Painter

Brush with Greatness: Careers in Painting and Allied Crafts in Houston

What Do Painters Do?

Painters are skilled tradespeople responsible for applying paint, varnishes, stains, and other finishes to buildings and structures. Their work involves:

• Preparing surfaces for painting (e.g., sanding, patching, priming)
• Selecting and mixing materials to achieve the right finish
• Applying coatings using brushes, rollers, and sprayers
• Working on a variety of projects—commercial, industrial, interior, and exterior

Painters may also handle decorative techniques and protective coatings tailored to specific environments.

Training and Apprenticeships

The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District 10 Painters Local Union offers a robust apprenticeship program that combines:

• Safety Training: Safe handling of tools, materials, and PPE
• Application Techniques: Learning surface prep and finish application
• Tool & Material Knowledge: Understanding coatings, sprayers, rollers, and more
• Blueprint Reading: Reading plans for accurate, efficient work
• Specialized Skills: Including faux finishes and decorative effects

The program typically lasts 3-4 years. Apprentices earn while they learn, with increasing wages and benefits as skills improve. Graduates achieve journeyman status, opening doors to higher pay and leadership roles.

Career Opportunities in Houston

Houston and the Gulf Coast region offer numerous painting career paths:

• Commercial and Industrial Painting: High-rise buildings, warehouses, and refineries
• Specialty Coatings: Fireproofing, waterproofing, anti-corrosion treatments
• Decorative and Custom Finishes: Hotels, theaters, and upscale commercial spaces
• Project Supervision: Leadership roles in jobsite management and coordination

Why Become a Painter?

• High Demand: Houston's construction growth fuels ongoing need
• Competitive Pay: Strong union wages and comprehensive benefits
• Skill & Creativity: Balance of technical skill and artistic opportunity
• Long-Term Growth: Clear paths to advancement and job stability
• Tangible Results: Pride in transforming and protecting structures