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What does a House Painter do?

Carol Francois
Carol Francois

Many people who work in the construction or home renovation industries become house painters. The primary tasks of this position are to provide a quotation for painting services, select the paint requested by the owner, prepare the surface and apply the paint. People who enjoy working with their hands, are naturally outgoing and take pride in the details are most suitable to becoming house painters. It is important to note that a house painter must be physically able to work standing up and while moving the upper body for significant periods of time.

There is no formal training or education program required to become a house painter. Most residential or commercial painters learned their trade on the job. The skills required include a steady hand, upper body strength and no fear of heights. Many people who enjoy this work have an eye for colors and can appreciate the aesthetics of a space.

Most residential or commercial painters learn their trade on the job.
Most residential or commercial painters learn their trade on the job.

The first task of a house painter is to provide an accurate quotation for services to the homeowner. This quote should be in writing and should clearly list the project scope, the time line for completion and the cost for labor and materials. Most homeowners will obtain two or three quotes from different painters, then select the firm that provides the greatest level of quality for the best possible price.

House painters work on both the inside and outside of houses.
House painters work on both the inside and outside of houses.

Upon acceptance of the quote by the client, the house painter must purchase the correct quantity of paint in the required colors. Some house painters list the exact brand and shade of paint in the quote. It is the painter's responsibility to determine exactly what type of primer and paint is suitable.

The amount of preparation required before painting varies considerably by job. Some locations will require wallpaper or paint to be removed and the surface prepared with primer or other material. Other jobs simply require the surface to be cleaned, so that the new paint can adhere to the surface.

A house-painting contractor will need to measure the area to be painted and determine the kind of paint for the job before giving an estimate.
A house-painting contractor will need to measure the area to be painted and determine the kind of paint for the job before giving an estimate.

The method used to apply the paint varies, depending on the type of paint and the surface itself. For example, oil-based paint is best applied with a roller, and latex based paint can be sprayed onto the surface. The size of the project, the colors used and the layout of the walls also can affect the method used.

The position of house painter can be a part-time job or a full-time, entrepreneurial business enterprise. This type of work can be very profitable, steady work that provides opportunities for year-round employment. Many people start out as house painters and later expand into owning a house painting business, hiring other painters to complete jobs for their customers.

Discussion Comments

Drentel

I don't mind painting, but house painting contractors have so much experience that they can have a crew in and out of your house in a short period of time. It takes me forever to complete a paint job. With the planning, prep work, primer, painting and then the clean up, it sometimes seems that I will never finish.

Sporkasia

As a secondary source of income and because we really enjoy the process, we purchase and renovate old houses and then resale them. We do most of the renovations ourselves, but we have a team of professional painters who provide house painting services on the exteriors of the homes.

It takes skill and nerve to paint the old structures. Some of the houses rise a good distance from the ground and the architectural designs make for interesting corners and angles. I respect the work these guys do, and they earn every penny we pay them.

Animandel

Normally, I do all the painting in my home--me and family and friends when possible. The main reason being that I balk at the house painting prices charged by professional painters. I don't blame them; I would charge a small fortune to paint someone's house. Painting is difficult work, especially the detail work.

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    • Most residential or commercial painters learn their trade on the job.
      By: beaucroft
      Most residential or commercial painters learn their trade on the job.
    • House painters work on both the inside and outside of houses.
      By: Syda Productions
      House painters work on both the inside and outside of houses.
    • A house-painting contractor will need to measure the area to be painted and determine the kind of paint for the job before giving an estimate.
      By: branex
      A house-painting contractor will need to measure the area to be painted and determine the kind of paint for the job before giving an estimate.