Maintenance Painter Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an evolving world where infrastructure maintenance is key, the focus on maintenance painters has never been more important.
As our physical surroundings continue to age and change, the demand for skilled professionals who can restore, preserve, and enhance our buildings and structures becomes more pressing.
But let’s dig a little deeper: What’s truly expected from a maintenance painter?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply curious about the intricacies of maintenance painting,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable maintenance painter job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
Maintenance Painter Duties and Responsibilities
Maintenance Painters are responsible for applying paint, varnish, and other coatings to a variety of surfaces including walls, ceilings, and furniture.
They are often responsible for preparation of the surfaces prior to painting, maintenance of painting tools and equipment, and may also perform minor repair work.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Assessing the condition of the area to be painted, which may include walls, ceilings, and other structures
- Preparing surfaces for painting by cleaning, scraping, sanding, or applying a primer or sealer
- Mixing, matching, and applying paint, varnish, shellac, enamel, and other finishes
- Applying paints and other coatings using brushes, rollers, or spray equipment
- Maintaining a clean and safe work environment by ensuring all tools and equipment are stored properly and work areas are free from hazardous materials
- Estimating the amount of materials needed for painting projects and ordering supplies as necessary
- Following established safety and health procedures to prevent occupational hazards
- Performing minor repair work such as patching holes, replacing wood, and other surface preparation as needed
- Reading blueprints and drawings to understand the specific painting requirements
- Documenting all work completed, including materials used and time spent on each project
Maintenance Painter Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a skilled Maintenance Painter to paint the interior and exterior of structures, buildings, and other surfaces.
Your job will be important since good painting has both practical and aesthetic benefits.
A Maintenance Painter must have great knowledge of painting material and how to select, mix, and apply them.
They must be skilled in painting with various tools and in various heights and spaces while observing all safety measures.
Responsibilities
- Read blueprints/instructions and examine surfaces to determine the kind and amount of work necessary
- Make on-site preparations such as building scaffolding, covering fixtures, etc.
- Prepare walls and other surfaces for painting by scraping, using sandpaper, removing old paint, etc.
- Fill cracks and holes with appropriate material (e.g. plaster)
- Mix paint and other materials to prepare the right color or texture
- Paint surfaces according to instructions with various tools
- Apply varnish and other finishes
- Take and adhere to all health and safety precautions
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a painter
- Excellent knowledge of painting material and how to select, mix and apply them
- Solid knowledge of commercial and/or construction painting techniques
- Aptitude in using appropriate tools (brushes, caulking guns, etc.)
- Manual dexterity with excellent balance to work at heights
- Ability to follow safety procedures to prevent accidents
- High school diploma; successful completion of an apprenticeship
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Opportunities for professional development
Additional Information
- Job Title: Maintenance Painter
- Work Environment: This role requires work in a variety of environments including indoors, outdoors, and at heights. Protective gear may be required.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Maintenance Supervisor or Building Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Maintenance Painter Do?
Maintenance Painters work in a variety of settings including residential, commercial, and industrial locations.
They are primarily responsible for maintaining the aesthetic and protective value of structures through their painting skills.
They prepare surfaces for painting by washing walls, repairing holes, or removing old paint.
They may use sandpaper, scraping tools, or water blasts to achieve a clean surface.
Maintenance Painters use various techniques such as brush painting, spray painting, or roller painting depending on the nature of the project.
They mix paints and other materials to achieve the desired color or texture.
They also ensure that the paint job is done evenly and without blemishes or overlapping lines.
Maintenance Painters also apply varnish and other finishes to protect the paint and the structure from weathering and wear.
They may also be responsible for estimating costs and negotiating contracts.
Safety regulations are followed strictly, and personal protective equipment is worn to protect against chemical exposure and accidents.
In addition to painting, they perform minor repairs like patching walls, replacing wood, and other general maintenance tasks.
They work closely with property owners or managers to ensure the work meets the desired expectations.
Maintenance Painter Qualifications and Skills
A qualified maintenance painter should possess a variety of technical skills, soft skills and industry knowledge to maintain and improve aesthetics and protection of buildings, including:
- Technical knowledge of various painting techniques, materials, and tools to ensure a high quality finish and durability.
- Physical fitness and stamina to carry out tasks that require lifting heavy equipment, climbing ladders, bending and standing for long periods.
