Painter

What Does a Career in Paint and Design Look Like?

A painter works indoors and outdoors at homes and businesses, applying paint or stains to walls and surfaces. Good hand-eye coordination is helpful for this physical work. Responsibilities include cleaning the wall surfaces, taping off windows, and patching any cracks before beginning to paint. A good color sense is useful, and basic knowledge of paint brands, spackling and sealing, and taping is beneficial. You will be required to use ladders, carry heavy paint cans, and lift and move furniture and wall hangings.

Accents for home design are in demand these days and the field offers many opportunities to support housepainters or contractors. Designers can use stone or tile, do wall murals, stencils, furniture painting, or additional craft projects to enhance the appearance of a home or business.

Requirements

  • A high school equivalency degree or certification is typically not required
  • On-the-job training

Types of Jobs

  • Housepainter – exterior or interior
  • Sign painter
  • Architectural painting
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Deck painting
  • Furniture painter
  • Scenic painter
  • Tile and re-glazing
  • Auto painting
  • Floor installation

Training for Painters

On-the-job training is best, but if you are drawn to a particular craft and have a creative side, you can pursue design classes. Classes may be offered at the local level (an adult school, library) or online. The Master Painters Institute

painter

Training for Floor installation

  • Information for Learning Floor Installation
  • INSTALL

Do-It-Yourself Training for Tile Installation

  • DIY Network

Tip

Practice painting at your own home or doing projects with other materials to help you get basic knowledge.

Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in the painting are expected to increase by 6% from 2018 2028. Tile and floor installation careers are expected to increase 11% from 2018 to 2028.

Also See

  • Construction

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