PAINTER
Job Description:
Painters prepare surfaces of wood, metal, or masonry for painting, mix paints and apply the paint using a brush, roller, or spray gun. They may also apply varnish, lacquers, shellac or enamel.
One of the most important duties of a Painter is to prepare the surface. They remove old paint with a blow torch, by sandblasting, using a scraper and a wire brush, or by applying paint remover. They sand irregularities, fill cracks and holes with putty, and remove excess dirt and grease. They choose the correct type of paint including the appropriate prime coat, and mix pigments and oils to obtain the required color and consistency.
Painters may also estimate material, time and cost of each job, produce decorative designs, restore natural wood color by bleaching or refinishing or apply dry wall tape, wall coverings and special coatings.
Working Conditions:
Work is done both indoors and out. The work involves much standing, bending, climbing, crawling and working with arms over the head. Possible dangers include poisoning, falls from ladders and scaffolds, and breathing paint and thinner fumes and dust, which may cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory system.
Interest and Temperament:
Painters must have a manual dexterity as well as steady nerves to work in high places. They should not be allergic to paint fumes, toxic materials, or spray dust. An artistic sense, good eyesight, and a sense of color are necessary to do a first class job.
Recommended High School Courses:
General science, chemistry, general math, mechanical drawing.
Terms of Apprenticeship:
General Qualifications: