3 answers
Kentrellis
Student
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
3
Questions
Asked
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How to be successful as a painter/plasterer?
What skills are needed, how to manage work and non-work hours, etc.
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3 answers
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
472
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
In a profession where you are doing a task that is considered stable and generic, quality of the work is automatically assumed. Your focus should be on everything else. That is, organization skill in setting up the work and in final cleanup. Customers expect the area to be clean and free from any indication that the work took place. Customers also expect you to be efficient, starting and finishing with minimal delay. For repeat business, you need to provide easy ways for customers to refer their friends and associates. This might be social media or websites. At minimum, clear use of forms for estimates and receipts helps customers remember you for future use. Finally, be realistic in providing estimates on cost, when you will start and when you will finish. There is a normal tendency to tell customers what they want to hear, but you will be more successful if you give realistic information. Customers realize that it's only an estimate, but saying you will start in two weeks, and it works out to two months will cost you that job and you will have negative references. I wish you the best. Painters are in regular demand.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Kentrellis
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1180
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kentrellis !
There are so many skills that you may already have that would make you a wonderful painter. I would like to share some advice with you on the skills that will help you succeed.
To begin with, physical strength and dexterity are a must. You will be standing, squatting, looking and turning up, down and sideways so it helps to be strong and flexible. You also have to have good communication skills as well so that you can speak with customers effectively, understand exactly what they want, even if it's something different than what you think. Knowing how to work with customers is vital in any form of work. On the other hand, there may be situations where a customer will ask you for advice, so the more experience you have, the easier it will be for you to advise or suggest aesthetics to your customers.
Another skill is to become familiar with all the tools and types of paint that exist. You will learn how to know which type of paint is needed for what type of surface and for certain effects and textures. Knowing how to do textures like stucco and others will be a plus. Read and watch painter videos everyday to get an idea of what's currently being used and keep updating yourself on new products, tools and techniques. Being versatile will help you towards success.
You will see that you will be able to naturally manage your non-work hours, however, you will need experience in managing on the job assignments. It may be that you will need different painting experiences at first, but many customers will want to know how long it will take you to complete the job. At first, you can give your best estimate of how long the job will take. But be aware that most people want a reasonable time estimate and you should aim to stay in that approximate time frame for the painting job. I think something like this just comes with experience and comes naturally, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. Always keep an appointment book or app calendar so you know where you have to be and at what time. Be consistently prompt to your work assignments. People will stress out if you're late and that could discourage them from referring you to other customers or using you again.
Last but not least, you will need to know how to calculate how much to charge the customer. The more experience you have, the easier this will become for you. And another very important thing you must do is to clean up after completing the job. Anytime painters leave a place in a mess, it is always remembered and the customer may choose a different painter next time. Leaving a place a mess leaves a negative impression on the customer.
I wish you all the best and hoping that you start getting a lot of work !
There are so many skills that you may already have that would make you a wonderful painter. I would like to share some advice with you on the skills that will help you succeed.
To begin with, physical strength and dexterity are a must. You will be standing, squatting, looking and turning up, down and sideways so it helps to be strong and flexible. You also have to have good communication skills as well so that you can speak with customers effectively, understand exactly what they want, even if it's something different than what you think. Knowing how to work with customers is vital in any form of work. On the other hand, there may be situations where a customer will ask you for advice, so the more experience you have, the easier it will be for you to advise or suggest aesthetics to your customers.
Another skill is to become familiar with all the tools and types of paint that exist. You will learn how to know which type of paint is needed for what type of surface and for certain effects and textures. Knowing how to do textures like stucco and others will be a plus. Read and watch painter videos everyday to get an idea of what's currently being used and keep updating yourself on new products, tools and techniques. Being versatile will help you towards success.
You will see that you will be able to naturally manage your non-work hours, however, you will need experience in managing on the job assignments. It may be that you will need different painting experiences at first, but many customers will want to know how long it will take you to complete the job. At first, you can give your best estimate of how long the job will take. But be aware that most people want a reasonable time estimate and you should aim to stay in that approximate time frame for the painting job. I think something like this just comes with experience and comes naturally, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. Always keep an appointment book or app calendar so you know where you have to be and at what time. Be consistently prompt to your work assignments. People will stress out if you're late and that could discourage them from referring you to other customers or using you again.
Last but not least, you will need to know how to calculate how much to charge the customer. The more experience you have, the easier this will become for you. And another very important thing you must do is to clean up after completing the job. Anytime painters leave a place in a mess, it is always remembered and the customer may choose a different painter next time. Leaving a place a mess leaves a negative impression on the customer.
I wish you all the best and hoping that you start getting a lot of work !
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Kentrellis
You are welcome, Kentrellis ! Have a great day !
Michelle M.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3858
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Kentrellis!
So, you're interested in becoming a top-notch painter/plasterer, or perhaps you're already one and looking to level up your game? Well, you're in luck! Here are some golden nuggets of advice that can help you shine in this field.
