What Is a Commercial Painter and How to Become One
Table of Contents
What Is a Commercial Painter?
A commercial painter has more experience working with business clients rather than residential. They typically work for a contractor and are responsible for painting larger areas on buildings and working with a variety of surfaces and materials. The primary job duties of a commercial painter are the same as a residential painter, except on a greater scale. You mostly prepare large surfaces, apply paint, and add detail, but you may also be tasked with sandblasting, epoxy floor coating, and power washing. Aside from painting skills, a commercial painter needs to be able to accommodate a client’s time-sensitive needs by working during non-business hours. This means that commercial painters sometimes have to work overnight or on weekends.
How to Become a Commercial Painter
The qualifications needed for this career vary. Most commercial painters have learned their trade through on-the-job experience, trade school, or an apprenticeship, which takes a few years to complete. Many states require commercial painters to have a license, such as a general contractor license with a specialty in painting. Research the certification qualifications in your state to ensure you comply with all regulations for working in this field. You don’t typically need a degree for this job, but education in business is helpful if you intend to start your own commercial painting company.
Commercial Painter Job Description Sample
With this Commercial Painter job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Commercial Painter role.
Job Summary
We are seeking a reliable professional to join our team as a Commercial Painter. Applicants should have professional mixing and painting experience. You should also be familiar with epoxy coatings that protect industrial surfaces and provide specialized qualities, such as slip resistance, reflectivity, and anti-corrosion. In addition to painting industrial or commercial buildings, you may also be asked to assist with power washing and sandblasting surfaces as part of various projects, so any experience with this type of equipment is a major plus. We expect everyone on our crew to be clean and organized.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Paint interior and exterior of commercial buildings
- Mix colors for touch-ups and small projects
- Set up scaffolding and ensure that you have covered all fixtures before painting
- Comply with OSHA regulations
Requirements and Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Professional painting experience
- Experience with painting equipment, such as power washers, paint sprayers, and scaffolding
- Physical stamina
- Comfort working on ladders and scaffolding
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
- Drywall experience (preferred)
