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Painting and Decorating

Painters and decorators use paint, decorative coatings, wallpaper, gilding, and sign writing both indoors and outdoors in a wide variety of working environments from homes to public buildings, factories, and offices. Their job is closely associated with other parts of the construction industry and is a finishing trade. 

Painting and decorating is a creative job that requires a sense of design, an eye for colour and shape as well as the core skills of painting, decorative coatings, and gilding. The ability to use modern tools such as a spray gun is also essential. Competent painters and decorators need planning skills to ensure a job is completed efficiently. Health and safety is very important in this sector and painters should be knowledgeable of regulations and adhere to them. Painters and decorators can be expected to offer professional advice on colours and designs and employ a wide range of finishing skills.

Painters and decorators work mainly as employees in companies of the field or as entrepreneurs in new construction projects or in restoration or conservation. The expected increase in residential construction industry, demands for remodelling as well as changing trends in colour and design will continue to drive a need for painters and decorators.

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Competitors and results

Stefan Planitzer

Austria

775

Daniela Ziller

Switzerland

751

Mathilde MORTIER

France

743

Fun facts

People had been decorating their homes since ancient times. They would use natural dyes, such as clay, chalk, ochre, and other natural materials for walls painting.

Painter as an independent profession dates back to the 19th century, when the manufacture of ready-mixed paint appeared. Up to this point, painters were associated with artists or builders.

The paint roller in its modern form was invented by Norman Breakey from Canada in 1940.

In 1907, the American inventor Allen DeVilbiss patented his hand-held paint spray gun for industrial and domestic use.

What happens during a skill competition?
1
Competitors receive a test project
2
Competitors execute a test project and deliver a complete/incomplete work by a stated deadline
3
A group of Experts assesses competitors’ test projects in accordance with WSI standarts
4
Results are calculated via information system and a list of winners is generated
5
Winners are awarded during a Closing Ceremony

Quotes

Christina Peinthor (Austria)
Christina Peinthor (Austria)
Competitor at WorldSkills Leipzig 2013

The best part of my skill is seeing every day the results of my work and a smile on the face of my customers. Skills give me the opportunity to travel and work around the world. I get to see how different painters work worldwide. You should consider skills because it’s great to create something with your own hands. You can bring people happiness.

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For more specific information about the skill please go to the Member Area.