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.