Painters, Construction and Maintenance

Painters, Construction and Maintenance typically perform the following tasks: • 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. • Clean tools and equipment, such as brushes and rollers. • Hang wallpaper.