PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS (RESIDENTIAL PAINTERS, COMMERCIAL PAINTERS & INDUSTRIAL PAINTERS)

How to become a professional painter

Professional painters are responsible for preparing, protecting, and decorating interior and exterior surfaces by applying paint, wallpaper and various special coatings. These can be applied in a number of different settings, and are generally divided into commercial, residential and industrial.

The three types of professional painting include:

Industrial Painting: Industrial painters work primarily in infrastructure, construction and manufacturing settings to apply various epoxies, urethane and other protective coatings to a variety of materials and surfaces. Being an industrial painter provides tradespeople the opportunity to work on a variety of worksites, with the opportunity to apply your unique set of skills in many settings, or to subspecialize in one of the coating styles.
Commercial Painting: Commercial painters are tasked with the final stages of construction jobs at places like office buildings, hospitals and shipping centres. They can work indoors and outdoors, and on small and large scale projects. Like industrial painting, commercial painting offers tradespeople dynamic work settings, with the opportunity to work with new teams and across a wide geographic area.
Residential Painting: Residential painters paint the interior and exterior of residential homes. Residential painters get to work with people, by communicating with the client throughout the process to ensure they get the final look they desire. Residential painters’ work environments always change, so each job looks different from the last.

General requirements

Do you have the below qualities?

You are comfortable working on elevated work platforms and scaffolding
You may be required to work in cramped areas or at considerable heights
You may work outside at various times of the year and experience a considerable range of environmental conditions
You can work bending down, stretching from side to side and often with your arms over your head
You have the stamina to be on your feet for long periods of time
You work with attention to detail
You are in good physical condition

Educational and training requirements include:

The minimum entry for apprenticeship is Grade 10
Completion of a 6,000 hour apprenticeship program
Complete your Red Seal Certificate

Being a residential, commercial, or industrial painter means working with your hands, helping customers, creating art and esthetic beauty every day of your life. It means having job security – as long as people work in buildings and live in homes, your trade will be in demand. It means solid wages with excellent prospects, but it also allows you to work in many types of environments. It isn’t unusual for painters to go from painting office buildings to painting bridges to painting water towers.

We have partnered with FTI Ontario to offer apprenticeships where apprentices can learn about the newest technologies available to painters.

Are you curious about starting a career as a residential, commercial, or industrial painter? Contact us today. We want to help you get there.

Join Today!

Chat with one of our Business Representatives at 1-800-668-1823, or fill in the form.

Members Perspective

School was never my strong suit, I struggled academically. During my brief time as a high-rise window cleaner, I discovered that I enjoyed physical work – completing a task made me feel accomplished. I also enjoyed being able to move around for work and meet new people. Essentially, each new job felt like a new adventure.

Crystal, Painter

When I began working with the union, I really felt I had found the right fit for me. The union gave me an opportunity to further myself and challenge myself in ways that made me feel capable and gave me security. Rather than digging myself into a hole of never-ending student debt, discovering my passion and abilities in industrial and commercial painting allowed me to make income while becoming certified during my apprenticeship.

Crystal, Painter

I joined the union five years ago as a Glazier and it has lead to many great opportunities. From a pension for my future to medical benefits for myself and my family, IUPAT and my brother and sisters have always been there when needed. For anyone who isn't sure what to do with their life, I always recommend looking into the union.

Shawn, Glazier

Not a member yet? Join our union.

Chat with one of our Business Representatives today at 1-800-668-1823,
or click the link below.

JOIN OUR UNION

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