing primer (oil or solvent-based) wood substrate is sealed with stain-sealing primer (oil or solvent-based) to prevent bleeding through and to prevent finish coat from absorbing into wood according to project requirements
B-7.01.03P smooth primed surface primed surface is smoothed by sanding to ensure a uniform coat
B-7.01.04P clean surface surface is cleaned by removing dust using tack cloth or lint-free rag

Range of variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
B-7.01.01L demonstrate knowledge of procedures to treat wood surfaces identify tools and equipment used to treat wood surfaces, and describe their procedures for use
identify types of wood substrates
describe procedures to treat wood surfaces based on project requirements

Range of variables

B-7.02 Repairs minor imperfections in wood

B-7.02 Repairs minor imperfections in wood
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
NV yes NV NV NV yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
B-7.02.01P fill minor imperfections with wood filler minor imperfections are filled with wood filler according to job requirements
B-7.02.02P replace rotted or damaged wood rotted or damaged wood is replaced using tools and equipment
B-7.02.03P check for and repair raised grain by re-sanding surface surface is re-sanded and raised grain is repaired to ensure uniform smooth finish

Range of variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
B-7.02.01L demonstrate knowledge of procedures to repair minor imperfections in wood identify tools and equipment used to repair minor imperfections in wood, and describe their procedures for use
describe procedures to repair minor imperfections in wood
describe procedures to replace rotted or damaged wood

Range of variables

Task B-8 Prepares concrete and masonry surfaces

Task Descriptor

Painters and decorators prepare concrete and masonry surfaces using mechanical and chemical treatments to make substrates suitable for application of coatings and to expose aggregate. This includes repairing minor imperfections and filling cracks, gaps and holes.

B-8.01 Mechanically treats concrete and masonry surfaces

B-8.01 Mechanically treats concrete and masonry surfaces
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
NV yes NV NV NV yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
B-8.01.01P select and use tools and equipment tools and equipment are selected and used according to task and manufacturers’ specifications
B-8.01.02P maintain appropriate profile on substrate at required profile depth appropriate profile on substrate is maintained at required profile depth
B-8.01.03P test areas for hardness, moisture and profile depth areas are tested for hardness, moisture and profile depth

Range of variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
B-8.01.01L demonstrate knowledge of concrete and masonry, their characteristics and applications describe concrete and masonry, and describe their characteristics and applications
B-8.01.02L demonstrate knowledge of procedures to mechanically treat concrete and masonry surfaces identify tools and equipment used to mechanically treat concrete and masonry surfaces, and describe their procedures for use
describe procedures to mechanically treat concrete and masonry surfaces

Range of variables

B-8.02 Chemically treats concrete and masonry surfaces

B-8.02 Chemically treats concrete and masonry surfaces
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
NV yes NV NV NV yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
B-8.02.01P mix etching and neutralizing materials etching and neutralizing materials are mixed according to product data sheets
B-8.02.02P work chemical treatment material into substrate chemical treatment material is worked into substrate using a broom to etch surface and improve adhesion of coating
B-8.02.03P remove contaminants, and etching and neutralizing residue contaminants, and etching and neutralizing residue are removed by pressure washing
B-8.02.04P remove efflorescence efflorescence is removed by pressure washing with a chemical formula

Range of variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
B-8.02.01L demonstrate knowledge of etching and neutralizing materials, their characteristics and applications identify etching materials, and describe their characteristics and applications
identify neutralizing materials, and describe their characteristics and applications
B-8.02.02L demonstrate knowledge of procedures to chemically treat concrete and masonry surfaces identify tools and equipment used to chemically treat concrete and masonry surfaces, and describe their procedures for use
describe procedures to chemically treat concrete and masonry surfaces
describe procedures to remove efflorescence, contaminants and, neutralizing and etching residue from concrete and masonry surfaces
identify hazards and safe work practices when using etching materials

Range of variables

B-8.03 Repairs concrete and masonry surfaces

B-8.03 Repairs concrete and masonry surfaces
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
NV yes NV NV NV yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
B-8.03.01P select and use tools and equipment tools and equipment are selected and used according to task and manufacturers’ specifications
B-8.03.02P identify concrete and masonry surface repair materials that are compatible with coating material concrete and masonry surface repair materials that are compatible with coating material are identified
B-8.03.03P repair imperfections with concrete and masonry surface repair materials imperfections are repaired with concrete and masonry surface repair materials
B-8.03.04P smooth surfaces surfaces are smoothed

Range of variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
B-8.03.01L demonstrate knowledge of concrete and masonry surface repair materials, their characteristics and applications identify concrete and masonry surface repair materials and describe their characteristics and applications
B-8.03.02L demonstrate knowledge of procedures to perform minor repairs to concrete and masonry surfaces identify tools and equipment used to perform minor repairs to concrete and masonry surfaces, and describe their procedures for use
identify types of imperfections to be repaired
describe procedures to perform minor repairs to concrete and masonry surfaces
identify hazards and safe work practices when using concrete and masonry surface repair materials

Range of variables

Task B-9 Prepares metal surfaces

Task Descriptor

Painters and decorators prepare metal surfaces to make substrates suitable for application of coatings. This includes cleaning with abrasive blasting, power equipment and hand tools, and applying epoxy, putty and grouts designed for metal surfaces.

