Commercial Painter Overview
Painters and decorators apply decorative and protective finishes in residential, commercial, and institutional settings. They prepare a variety of surfaces prior to the application of materials such as paint, high performance coatings, waterproofing, varnish, shellac, wall coverings and specialty finishes.
Skills & Abilities
People who enjoy working in this trade tend to prefer work that involves variety, creativity, and recognition for their skills. To be successful in the trade painters need:
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The skills to read, write and communicate verbally
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Good background in trade math
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Good colour sense
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Manual dexterity
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The ability to lift up to 25 kilograms
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The ability to work at heights
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The strength required to move heavy ladders or set up scaffolding
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A desire to do a precise and thorough job
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Computer skills are an asset
Apprenticeship
Alberta: apprentices pursue Red Seal Painter & Decorator level training at Prairie Finishing Trades Institute Inc. (PFTI). Contact training@dc17.ca to register.
Manitoba: apprentices pursue Red Seal Painter & Decorator level training at Red River (Winnipeg).
Saskatchewan: there is no local Red Seal Painter & Decorator instruction in Saskatchewan. Members are welcome to attend PFTI in Alberta.