Painters/decorators employ different kinds of coverings for protecting and enhancing surfaces. Such surfaces include metal, plaster and wood. If you enjoy practical work and love to be artistic, a job as a painter is an important career choice. The following article seeks to outline the duties to expect and qualification options for someone pursuing a career in painting/decoration.
Duties
Working as a decorator or painter requires you to deal with various industrial and domestic projects from applying finishes to redecorating homes. On domestic tasks, you might be required to use paint, wall paper and varnishes to decorate rooms. It is also important that you follow a householder’s directions on colour, wall paper patterns and finishing texture. Some of the basic tasks of a painter include:
• Measuring the surface area so that you determine the amount of wall covering or paint that is required
• Removing old paint and wall paper
• Filling cracks and holes
• Ensuring surfaces are level
• Covering surfaces with undercoat and primer
• Mixing the right shade of paint through computerised equipment for matching colours or manually using your hand
• Hanging wall paper and applying paint
• Tidying up when your through with your job
There are jobs when you are called upon to use special finishes like graining, marbling and rag rolling. You might also be called upon to work on top of ladders or platforms that are raised so as to reach the ceilings.
In case you are called upon to undertake industrial projects like ships or bridges, you may be required to remove old paint using abrasive blasting techniques before applying a new coat with industrial paint spraying tools.
Solvents and paint emit fumes requiring you to have a protective mask or work with fume extraction tools when performing jobs that are in enclosed spaces.
Qualifications
There are no specific requirements or qualifications required for a decorator or painter. Most of the people with enthusiasm for decorating and painting have usually engaged in DIY projects or have helped out family or friends in tasks requiring painting or decoration.
To gain qualifications in painting or decoration there are courses that are for beginners and those with experience. Some of the skills that are taught include handling equipment, preparing your project and advanced techniques for novice painters or decorators.
Some of the examining bodies for painting and decoration include paint manufacturers Dulux and city and guilds. The national vocational qualification (NVQ) offers certificate courses for individuals with skills and experience but who want to go through an assessment to prove their skills. The other ways of gaining certification include onsite training and assessment whereby an assessor evaluates your skill level. This arrangement is ideal for those who do not have time to go through classes or attend exams. Another option is the experienced worker practical assessment whereby a candidate should finish a task under the supervision of an assessor or engage in a discussion where they are supposed to prove their level of skill by showing a certain degree of professional understanding and knowledge.
In case you want to have any painting or decoration job done for you, do not hesitate to call us through 086 608 1817.
