Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
What is a Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers?
Painting, coating, and decorating workers are skilled professionals who apply paints, coatings, and other finishes to a variety of surfaces in both residential and commercial settings. Their work enhances the aesthetic appeal of structures and objects while also protecting surfaces from environmental damage. These workers may specialize in specific techniques or materials, such as spray painting, brushwork, or the application of specialty coatings that provide additional protection or visual appeal. They are responsible for preparing surfaces by cleaning, sanding, or priming as necessary, ensuring that the final application adheres properly and achieves the desired look. Safety is a critical aspect of their job, as they often work with potentially hazardous materials and equipment. Painting, coating, and decorating workers must stay informed about industry trends, tools, and techniques to deliver high-quality results and maintain the longevity of their work.
Tasks
- Apply coatings, such as paint, ink, or lacquer, to protect or decorate workpiece surfaces, using spray guns, pens, or brushes.
- Examine finished surfaces of workpieces to verify conformance to specifications and retouch any defective areas.
- Clean and maintain tools and equipment, using solvents, brushes, and rags.
- Read job orders and inspect workpieces to determine work procedures and materials required.
- Select and mix ingredients to prepare coating substances according to specifications, using paddles or mechanical mixers.
Technology Skills
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Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe FreeHand MX
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Office suite software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
Tools Used
- Paint brushes
- Paint mixers
- Hand sprayers
- Sifters
- Blowers or dryers
Knowledge
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Skills
Abilities
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Visual Color Discrimination
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Less than high school diploma
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Detailed Work Activities
- Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.
- Inspect finishes of workpieces or finished products.
- Operate painting or coating equipment.
- Mix ingredients to create specific finishes.
- Select production input materials.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Artistic
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$30660.0 - $59160.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.