Painter – Occupation Information

Introduction

A Painter is a skilled tradesperson who applies paint, coatings, and protective finishes to surfaces.

They work on interior and exterior areas of buildings to improve appearance and durability.

Painters are responsible for surface preparation, coating application, and finishing work.

This trade requires attention to detail, practical skills, and knowledge of materials and tools.

Types of Painting Work

Painters may specialise based on project type and work environment.

Common types include:

Residential Painting
Commercial Painting
Industrial Painting
Decorative Finishing

1. Residential Painting

This includes painting work in homes and housing projects.

Work Scope

Work Type	Description
Interior Painting	Walls, ceilings, trims, and doors
Exterior Painting	Outside surfaces and structures
Surface Preparation	Cleaning, sanding, and priming
Finishing	Applying coats for durability and appearance

2. Commercial Painting

Commercial painters work on offices, shops, and public buildings.

Work Scope

Work Type	Description
Large Projects	Multi-level and large-scale painting
Protective Coatings	Durable finishes for high-use areas
Interior & Exterior Work	Full building coverage
Team Coordination	Working with other trades on-site

3. Industrial Painting

This involves specialised coatings for industrial environments.

Work Scope

Work Type	Description
Protective Coatings	Corrosion and chemical-resistant finishes
Equipment Painting	Machinery and industrial structures
Infrastructure Work	Bridges, tanks, pipelines
Safety Coatings	Fire-resistant and protective layers

4. Decorative Finishing

Some painters focus on detailed or aesthetic finishes.

Work Scope

Work Type	Description
Feature Walls	Decorative paint techniques
Texture Coatings	Special finishes and effects
Wallpaper Installation	Decorative wall coverings
Custom Designs	Unique visual styles

State and Territory Licensing Authorities

Painting work may require licensing depending on the type and value of the project.

State / Territory	Licensing Authority	Requirement	Website
New South Wales	Fair Trading NSW	Licence may be required	https://www.nsw.gov.au
Victoria	Victorian Building Authority	Registration may apply	https://www.vba.vic.gov.au
Queensland	QBCC	Licence required for contracting work	https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au
South Australia	Consumer and Business Services	Contractor licence may apply	https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au
Western Australia	Building and Energy	Registration may apply	https://www.wa.gov.au
Tasmania	CBOS	Licensing may apply	https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au
Australian Capital Territory	Access Canberra	Registration/licensing may apply	https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au
Northern Territory	NT Government	Licensing may apply	https://nt.gov.au

Training and Qualification Requirements

Painters generally enter the trade through training and practical experience.

Primary Qualification

Qualification	Description
Certificate III in Painting and Decorating	Core trade qualification
Apprenticeship (3–4 years)	Combines training and work experience
White Card	Required for construction sites
Specialised Training	For industrial or advanced coatings

Key Training Areas

Surface preparation methods
Paint application techniques
Use of tools and equipment
Colour matching and finishing
Decorative coatings
Workplace safety practices

Industry Experience

Practical experience is essential in painting work.

Typical experience includes:

Preparing and coating various surfaces
Working with different paint systems
Using ladders, scaffolding, and spray equipment
Completing residential and commercial jobs
Maintaining quality finishes

Experience ensures consistency, durability, and professional results.

Compliance and Industry Regulations

Painters must follow safety and construction guidelines.

Key responsibilities include:

Proper surface preparation before painting
Using suitable materials for each surface
Following safety procedures, especially at heights
Handling chemicals safely
Maintaining clean and organised work areas

Compliance and Penalties

Failure to comply may result in:

Poor-quality finishes
Safety risks on-site
Damage to surfaces or property
Legal or contractual issues
Rework and additional costs

Where to Verify a Licence or Registration

State / Territory	Authority	Verification Link
New South Wales	Licence Check NSW	https://verify.licence.nsw.gov.au
Victoria	VBA Practitioner Search	https://www.vba.vic.gov.au
Queensland	QBCC Licence Search	https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au
Western Australia	WA Government	https://www.wa.gov.au
South Australia	CBS Licence Register	https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au
Tasmania	CBOS Licence Search	https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au
Australian Capital Territory	Access Canberra	https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au
Northern Territory	NT Government	https://nt.gov.au

Career Roles in Painting

Painter
Painting Contractor
Decorative Painter
Industrial Coating Specialist
Spray Painter

Job Outlook and Salary

Experience Level	Average Salary
Entry-Level	$50,000 – $65,000
Experienced	$65,000 – $90,000
Senior / Contractor	$90,000 – $120,000+

Demand is supported by construction projects, renovations, maintenance work, and infrastructure development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a painter do?
A painter prepares surfaces and applies coatings to protect and improve buildings.

Do painters need a qualification?
Formal training is recommended to improve skills and job opportunities.

Is painting a skilled trade?
Yes, it requires technical knowledge and hands-on experience.

Is painting physically demanding?
Yes, it involves standing, lifting, and working at heights.