Painters, Construction and Maintenance — Tasks

Task statements

• Cover surfaces with dropcloths or masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting.
• Read work orders or receive instructions from supervisors or homeowners to determine work requirements.
• Apply paint, stain, varnish, enamel, or other finishes to equipment, buildings, bridges, or other structures, using brushes, spray guns, or rollers.
• Fill cracks, holes, or joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other fillers, using caulking guns or putty knives.
• Smooth surfaces, using sandpaper, scrapers, brushes, steel wool, or sanding machines.
• Erect scaffolding or swing gates, or set up ladders, to work above ground level.
• Wash and treat surfaces with oil, turpentine, mildew remover, or other preparations, and sand rough spots to ensure that finishes will adhere properly.
• Apply primers or sealers to prepare new surfaces, such as bare wood or metal, for finish coats.
• Calculate amounts of required materials and estimate costs, based on surface measurements or work orders.
• Remove old finishes by stripping, sanding, wire brushing, burning, or using water or abrasive blasting.
• Remove fixtures such as pictures, door knobs, lamps, or electric switch covers prior to painting.
• Use special finishing techniques such as sponging, ragging, layering, or faux finishing.
• Waterproof buildings, using waterproofers or caulking.
• Select and purchase tools or finishes for surfaces to be covered, considering durability, ease of handling, methods of application, and customers' wishes.
• Mix and match colors of paint, stain, or varnish with oil or thinning and drying additives to obtain desired colors and consistencies.
• Polish final coats to specified finishes.
• Cut stencils and brush or spray lettering or decorations on surfaces.