As a painter and decorator, you’ll be responsible for many tasks, from applying paints and stains to home or commercial interiors to assisting with other projects in the construction and renovation industry.

The following duties are common in painting and decorating careers:

• Apply paints, stains, varnishes and other finishes to interiors/exteriors or furnishings
• Use of brushes, rollers, airbrushes and other spraying equipment
• Application of primers, undercoats, varnishes and glazers to surfaces
• Calculate and budget materials for a project
• Removal of old paints or wallpapers – sanding, steaming, scraping
• Mixing paints to create required colours
• Preparation of surfaces for decorating – filling holes, sealing cracks
• Remove and replace doors and window components
• Maintaining equipment – cleaning, services
• Cleaning and tidying onsite

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Painter & Decorator?

• Attention to detail
• Flexible and open to change
• Work well under pressure
• Accept criticism gracefully
• Excellent customer service
• Business management skills
• OHS requirements, policies and procedures in construction
• Technology and computer skills
• Teamwork
• Organisation and time management

10 Interior Decorating Styles to Inspire You

If you’re considering becoming a painter and decorator, take a look at these popular styles for a little professional inspiration.

1. Scandinavian

The Scandinavian design style is identifiable by its focus on clean, simple lines, minimalism and functionality while retaining the all-important aesthetics. It’s emerged in the early 20^th century, becoming popular in the 1950s among Nordic countries such as Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Iceland.

2. Modern

The modern architecture and design style celebrates material, technology and composition with authenticity, transparency and efficiency. This style of design inspired by the Modernist art movement reinvents the relationship between space and aesthetics.

3. Art Deco

Art deco stands for Arts Décoratifs and is characterised by sleek, metallic finishes, like stainless steel, glass and chrome. Bold geometry and rich detail abound in the art deco design style. This design style was popular from 1920 to 1940 but is still favoured for its infusion of glamour, luxury, and order with symmetrical designs in exuberant shape.

4. Country

Country interior design brings a casual and cozy elegance, which brings the feeling of simple country life to life. The colour palette includes pastels, bright colours, and design elements such as vintage homewares and second-hand accessories.

5. Vintage

Old fashioned and elegant, the vintage design combines old and modern things. Soft flowing lines, elegant colours and lovingly selected furniture and decor creates an atmosphere of old-world charm, nostalgia and relaxation.

6. Hamptons

Hamptons style incorporates cool, classic and sophisticated designs mixed with casual beach-inspired elegance. Elegant blues, off-whites, panelled walls and timber flooring bring together a beach resort-like home!

7. French Provincial

This French-inspired interior design style reflects rural France of old – especially associate with the Provence region. Elegant furniture, typical patterns and earthy colours create a warm, friendly and rustic atmosphere.

8. Industrial

The industrial style is frill and fuss-free! It’s a no-nonsense style that takes inspiration from the lofty look of warehouses, factories, and other industrial structures. Industrial style decor includes stripped back architectural details such as bare bricks, metals, wood, and salvaged and recycled materials.

9. Eclectic

The eclectic design trend is a nineteenth and twentieth-century style that incorporates a mixture of elements from previous historical styles to create something that is brand new and original!

10. Contemporary

The contemporary style embraces minimalism and makes use of greys, beiges and shades of white. The overall look is sleek and thoughtful and has an ‘everything in its place’ feel high on function and simplicity and low on collections and fuss.

The Future Looks Bright for Painters & Decorators

According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook, the number of people joining the painting trades industry is growing. It’s a significant occupation and is expected to create about 19,000 job openings in the next five years.

Certificate of Painting and Decorating

Painting and decorating is a creative outlet perfect for those who love to work with their hands and on their feet! So, whether you want to redecorate at home or start a business as a painter and decorator for residential or commercial projects, this course is ideal for you.

Certificate of Painting and Decorating is an online professional development program that will provide you with the knowledge required to paint and decorate for yourself or a business project.

Throughout this painting and decorating course, you will learn about paint tools, techniques, special effects, and how to incorporate wallpapers and tiles to apply impressive finishes to surfaces.

You will also learn about the variety of ways to finish surfaces for interiors and exteriors using stains and protective coatings.

On completion of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to prepare, finish and protect surfaces as a painter and decorator.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a painting and decorating course include:

• Nature and scope of painting and decorating of buildings, interior and exterior, including (in broad terms) the materials, equipment, and techniques.
• The different types of paints used, including their comparative characteristics and appropriate applications.
• Carry out appropriate preparations for painting.
• Using painting tools, painting techniques and special effects.
• Explore the variety of special paint effects and applications.
• Understand how to use wallpaper.
• How to attach tiles to walls, floors, or other surfaces.
• How to attach panels to walls.
• Other ways to finish surfaces inside and outside buildings including stains and protective coatings.

And more!

Gain the knowledge and skills required to start your career in painting and decorating with a painting and decorating course such as our Certificate of Painting and Decorating.