Painter Jobs

Whereas a song goes that a picture paints a thousand words, painter jobs cover a multitude of buildings and infrastructures.

Painters employed in building jobs apply paint, varnish, wallpaper and other finishes to ensure the protection and maintenance of the surfaces of buildings and other structures. Aside from the functionality of the painter jobs, painters are also hired to put aesthetic touches to surfaces of walls or ceiling.

On the job

Apart from painting, painters in building jobs are expected to perform the following tasks:

  • discuss with architect, engineer, and interior decorator the specifications of the client
  • prepare cost estimates for the client approval
  • select and prepare paint to be used
  • remove old paint or wallpaper using sanders, scrapers, paint removers, and other hand tools and equipment
  • prepare surfaces to be painted by fixing chipped wood or concrete surfaces
  • wash down surfaces to be painted to remove dust and grease
  • use spray, brush, rolls, and other specialised equipment to apply paint
  • apply decorative finishes such as stencils, colour glaze, marbling, lettering, and graining
  • keep the workplace clean.

Some painters specialise on a specific area of work. Painters employed in building jobs more often than not are experts on commercial or industrial structure painting.

What you should have

There are no educational requirements for the painter jobs. In building jobs, however, you're required to have at least three years of secondary education. You also must have completed an apprenticeship and gained various certificates that would vouch for your qualifications. Most painters gain skills on the job.

Apart from having the paperwork required by employers, you must have knowledge of kinds of paints, types of wall coverings, and other finishes. Knowledge and understanding of the painting process are useful. You must also demonstrate different painting and decorating techniques. Knowledge of health and safety measures in the work site may be useful in building jobs. Since you are going to work as part of a team, you must also have good communication skills.

Money matters

Wages for painter jobs vary depending on experience, level of skills, location of employment, and company one is working for. Apprentice painters may earn minimum apprentice wages, and those with more experience may earn more.

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