Construction and Maintenance Painters
Overview
Construction and maintenance painters transform buildings and structures by applying paint, stain, and protective coatings to walls, ceilings, bridges, and other surfaces. They prepare surfaces by scraping and sanding, protect areas with dropcloths, apply primers and finishes using brushes, rollers, or spray equipment, and work with scaffolding and ladders to reach high places. This hands-on career combines technical skills with creativity, often involving teamwork with construction crews and using modern paint technologies and safety equipment. Many painters learn through apprenticeships or vocational training, with opportunities to specialize in residential, commercial, or industrial projects.
Did you know?
This occupation requires significant physical stamina and adherence to strict OSHA safety standards, including working at heights and exposure to chemicals.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$50,221.76 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Equipment Maintenance
Key Responsibilities
- Remove fixtures such as pictures, door knobs, lamps, or electric switch covers prior to painting.
- Fill cracks, holes, or joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other fillers, using caulking guns or putty knives.
- Read work orders or receive instructions from supervisors or homeowners to determine work requirements.
- Polish final coats to specified finishes.
- Calculate amounts of required materials and estimate costs, based on surface measurements or work orders.
- Cut stencils and brush or spray lettering or decorations on surfaces.
- Apply primers or sealers to prepare new surfaces, such as bare wood or metal, for finish coats.
- Remove old finishes by stripping, sanding, wire brushing, burning, or using water or abrasive blasting.
- Erect scaffolding or swing gates, or set up ladders, to work above ground level.
- Smooth surfaces, using sandpaper, scrapers, brushes, steel wool, or sanding machines.
- Select and purchase tools or finishes for surfaces to be covered, considering durability, ease of handling, methods of application, and customers' wishes.
- Wash and treat surfaces with oil, turpentine, mildew remover, or other preparations, and sand rough spots to ensure that finishes will adhere properly.
- Mix and match colors of paint, stain, or varnish with oil or thinning and drying additives to obtain desired colors and consistencies.
- Use special finishing techniques such as sponging, ragging, layering, or faux finishing.
- Apply paint, stain, varnish, enamel, or other finishes to equipment, buildings, bridges, or other structures, using brushes, spray guns, or rollers.
- Cover surfaces with dropcloths or masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting.
- Waterproof buildings, using waterproofers or caulking.
Career Considerations
Physical Demands and Safety Requirements
This occupation requires significant physical stamina and adherence to strict OSHA safety standards, including working at heights and exposure to chemicals.
State Licensing and Certification
Many states require painters to obtain contractor licenses or certifications, particularly for commercial work, with requirements varying significantly across jurisdictions.
Seasonal Employment Patterns
Work availability often fluctuates with weather conditions and construction cycles, leading to potential periods of unemployment during winter months in many regions.