Painter & Decorator Job Description
Skilled tradesperson responsible for preparing and finishing internal and external surfaces to a high standard using paint, varnish, wallpaper and other decorative coatings.
What does a Painter & Decorator professional do?
A Painter & Decorator prepares surfaces, applies paints and finishes, and installs wall coverings to protect and improve the appearance of buildings.
Painter & Decorator job description template
Use this employer-ready example as a starting point, then replace the placeholders and adjust the content so it accurately reflects your vacancy.
Painter & Decorator
About the role
We are seeking an experienced Painter & Decorator to join our team, working on domestic and commercial projects. You will prepare surfaces, select and mix materials, apply paint and finishes with precision, hang wallpaper where required and complete repairs to ensure high-quality, durable results. Good communication with clients and colleagues and adherence to health and safety procedures are essential.
Key responsibilities
- Assess surfaces and materials; prepare areas by cleaning, sanding, filling and priming as required
- Select, mix and apply paints, stains, varnishes and other finishes by brush, roller or spray
- Apply wallpaper, murals and other wall coverings, ensuring pattern matching and secure adhesion
- Protect floors, fixtures and furniture; set up and dismantle access equipment such as ladders and hop-ups
- Carry out minor repairs to plaster and woodwork before decorating
- Estimate materials, record time and report progress to site supervisor or client
- Maintain tools, equipment and a clean, safe workspace
- Follow COSHH guidance and health and safety procedures on site
Essential skills and experience
- Proven practical experience as a Painter & Decorator or in a closely related trade
- Skilled in surface preparation, paint application techniques (brush, roller, spray) and basic wallpaper hanging
- Good attention to detail and a strong finish-oriented workmanship
- Comfortable working at height using ladders or basic access equipment
- Ability to work unsupervised on site and manage time to meet deadlines
- Basic numeracy for measuring and mixing materials and clear communication with clients and colleagues
Desirable
- Formal trade training such as an NVQ/SVQ in Painting and Decorating or equivalent vocational qualification
- CSCS card or membership of a recognised trades body for accessing construction sites
- Experience with specialist coatings, spray systems or industrial finishes
- Experience working on both domestic and commercial contracts
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for travelling between sites
What we offer
- Competitive pay (enter specific range)
- Paid holiday entitlement (enter details)
- Pension scheme (enter details)
- Overtime rates available (enter details)
- Training and development opportunities
- Tool allowance or contribution (if offered)
How to apply
Apply with your CV and any additional information requested. Make the interview process, closing date and any assessment stages clear where known.
Use this as a starting point rather than a final advert. The strongest version will reflect the real role, salary, location, systems, responsibilities, benefits and working arrangements.
What is a Painter & Decorator role?
A Painter & Decorator prepares and finishes interior and exterior surfaces to protect building fabric and create a desired aesthetic. Work typically includes assessing and preparing substrates, applying paints, varnishes and coatings, hanging wallpapers and carrying out preparatory repairs. Practitioners work across private homes, commercial premises and new-build or refurbishment projects and must follow health and safety and product handling guidance.
Typical duties
Surface preparation, paint application, wallpapering, minor repairs and finishing touches.
Working conditions
Work on-site in homes, offices or construction projects; may involve ladders, outdoor work and variable hours.
Core skills
Attention to detail, steady hand, knowledge of paints and coatings, safe use of access equipment.
Typical Painter & Decorator responsibilities
Responsibilities should reflect the real scope of the vacancy rather than every task someone in this profession might ever complete.
Assess surfaces
Assess surfaces and materials; prepare areas by cleaning, sanding, filling and priming as required
Select
Select, mix and apply paints, stains, varnishes and other finishes by brush, roller or spray
Apply wallpaper
Apply wallpaper, murals and other wall coverings, ensuring pattern matching and secure adhesion
Protect floors
Protect floors, fixtures and furniture; set up and dismantle access equipment such as ladders and hop-ups
Carry out minor repairs
Carry out minor repairs to plaster and woodwork before decorating
Estimate materials
Estimate materials, record time and report progress to site supervisor or client
Maintain tools
Maintain tools, equipment and a clean, safe workspace
Follow COSHH guidance
Follow COSHH guidance and health and safety procedures on site
Painter & Decorator skills and experience to look for
Keep the essential list focused on what the person really needs to perform the role. Move useful-but-trainable experience into desirable criteria.
