Paint and wall coverings make surfaces clean, attractive, and bright. In addition, paints and other coatings protect outside walls from wear caused by exposure to the weather. Although some painters do both, they require different skills.

Painters apply paints, stains, varnish, and other finishes to buildings and other structures. They apply the correct products to the surface, taking into account durability, ease of handling, method of application, and the finish the customer wants. Painters also prepare the surface for painting. This may require removing the existing coating by stripping, sanding, burning, or blasting it off. Painters also wash walls and trim to remove dirt and grease, fill nail holes, repair cracks, and smooth out rough areas on existing surfaces. On new surfaces, they apply primers and sealers to prepare the surface for the finish coat.

There are many ways to apply coatings. Painters must be able to choose the correct application for each job depending on the surface to be covered, what type of finish is being applied and other factors which could present themselves. Some different types of applicators include various brushes, rollers, or paint sprayers. Many jobs will use more than one method, so it is good to know all types of applications. The right tools not only expedite the painters work, but also produce the most attractive finishes.

Paperhangers cover walls and ceilings with decorative wall coverings made of vinyl, paper, and fabrics. They first prepare the wall by sealing the surface which helps the wallcovering adhere to the wall. When redecorating, they will first remove the old wallcoverings, repair holes and fix any other imperfections on the surface before applying the new wallcovering.