First off, let's talk about the skills you'll need:
Technical Know-How: It's super important to have a solid grasp of the technical aspects of painting and plastering. This means you should be familiar with different kinds of paints, primers, and plasters, and know how to prep surfaces for painting or plastering. Also, knowing your way around various tools and application techniques is key to producing top-tier work.
Eye for Detail: To really stand out, you need to pay close attention to detail. Whether it's getting that plaster finish silky smooth or painting with laser-like precision, being meticulous can set you apart from the rest.
Color Savvy: Having a good sense of color theory and design can make you a hot commodity. This means understanding how colors play off each other and being able to guide clients in choosing the perfect color palette for their space.
Physical Stamina: Painting and plastering can be a workout! It often involves long hours of standing, reaching, and lifting. So, being physically fit can help you handle the demands of the job.
Communication Skills: Being able to communicate clearly with clients, contractors, and your team is super important. This ensures everyone is on the same page about what needs to be done.
Problem-Solving Prowess: Things don't always go as planned, so being able to think on your feet and solve problems as they come up is a huge plus. This could mean fixing surface imperfections or coming up with creative solutions to unexpected challenges.
Now, let's talk about managing your time:
Time Management: Making the most of your work hours is vital. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and allocate time for each project accordingly.
Setting Boundaries: Be sure to draw a clear line between work and personal time. Avoiding burnout is key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Taking Breaks: Don't forget to take regular breaks during work hours to avoid burnout. Also, make time for relaxation and fun during your off hours to keep your mental and physical health in check.
Tech Tools: Consider using tech tools like scheduling apps or project management software to help organize your work and save time.
Continuous Learning: Keep up with the latest industry trends, techniques, and tools. This not only boosts your skills but also helps you work more efficiently.
In a nutshell, being a successful painter/plasterer means having a mix of technical skills, attention to detail, good communication, and solid time management. By sharpening these skills and managing your time wisely, you can set yourself up for a flourishing career in this field.
Here are the top 3 authoritative resources I used to answer your question:
1. The Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) - pdca.org
2. National Plasterers Council - nationalplastererscouncil.com
3. Occupational Outlook Handbook by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - bls.gov/ooh
Lastly, I want to send out a heartfelt prayer for you, asking for blessings from the Lord God. May your journey be filled with success and joy!
Take care,
James Constantine Frangos.
So, you're interested in becoming a top-notch painter/plasterer, or perhaps you're already one and looking to level up your game? Well, you're in luck! Here are some golden nuggets of advice that can help you shine in this field.
First off, let's talk about the skills you'll need:
Technical Know-How: It's super important to have a solid grasp of the technical aspects of painting and plastering. This means you should be familiar with different kinds of paints, primers, and plasters, and know how to prep surfaces for painting or plastering. Also, knowing your way around various tools and application techniques is key to producing top-tier work.
Eye for Detail: To really stand out, you need to pay close attention to detail. Whether it's getting that plaster finish silky smooth or painting with laser-like precision, being meticulous can set you apart from the rest.
Color Savvy: Having a good sense of color theory and design can make you a hot commodity. This means understanding how colors play off each other and being able to guide clients in choosing the perfect color palette for their space.
Physical Stamina: Painting and plastering can be a workout! It often involves long hours of standing, reaching, and lifting. So, being physically fit can help you handle the demands of the job.
Communication Skills: Being able to communicate clearly with clients, contractors, and your team is super important. This ensures everyone is on the same page about what needs to be done.
Problem-Solving Prowess: Things don't always go as planned, so being able to think on your feet and solve problems as they come up is a huge plus. This could mean fixing surface imperfections or coming up with creative solutions to unexpected challenges.
Now, let's talk about managing your time:
Time Management: Making the most of your work hours is vital. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and allocate time for each project accordingly.
Setting Boundaries: Be sure to draw a clear line between work and personal time. Avoiding burnout is key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Taking Breaks: Don't forget to take regular breaks during work hours to avoid burnout. Also, make time for relaxation and fun during your off hours to keep your mental and physical health in check.
Tech Tools: Consider using tech tools like scheduling apps or project management software to help organize your work and save time.
Continuous Learning: Keep up with the latest industry trends, techniques, and tools. This not only boosts your skills but also helps you work more efficiently.
In a nutshell, being a successful painter/plasterer means having a mix of technical skills, attention to detail, good communication, and solid time management. By sharpening these skills and managing your time wisely, you can set yourself up for a flourishing career in this field.
Here are the top 3 authoritative resources I used to answer your question:
1. The Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) - pdca.org
2. National Plasterers Council - nationalplastererscouncil.com
3. Occupational Outlook Handbook by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - bls.gov/ooh
Lastly, I want to send out a heartfelt prayer for you, asking for blessings from the Lord God. May your journey be filled with success and joy!
Take care,
James Constantine Frangos.