Skip to content
Who We Are
With roots going back to 1857, the Scottish Decorators’ Federation (SDF) is Scotland’s trade association for the painting and decorating industry.
Our members undertake approximately 75% of the painting and decorating work in Scotland. We exist to be the voice for the reputable, qualified decorator and to improve the image of the industry.
We are an influential, lobbying body and provide our members with access to the latest knowledge, training and skills and by negotiating with Unite the union on wage and conditions for the industry.
Join the SDF
Join the Scottish Decorators’ Federation today and gain access to a wide range of support services designed to help you promote, protect, and grow your business. By displaying the SDF badge, you show clients that you are a qualified and reputable decorator they can trust.
Driving Education & Excellence
Education is at the heart of the Federation and we have a proud heritage of driving broad-based training and regulation within the industry.
Our National Training Group , in partnership with CITB, provides all the post-apprenticeship training required by the industry in a convenient location for our members.
Our apprenticeship registration arm, the Scottish Painting and Decorating Apprenticeship Council (SPADAC), was established in 2009 at the request of the industry. It is a partnership with CITB and registers 80% of CITB’s apprentices in Scotland.
A group of English contractors applied to join the SDF and in 2011 their own English branch was established in Leicester as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the SDF, called the British Decorators’ Federation (BDF).
FAQ'S
What is the SDF?
We are Scotland’s trade association for the painting and decorating industry. We exist to be the voice for the reputable, qualified decorator and to improve the image of the industry. We are an influential, lobbying body and provide our members with access to the latest knowledge, training and skills and by negotiating with Unite the Union on wage and conditions for the industry.
What's in it for me?
In addition to providing members with access to the latest knowledge, training and skills, you also get a great range of benefits to help make your business life easier. If that wasn’t enough, being a member offers you support, friendship and the chance to get involved and make a difference to your industry.
What's in it for my customers?
We only approve members who are reputable and qualified tradesmen so your customers are assured of a high quality standard of work when they employ an SDF member.
How do I join?
Check you fulfill the criteria, call us about the fees (01786 448838), fill in the application form and send it to us (either by post or online) with the required photocopied document and your payment. We’ll check your references, inspect your work and if you fulfill the criteria, we welcome you to the SDF with your Membership Pack
What's in the Membership Pack?
SDF Year Book, Code of Conduct, Constitution and Rules of the SDF, Federation Committees, Scottish Wages Council Wage Rate, National Working Rules, Newsletters, Member Support Services Health & Safety Advice, key information on recent legislation, which we call green sheets.
I have a question that hasn't been answered here. What should I do?
Call us on 01786 448838 and a member of the SDF team will be happy to help.
Find A Decorator
Find a skilled and trustworthy decorator in your area with the SDF’s free Find a Decorator search. Our members are vetted and approved to ensure they meet high standards, so you can decorate with confidence.