SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Decaler
  • Decorator
  • Glass Decorator
  • Glazer
  • In Mold Coater
  • Painter
  • Pottery Decorator
  • Silk-Screen Operator
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What do Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers do?

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.

What the work actually is

  • 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.

Skills employers expect

Abilities

  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • 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.
  • Visual Color Discrimination The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Knowledge

  • Production and Processing Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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How people get into it

Education of new hires

Less than high school diploma
High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Some college, no degree

A normal week

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  • Handling and Moving Objects
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  • Getting Information

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Graphics or photo imaging software Adobe FreeHand MX · Adobe Illustrator · Adobe Photoshop
  • Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
  • Office suite software Corel WordPerfect Office Suite

Tools

  • Paint brushes Glaze brushes · Soft bristled brushes · Specialty paint brushes
  • Paint mixers Glaze mixers · Mechanical mixers · Mixing paddles
  • Hand sprayers Spot cleaning guns
  • Sifters Enameling sifters · Metal sieves · Plastic sieves
  • Blowers or dryers Finishing ovens · Workpiece dryers

Who it suits

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.

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.

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.

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Questions people ask

How much do Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers earn in South Africa?

Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers do?

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 and Clean and maintain tools and equipment, using solvents, brushes, and rags.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.