Most Painters learn through on-the-job experience. Indeed, painting homes is a popular summer job for many students that can even lead to a commercial or industrial painting career for some. 

There are no formal requirements for becoming a Painter, although most employers require a high school diploma or a GED. Painters should also have a valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle to get to and from work sites. 

If you wish to increase your skills as a Painter and get more knowledge on specialized paint products such as floor paints, painting enclosed spaces, or sustainable paints, there are several additional certifications you can take. These certifications allow you to specialize your services and possibly charge a premium price for your time since you now have specialized knowledge. 

Since many Painters are self-employed, it is also common for Painters to take community college or online courses in topics like bookkeeping and basic accounting to make the business side of their work more efficient. 

Important things to know before becoming a Painter

• It is a physically demanding job. 

From standing for long hours doing repetitive movements to craning your neck painting the ceiling, painting is physically demanding. Practice good body mechanics, wear comfortable footwear, and take breaks when you can to minimize the risk of injury. 

• Safety should be your number one priority.

Between inhaling potentially toxic fumes or climbing on very tall ladders, the work of a commercial Painter carries some risk. You will need to be familiar with the federal and state safety regulations in place and make sure they're being followed on your worksite.

• You will often be working on a tight deadline. 

Painting is often one of the final steps in a construction project. As everyone knows, construction projects can face many delays for all kinds of reasons beyond the Contractor's control or the client's. Painters are often pressured to try and make up for the lost time by finishing their work quickly. While it's great to be good at meeting deadlines, it's even more important always to give the client top-quality results. 

Prep & paint interior or exterior of homes or other buildings