Duties
In general, painters and decorators:
- estimate the quantity of materials required by measuring surfaces or
reviewing a work order,
- remove the old coating by stripping it with solvents, heat, sanding, wire
brushing, or water and sand blasting,
- prepare the surface for covering by cleaning it, filling nail holes and
cracks, and sanding rough spots,
- apply an undercoat primer or sealer before painting, or apply
"sizing" before wallpapering,
- match specified colors by using premixed paints, or by mixing
color and
pigment with oil, and thinning and drying additives,
- use brushes, rollers or spray guns to apply liquid coatings such as paint,
stain or varnish to surfaces of wood, metal, brick, concrete, plaster,
stucco or stone,
- sandblast and apply industrial coatings,
- apply finishes that are sponged, ragged and layered, and
- apply paper, or natural and synthetic fabric wall coverings, fire-proof
and fire retardant coatings.
Painters and decorators must keep up to date with new products.
Working Conditions
Painters and decorators try to arrange their work so they will be outdoors in
late spring, summer and early fall, and indoors in the late fall and winter.
They must stand for long periods of time, often doing work with their arms
raised over their heads. There is some risk of injury from falling off ladders,
scaffolds or swing stages; and from working with hazardous chemicals such as
paint thinners and removers.
Painters and decorators may be required to lift equipment and supplies
weighing up to 25 kilograms.
Skills, Interests, Values
To be successful in their trade, painters and decorators need:
- good color sense,
- manual dexterity,
- the ability to work at heights,
- the strength required to move heavy ladders or set up scaffolding, and
- a desire to do a precise and thorough job.
People who enjoy working in this occupation tend to prefer work that involves
variety, creativity and recognition for their special skills.
Education Requirements
Painters and decorators generally acquire their skills through apprenticeship
training or by learning informally on the job.
To research which US schools have graduate programs in the arts go to:
http://www.petersons.com/gradchannel/code/search.asp
Employment and Advancement
Painters and decorators are employed by
- contractors involved in new construction, repair, alteration or
remodeling work, and
- organizations that own or manage large buildings such as apartment
complexes or schools.
Many painters and decorators are self-employed.
Although there is indoor painting to do in the winter, the work is seasonal
to some extent.
Experienced painters and decorators may advance to supervisory positions with
painting and decorating contractors, or set up their own small businesses. With
additional training, painters and decorators can transfer their skills to
related occupations such as autobody painting or commercial sign painting.
Employment
prospects for this occupational group will be influenced by a wide
variety of factors, including
- the number of people in the occupation,
- the occupational growth rate, and
- trends and events in related industry sectors (see above).
The occupational growth rate projection does not include positions that will
become available when employees leave.
Salary
Apprentices earn 55% of the journeyman wage rate in their place of employment
in the first year, 75% in the second, and 85% in the third year. Journeyman wage
rates vary, but generally range from $14 to $24 per hour plus benefits.
To research salary ranges in the arts go to
www.jobstar.org
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