Painting a house, either interiors or exteriors or both might look easy for the DIY enthusiast, but in reality, it is not so. The difference between a good paint job and the slightly messed up one is enormous, and even a small patch of bad painting instantly catches the eye. This aspect is regardless of whether the paint job is for a commercial building, office space, or home.
If you are aspiring to be a house painter, there are specific skill sets that you should have or develop over time. But first, you have to decide whether you want to be proficient in interior painting, exterior painting, or both. This is because these are treated as two separate specializations as the required paint type, tools and materials used are different. You do not need a degree or have to complete any fixed training program to be a painter.
Top skills required of a painter
Here are some of the top skills that are required of exterior and interior painters which you have to master if you want to be a success in your profession.
Good Communication
This trait is essential as you must first understand what your client wants before you can take up any work. Unfortunately, most people cannot be particular about what they desire. This is where you have to step in with your communication skill sets and try and draw the information out or use your good judgment to fill in the details. But remember, good communication is hearing out your clients and adhering to their wishes and not going with what you think they want. As an expert, you should put forward your suggestions only, but the final word is with the owner of the property.
Aesthetic Sense
Most clients will usually give you the outline of the work that needs to be done and leave it to your expertise to take the final call on what will be the best. Hence, you should have a strong sense of aesthetics and what looks good. This is the reason why painters tend to treat their job as an artist would with their work of art. A high level of creative instincts is almost mandatory for a painter’s career, and you should have it in the right doses.
Eye for detail
The difference between a great paint job and a mediocre one is the details that you put in. Particular focus should be on crisp and clean lines and edges, well-adhered layers, and smooth coats. Otherwise, even in places where you have to paint large rooms or massive exteriors, the slightest defects will catch the eye and meaningfully alter the look of the premises.
Expertise in handling required tools
You should be fully aware of the functions of the various tools necessary as a painter, and this includes a variety of brushes, rollers, scrapers, sanders, and texturing tools. All these are individually needed to create various effects, and you should know which to use effectively in specific circumstances. Moreover, the choice of tools depends on whether you are painting the interiors or exteriors and the style and texture that you want to achieve. For special effects, you should know how to handle complex and not-so-common tools.
Physical strength and balance
While expertise in painting is necessary, you should also possess excellent physical strength and balance. Painters are required to work at heights on ladders and scaffolds throughout their working hours. Hence, you should have a lot of physical stamina, dexterity, and balance not to fall off high places.
To gain a certain level of proficiency in your profession, it is recommended that you sharpen your skill sets by joining a professional and well-known painting to pick up the subtler points of the trade. Once you feel that you are on the right track and can handle clients’ jobs individually, you can branch out on your own, either by setting up your firm or as a freelance tradesperson.