Usually worth prioritising
- Proven practical experience as a Painter & Decorator or in a closely related trade
- Skilled in surface preparation, paint application techniques (brush, roller, spray) and basic wallpaper hanging
- Good attention to detail and a strong finish-oriented workmanship
- Comfortable working at height using ladders or basic access equipment
- Ability to work unsupervised on site and manage time to meet deadlines
- Basic numeracy for measuring and mixing materials and clear communication with clients and colleagues
Useful where relevant
- Formal trade training such as an NVQ/SVQ in Painting and Decorating or equivalent vocational qualification
- CSCS card or membership of a recognised trades body for accessing construction sites
- Experience with specialist coatings, spray systems or industrial finishes
- Experience working on both domestic and commercial contracts
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for travelling between sites
See our guide to what to include in a job advert before publishing.
How to write a Painter & Decorator job advert
Small role-specific details can make the advert much easier for suitable candidates to assess.
Specify the work mix
State whether the role is predominantly domestic, commercial, new build or refurb so candidates understand the typical job settings and required experience.
Highlight must-have skills
List non-negotiable practical skills (e.g. spray application, wallpapering) rather than vague phrases; mention any required access certifications or site cards if applicable.
Show examples of quality
Ask applicants to submit photos or a portfolio of recent jobs to demonstrate finish quality, range of techniques and attention to detail.
Be clear about travel and hours
Note typical daily travel expectations, start times and whether weekend or overtime work is likely to avoid unsuitable applicants.
Painter & Decorator salary considerations
Painter & Decorator pay varies widely and depends on experience, region, the type of work and whether the worker is employed or subcontracting. Instead of a single market figure, consider the factors below when setting a salary or day rate for this position.
depending on experience
- Use a genuine range
- Separate variable pay
- Avoid “competitive” alone
- Match salary to seniority
What Painter & Decorator candidates will want to know
Practical details can influence whether a suitable candidate applies, even when the title and salary are attractive.
What hours and shift patterns are typical?
Clarify start times, whether you work standard days, weekends, or evening shifts and if overtime is regularly available.
How much travel is involved between jobs?
Tell candidates average daily travel distances, whether you cover a region or a single site, and if travel time is paid.
Are tools and PPE provided or expected from the worker?
State if the employer supplies core tools, protective equipment and access gear or if employees must provide their own.
Do you offer training and progression?
Explain any in-house training, support for formal qualifications or opportunities to move into supervision or specialist roles.
How is pay structured?
Clarify whether pay is hourly, daily, salaried, or based on project milestones and whether overtime or travel is paid.
Where to post a Painter & Decorator job
For Painter & Decorator roles, use a mix of channels: national job boards for higher reach, trades-specific sites and local classifieds for domestic work, and industry forums or social media groups to target skilled tradespeople. If recruiting for commercial or larger projects, include construction-sector job boards and professional networks; for local domestic roles, local advertising and community groups often perform well.
Painter & Decorator job description FAQs
How can I assess a candidate's workmanship remotely?
Request a portfolio of recent work photos or short videos showing before and after shots, ask for client references and include a trade-focused practical interview where candidates describe methods and materials used.
Should I advertise for employed staff or subcontractors?
Decide based on workload consistency and administrative capacity: permanent employees suit steady, ongoing demand and give more control; subcontractors provide flexibility for variable workloads but require careful vetting and contract terms.
Do I need to mention specific qualifications in the advert?
Only list qualifications as essential if they are required for site access or by clients. Otherwise mark trade qualifications and site cards as desirable to widen the candidate pool while signalling preferred competence.
What reasonable notice period and probation should I expect?
Common practice is a 4–12 week probation for permanent roles and a 1–4 week notice for temporary positions. For subcontractors, agree termination terms in the contract in advance.
How should I check right to work and insurance?
Ask for proof of right to work in the UK at application or interview stage and verify public liability and, if applicable, employer’s liability insurance for employed staff. For subcontractors request copies of their insurance and any relevant site cards.
Ready to create your Painter & Decorator vacancy?
Use the template text and placeholders here to build an advert tailored to your projects. Add specific details about location, pay and benefits, then post across suitable trade and local channels to reach qualified candidates.
