I am thinking about becoming a painter like someone who paints houses?
Asked by explosive
I am wondering whats involved in becoming a painter apart from the obvious and if you can make alot of money from this job. Thanks

Best Answer:
painter and decorator? Well it depends on wether you want to be self employed as a sub contractor or just get small jobs yourself. You can build up a good customer base getting small jobs but this takes time and in the long run the income is good but slow. Sub contracting will get you more paid work but firms will want to know your history within the trade. Check out some trade sites

NO DO NOT DO IT, i live in southern california, my dad is a painter, hes been painting for 20 years, he works with mostly illegal immigrants, go to school and get a desk job. i had the chance to do it, but i said no, because its a dead end job. no benifits, and they try and fuck you over if you get hurt at work.
Answered by RobT

That's an honorable trade.... There are apprenticeship programs available. It's becoming a dying art as so many new homes are going to plastics...so you will be in a specialized trade. Should reap in a lot of coin. It'll put the jingle in your jeans....lol.
Answered by Richard K

Have you always had a knack for painting windows and walls, and wallpapering, doing it well and doing it quickly? Or has it always been a slow and messy business? Also, are you good on 20-30' ladders, up and down all over the place without a thought, or do you spend a couple of minutes lining the ladder up every time you move it and find your legs ache after 10 mins at the top? If you give the right answers, this may be your vocation, it's a respectable and saleable skill, but be sure you enjoy it, because it will be the same job in 10 years, 20 years, 30 years time.
Answered by Sangmo

I would be nice to work with someone for awhile,if you have before and after pictures for jobs.Showing your skills.Knowledge in what types of paints to use where.Having equipment,from brushes,scrapers,paint tarps,spraying equipment, ladders.Knowledge concerning the chemicals you use in homes while you are their.(women especially like to know if their families are safe breathing different thinners & paints).Learning how to bid on a job.NEVER BID ON A JOB WITHOUT LOOKING AT IT! Problems from driving back & forth to remote areas,which eat your profits in gas getting food ,vicious dogs,scrubs or trees making job harder to finish job quickly.Unsafe yard or terrain around home.Unsafe neighborhood. The legal side of hiring someone to help on a job and if they break or steal something (how your company or buisness will be responsible).Asking owner if you can take some before and after photos for bidding on future jobs. Learning how to do contracts for the job(from bidding, to premission to having access to home if owners aren't present)I had cops come by,while I was on a job,neighbors where concerned.Keeping receipts and records right off the bat! Learning where to get supplies inexpensive.Making photo i.d.s of workers I hire on big jobs.(it's good for emergency,you can keep notes on good workers,if worker is hurt you have their information)If it's the first time working for/with you.They pay for background check,must have photo i.d.,with current driver's license.When bidding on a job ,the more professional and together you are(especially on higher paying jobs) I would feel better if you could show me a sheet with photos of the 3 strangers who will be working around my home.Insurance for yourself and become successful insurance for your workers.Knowledge in how to dispose of paints and thinners,business licenses! That's all I can think of right now! I enjoyed it and made good money.And I wouldn't call myself a professional even now! I loved doing paint jobs,but it can be a pain at times.I enjoyed it.Researching and being a responsible for securing homes and making sure all electrical tools where safe and unplugged when closing homes/apartments before leaving. Take care!
Answered by need2know