What are your duties?

Painters & decorators do many things. They work on both the interior and exterior of buildings, stripping paint, preparing surfaces, doing restorative work, painting, applying wallpaper, and so much more.

In the course of your work day you can expect to:

  • Recommend colours and finishes to your client, and work with them to make the final decision regarding which colours to use.
  • Accurately take measurements and then use them to calculate what quantity of paint, wallpaper or other materials you may need.
  • Protect furniture, carpets, floors and other surfaces with drop cloths.
  • Accurately block off edges and trims.
  • Safely set up scaffolds and ladders when appropriate.
  • Strip off old paint and wallpaper quickly and easily.
  • Prep surfaces using a variety of tools including wire brushes, sanders, scrapers and more.
  • Ensure that holes and cracks are filled in using putty.
  • Prime surfaces using undercoats.
  • Occasionally you will need to apply wallpaper, special finishes, or conduct more specialized work.
  • Clean up once you have finished.

What traits should Painters and Decorators posses?

If you are thinking of becoming a Painter or Decorator, keep reading to see if you are suited to the job. You should:

  • Enjoy working with your hands
  • Have an eye for detail
  • Always work diligently and carefully
  • Have perfect colour vision
  • Have good hand-eye coordination
  • Have a great sense of balance
  • Be fit and healthy and be prepared to stay in good shape.

What working hours and conditions can you expect?

Working Hours

Apprentice Painters and Decorators may work 40 hour weeks during standard business hours. They might begin the day a little earlier and finish a little earlier in the afternoon. Painters and Decorators who are self-employed or contract themselves out may choose to work on the weekends or overtime to increase their earnings. They may also choose to work fewer hours to accommodate for family or other commitments.

Other information

Painters and Decorators work with paint and other non-removable substances all day and because these substances give off fumes, they may also be required to wear protective masks and goggles.

So you want to become a Painter or Decorator! What next?

Entry Level Education

You will need to do an apprenticeship in Painting or decorating. You can begin your apprenticeship either while you are still in school (during or after year 10) or you can also complete your apprenticeship once you have finished school.

Equipment and Insurance

Before you start work you will need to check the requirements for the equipment you will need for the job and the required insurance for painters and contractors. Online insurance comparison companies are a great tool for getting free online quotes!

  • Great employment opportunities

Australia has seen great growth and demand in construction, decorating and renovation. Many employers are on the lookout for qualified Painters and Decorators. Both of these factors suggest that Painters and Decorators have great job prospects. You can look forward to being highly employable and having great job security.