B-9.01 Treats metal surfaces

B-9.01 Treats metal surfaces
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
NV yes NV NV NV yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
B-9.01.01P wash metal surfaces with water or solvent to remove contaminants metal surfaces are washed with water or solvent to remove contaminants
B-9.01.02P etch metal surfaces metal surfaces are etched by applying chemical to soft metal surfaces in order to improve adhesion without damage
B-9.01.03P grind metal surfaces to remove sharp edges metal surfaces are ground to remove sharp edges
B-9.01.04P create profile with mechanical treatments profile is created with mechanical treatments by abrasive blasting or using power tools

Range of variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
B-9.01.01L demonstrate knowledge of metals, their characteristics, applications and properties identify types of metals and describe their characteristics, applications and properties
B-9.01.02L demonstrate knowledge of materials and products used to treat metal surfaces identify materials and products used to treat metal surfaces
B-9.01.03L demonstrate knowledge of procedures to treat metal surfaces identify tools and equipment used to treat metal surfaces, and describe their procedures for use
identify types of contaminants found on metal surfaces
describe procedures to treat metal surfaces

Range of variables

B-9.02 Repairs metal surfaces

B-9.02 Repairs metal surfaces
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
NV yes NV NV NV yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
B-9.02.01P remove burrs, sharp edges and corrosion burrs, sharp edges and corrosion are removed by methods
B-9.02.02P mix filling compounds filling compounds are mixed according to manufacturers’ specifications
B-9.02.03P fill voids and pitting voids and pitting are filled by applying filling material and letting it cure according to manufacturers’ specifications

Range of variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
B-9.02.01L demonstrate knowledge of filling materials, their characteristics and applications identify filling materials and describe their characteristics and applications
B-9.02.02L demonstrate knowledge of procedures to repair metal surfaces identify tools and equipment used to repair metal surfaces, and describe their procedures for use
describe procedures and methods to repair metal surfaces

Range of variables

Task B-10 Prepares plaster surfaces and drywall

Task Descriptor

Painters and decorators repair minor damage and imperfections of existing plaster surfaces and drywall. In some jurisdictions, they may also finish new drywall.

B-10.01 Repairs existing plaster surfaces and drywall

B-10.01 Repairs existing plaster surfaces and drywall
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
NV yes NV NV NV yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
B-10.01.01P remove mould and mildew mould and mildew are removed by applying mould killer or mildewcide according to manufacturers’ specifications
B-10.01.02P mix compound to required consistency compound is mixed to required consistency
B-10.01.03P fill cracks, holes and dents using tools cracks, holes and dents are filled using tools
B-10.01.04P correct deficiencies deficiencies are corrected
B-10.01.05P replace drywall components drywall components are replaced
B-10.01.06P remove damaged drywall and replace or fill with mud compound damaged drywall is removed and replaced or filled with mud compound

Range of variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
B-10.01.01L demonstrate knowledge of plaster surfaces and drywall, their components, characteristics and applications identify types of plaster surfaces and drywall, and their components, and describe their characteristics and applications
B-10.01.02L demonstrate knowledge of procedures to repair existing plaster surfaces and drywall identify tools used to repair existing plaster surfaces and drywall, and describe their procedures for use
describe procedures to repair existing plaster surfaces and drywall
identify imperfections to be repaired
identify types of compounds used to repair existing plaster surfaces and drywall
explain setting times and recoat times of various compounds
describe sequence of application of compound
identify types of tape
identify types of corner beads
identify moisture level of substrate, temperature and humidity required for finishing

Range of variables

B-10.02 Finishes new drywall

B-10.02 Finishes new drywall
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
NV yes NV NV NV yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
B-10.02.01P apply mud and tape mud and tape are applied using tools
B-10.02.02P install corner bead corner bead is installed using tools and materials
B-10.02.03P mix compound to required consistency compound is mixed to required consistency
B-10.02.04P spread compound uniformly and feather edges out compound is spread uniformly and edges are feathered out

Range of variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
B-10.02.01L demonstrate knowledge of procedures to finish new drywall identify tools used to apply mud and tape, and describe their procedures for use
identify tools and materials used to install corner beads, and describe their procedures for use
describe procedures to finish new drywall
identify types of compounds used to repair existing plaster surfaces and drywall
explain setting times and recoat times of various compounds
describe sequence of application of compound
identify types of tape used to finish drywall
identify types of corner beads
identify temperature and humidity level required for finishing

Range of variables