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Wondering if you should get into house painting? 🏠
If you enjoy hands-on projects, working with people to bring their ideas to life, and giving spaces a makeover, becoming a house painter could offer you a canvas of opportunities.
You'd be surprised at how much color would be added to your life (and clothes)!
Did you know?
The iconic White House of the United States wasn't always white! Initially painted with lime-based whitewash, the plan was for it to weather over time. In 1818, it was finally painted white using lead-based paint. The nickname "White House" was unofficial for a decade before becoming official in 1901. 🏛️
More Than Meets the Eye 👀
You might think that house painting just needs a paint and brush, but there's more to the art of painting than meets the eye! Painters first protect, then prepare before they paint inside and/or outside surfaces of a house.
House painting jobs also require communicating with clients, collaborating with other painters (if it's a larger job), and sometimes working with construction professionals.
In other words, being a house painter isn't just slapping on 2-3 coats of paint, but involves a whole process and set of skills. Both fun and challenge mixed together!
Quiz
Which actions could be part of the "prepare" step?
Before you start painting, there are many areas of preparation needed such as cleaning the surfaces, sanding down cabinets so the paint can stick on, and getting the right paint color by matching paint samples taken from the home!
How to Become a Painter
There are different paths that open the door to house painting. Here are some ways you could start and then accomplish your goal:
Start as a helper for an established house painter. ⭐
Enter an apprenticeship program (3-4 years). ⭐
Get a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate. ⭐
Complete the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program. ⭐
Obtain licensing and certification (if required by your state). ⭐
Like they say, all roads lead to Rome, so it's up to you which one(s) you choose to take!
How Much Can a House Painter Make?
Yay or Nay?
Now that you know more about what it takes to become a house painter, here are some reasons why you might love it or hate it!
Creativity: House painting allows for artistic expression, transforming spaces with color and design. 💡
Flexibility and autonomy: Painters often get to set their own schedules and choose what projects they take on. 📆
Job variety: Every painting project is unique, with diversity in tasks and challenges. 🪅
Visible results: Completing a painting project brings tangible and visually satisfying results, offering a sense of accomplishment. 🔎
In-demand skillset: Painting is a skill that is consistently in demand, providing job security and plenty of growth potential. 🔥
Physical demands: The job involves prolonged standing, climbing ladders, and repetitive motions, which can be physically demanding. 💪
Weather dependency: Painters often work outdoors, making them vulnerable to weather conditions. 🌧️
Chemical exposure: Handling paints and solvents can be a concern for those with sensitivities. 🧪
Inconsistent income: Freelance painters can experience income fluctuations. ⚖️
Tedious prep work: Painting projects often require detailed preparation, which some people might not enjoy. 🧹
Quiz
What characteristics or traits should someone consider if wanting to be a house painter? Select all that apply:
Correct! While these are not all inclusive of what being a house painter entails, they are a few factors to consider about house painting as it involves some physical labor and can be flexible in terms of work schedule.
Take Action
If you're interested in becoming a house painter, try out these next steps!
This Byte has been authored by
Rebecca Ger
Human Resources Analyst
M.A.