Painting today serves many purposes besides decoration alone. Modern chemical plants produce paints for the protection of almost any material against any type of weather or chemical corrosion. Today’s Painter must know how to mix paints and to prepare the surfaces of buildings and other structures and then apply paint, varnishes, lacquers, shellac and similar materials to the surfaces. The painter uses three major tools to apply coatings- brush, spray gun, and roller. A Painter also erects scaffolds, ladders, and safety barriers. In addition, this craftsman also hangs all types of wall coverings.

A Painter works both indoors and out. Outside work is done in relatively mild weather. In some jobs, especially maintenance and redecoration of offices and buildings, the Painter may be required to work evenings or weekends. Work is seasonal; however, new materials and methods tend to give more steady employment throughout the year.