ITI/NCVT Painter General (AITT Theory) study plan

Identify and describe at least eight common substrates (mild steel, galvanised steel, aluminium, wood, plywood, masonry, plaster, previously painted surfaces) and state the correct preparation method for each

Explain the purpose of each preparation step: degreasing, rust removal, abrading, dusting off, filling and priming, and state the consequence of skipping each one

Demonstrate and describe safe handling of surface preparation chemicals and tools, including PPE selection for solvent, dust and abrasive hazards

List the first aid response for eye splash, skin contact with solvent, inhalation of solvent vapour and abrasive injury, and describe basic fire safety for solvent-based materials

Break down the composition of oil paints, enamels, emulsion paints, varnishes, lacquers and thinners into pigment, binder, solvent and additive roles

Select the correct paint system for a given substrate and service condition, justifying the choice in writing

Read and interpret a paint container label: batch, shelf life, mixing ratio, thinning limit, drying and recoating times, and VOC or hazard symbols

Use and care for measuring instruments and hand tools: steel rule, vernier caliper, hygrometer, wet film comb and thickness gauge, and describe correct cleaning and storage

Describe brush types, sizes and bristle materials and match each to the paint and surface it suits

Explain roller sleeve selection by nap length and paint type, and identify the defects caused by wrong roller choice

Describe the sequence of operations for painting a room: preparation, priming, cutting in, rolling, recoating, drying and cleanup

Calculate paint quantity for a given wall area using coverage rate, number of coats and wastage allowance

Demonstrate correct tool cleaning, solvent recovery and safe disposal of paint waste and contaminated rags

Identify the main parts of a spray gun (air cap, fluid tip, needle, fluid and air controls) and explain the function of each

Explain the difference between suction, gravity and pressure feed guns and state which suits which job

Set spray gun air pressure, fluid flow and fan pattern for a test panel, and describe the symptoms of too much or too little thinner, pressure or fluid

Describe the layout and operation of a spray booth, including airflow direction, filter stages, extraction and booth maintenance checks

Carry out and record compressor safety checks: drain condensate, check safety valve, regulator, hoses, moisture trap and oil level

Describe the tools and steps for graining and marbling effects, including scumble, overgrainer, flogger and stippler use

Plan and lay out a stencil design, including registration, bridging, stencil brush loading and cleaning between colours

Explain the layout and brush technique for sign writing letters, including guidelines, spacing and letter correction

Explain colour mixing principles: primary, secondary, tertiary colours, tint, shade, tone and complementary contrast

Match a colour to a sample by eye and by formula, and describe how light source and surface sheen affect the match

Diagnose at least twelve common paint defects (blistering, wrinkling, sagging, runs, orange peel, fish eyes, blooming, chalking, flaking, cracking, efflorescence, rust bleed) by cause, appearance and remedy

Distinguish defects caused by surface preparation, application, material or environment, and state the prevention measure for each

Explain corrosion mechanisms on steel and the role of barrier, inhibitive and sacrificial coatings

Select and justify industrial coating systems for immersion, chemical exposure, high temperature and marine or humid service

Describe surface preparation standards for industrial work, including abrasive blast grades and the purpose of zinc-rich primers and stripe coats

Calculate material and labour cost for a painting job from measured areas, coverage rates, coats, labour hours and overheads

Prepare an estimate that separates material, labour, access or scaffolding, and contingency, and state the assumptions used

Write a short technical report describing a completed or planned job in clear sequence, using correct trade terms

Explain the role of teamwork, punctuality, workplace discipline and safe work culture in a painting crew

Perform basic computer tasks relevant to the trade: create a spreadsheet for paint quantity and cost, and save, name and email a file correctly

Revise all domain content using a self-made summary sheet per domain, condensing each to key facts and formulas

Re-attempt previously missed practice questions and explain in writing why the correct answer is correct

Rehearse safety, first aid and defect-remedy questions under timed conditions until consistently accurate

Identify remaining weak areas from practice scores and close each with targeted reading and notes