According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Fill cracks, holes, or joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other fillers, using caulking guns or putty knives. | 85% |
| Cover surfaces with dropcloths or masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting. | 85% |
| Smooth surfaces, using sandpaper, scrapers, brushes, steel wool, or sanding machines. | 84% |
| Read work orders or receive instructions from supervisors or homeowners to determine work requirements. | 84% |
| Apply primers or sealers to prepare new surfaces, such as bare wood or metal, for finish coats. | 83% |
| Apply paint, stain, varnish, enamel, or other finishes to equipment, buildings, bridges, or other structures, using brushes, spray guns, or rollers. | 83% |
| Erect scaffolding or swing gates, or set up ladders, to work above ground level. | 83% |
| Mix and match colors of paint, stain, or varnish with oil or thinning and drying additives to obtain desired colors and consistencies. | 80% |
| Calculate amounts of required materials and estimate costs, based on surface measurements or work orders. | 79% |
| Polish final coats to specified finishes. | 78% |
| Wash and treat surfaces with oil, turpentine, mildew remover, or other preparations, and sand rough spots to ensure that finishes will adhere properly. | 78% |
| Select and purchase tools or finishes for surfaces to be covered, considering durability, ease of handling, methods of application, and customers' wishes. | 77% |
| Remove old finishes by stripping, sanding, wire brushing, burning, or using water or abrasive blasting. | 76% |
| Remove fixtures such as pictures, door knobs, lamps, or electric switch covers prior to painting. | 70% |
| Waterproof buildings, using waterproofers or caulking. | 69% |
| Use special finishing techniques such as sponging, ragging, layering, or faux finishing. | 68% |
| Cut stencils and brush or spray lettering or decorations on surfaces. | 67% |
| Spray or brush hot plastics or pitch onto surfaces. | 55% |
| Bake finishes on painted or enameled articles, using baking ovens. | 48% |