- Attention to detail to ensure neat and clean work with minimal flaws or errors.
- Problem-solving skills to effectively identify and resolve issues related to surface preparation, application of paint, and selection of materials.
- Time management skills to efficiently complete tasks on schedule, often under tight deadlines.
- Interpersonal skills to work well with other tradespeople, supervisors, and clients, often in a team-based environment.
- Communication skills to understand the project specifications, provide updates on work progress, and discuss any issues or changes that may arise during the project.
- Customer service skills to handle client queries, concerns and complaints professionally, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Safety-conscious and knowledge of safety protocols to prevent accidents and maintain a safe working environment.
Maintenance Painter Experience Requirements
Maintenance Painters often gain their initial experience through a vocational school, where they learn about various types of paints, techniques, and surface preparation.
Some may even pursue apprenticeships under experienced painters to gain hands-on experience.
Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of painting experience, often through part-time jobs, internships, or as assistants to professional painters.
During this time, they learn essential skills like prepping surfaces, mixing paints, and applying different types of coatings.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have honed their skills in the field, handling tasks like paint mixing, colour matching, surface preparation, and applying various types of coatings.
They may also have experience in using different types of painting equipment and maintaining them.
Maintenance Painters with more than 5 years of experience usually have a broad understanding of the painting process, safety procedures, and equipment maintenance.
They also may have some leadership experience, having supervised teams or led painting projects, and may be ready for a managerial role within a maintenance team.
Maintenance Painter Education and Training Requirements
Maintenance Painters generally need a high school diploma or equivalent.
No formal post-secondary education degree is required, however, vocational school courses in subjects like blueprint reading, mechanical drawing, or shop mathematics can be beneficial.
Most of the training happens on the job, where they learn to use the tools and equipment required for the job, safety practices, and the characteristics of different types of paint.
Apprenticeships are also a common way to learn the trade, typically lasting 1-4 years.
During this period, apprentices work under the supervision of experienced painters while learning necessary skills.
Some states require Maintenance Painters to be licensed.
While the requirements vary by state, they generally involve passing a test on the trade and the state’s construction laws.
Continued education is important for Maintenance Painters to learn about new products and techniques.
Some painters may choose to further specialize in a particular area, such as faux finishing or historic restoration, which may require additional training and certification.
Maintenance Painter Salary Expectations
A Maintenance Painter can expect to earn an average wage of $20.50 (USD) per hour.
However, the actual earnings may fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, the complexity of the tasks, geographical location, and the company they work for.
Maintenance Painter Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Maintenance Painter need?
Maintenance Painters should possess various technical skills including surface preparation, painting techniques, and knowledge of different types of paints and their applications.
They must be able to work on scaffolding or ladders, and have good manual dexterity.
Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and good communication skills are also important for this role.
Do Maintenance Painters need any specific qualifications?
Most Maintenance Painters learn their trade on the job or through a vocational training program.
However, some states require painters to be licensed.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, and knowledge of safety practices related to painting can be advantageous.
What should you look for in a Maintenance Painter resume?
When reviewing a Maintenance Painter’s resume, look for previous painting experience, knowledge of various painting techniques, and any vocational training or certifications.
Physical stamina and a keen eye for detail are important attributes.
If the role requires specialty painting, such as faux finishes or murals, portfolios showcasing previous work may be requested.
What qualities make a good Maintenance Painter?
A good Maintenance Painter should have excellent attention to detail to ensure a high-quality finish.
They need to be physically fit, as the role often involves standing for extended periods, lifting heavy materials, and working at heights.
A good Maintenance Painter should also be reliable, punctual, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
What are the daily duties of a Maintenance Painter?
A Maintenance Painter’s daily duties might include inspecting surfaces for repairs, preparing surfaces for painting, choosing the right paint for the job, applying paint, and cleaning up the site after the job is done.
They may also estimate the quantity of materials needed for a job and track inventory.
Their work can involve both interior and exterior painting.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of being a maintenance painter.
Surprised?
It’s not just about brush and paint.
It’s about adding color to our world, one stroke at a time.
With our detailed maintenance painter job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.
But why stop there?
Go further with our job description generator. It’s your tool for creating perfectly detailed job listings or refining your resume to its finest.
Remember:
Each brush stroke contributes to the larger masterpiece.
Let’s paint this world. Together.
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