Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Career in Painting

In today’s design-conscious world, professional painting and decorating have become more than just maintenance—they are central to creating stunning environments in homes, commercial spaces, and public areas. For those who enjoy creative, hands-on work and find satisfaction in transforming spaces, a career in painting and decorating offers a rewarding path. Whether you're just out of school, changing careers, or upskilling, this guide walks you through every step of building a successful painting and decorating career—from basic foundations to advanced business and specialization opportunities.

Top 10 Steps to Start Your Painting & Decorating Career

If you're ready to turn your creativity into a rewarding trade, painting and decorating can offer a stable, in-demand career path. Whether you're fresh out of school or switching professions, here are the 10 essential steps to guide you from beginner to professional.

Step 1: Understand the Role of a Painter and Decorator

A painter and decorator is responsible for preparing and finishing interior and exterior surfaces to enhance visual appeal and protect structures. This includes tasks such as cleaning and prepping walls, applying paint, wallpapering, and creating decorative finishes. Professionals in this field also read design plans, mix colors, ensure proper safety practices, and deliver quality results that meet both functional and aesthetic needs. While the work is physical and often varies from project to project, it requires a keen eye for detail, good time management, and customer service skills. By understanding the full scope of this profession, you can determine whether this career aligns with your interests and strengths.

Step 2: Assess Your Skills and Interests

Before enrolling in a course or buying your first toolkit, take time to evaluate your natural inclinations and professional goals. If you're someone who enjoys physical activity, takes pride in craftsmanship, and has a good sense of color and space, you're already on the right track. Painting and decorating also require patience, precision, and adaptability—especially when working on different surfaces, under various weather conditions, or on scaffolding. If you’re comfortable working indoors and outdoors, collaborating with clients or tradespeople, and paying attention to small design elements, this career can be an excellent fit.

Step 3: Complete Formal Training (Entry-Level Qualification)

Formal training lays the groundwork for a successful and credible career. While some still enter the trade through apprenticeships, many professionals now begin with nationally recognized qualifications. One of the most practical starting points is the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, which offers both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. This course teaches everything from surface preparation and color matching to advanced application techniques and safety procedures. It also covers key skills needed for Commercial Painting Training environments, such as the use of scaffolding and protective coatings. By the end of the course, you'll be job-ready and equipped to take on both residential and commercial projects with confidence.

Step 4: Get Licensed or Registered (If Required)

After gaining your initial qualification, it’s important to understand your region’s licensing requirements. In many Australian states, professional painters need to be licensed or registered to take on independent contracts or manage projects. This usually involves proof of training, a minimum amount of work experience, and sometimes business-related assessments. Getting licensed boosts your credibility, assures clients of your expertise, and ensures you’re working within legal and safety regulations. It’s a key step if you plan to run your own business or bid on high-value projects in residential, commercial, or industrial sectors.

Step 5: Start Gaining Work Experience

The classroom is just the beginning—true mastery comes from hands-on experience. After certification, many painters start as apprentices, assistants, or junior tradespeople on larger teams. This allows you to apply your skills on real job sites while learning from experienced professionals. Entry-level positions often involve surface preparation, undercoating, and learning proper setup and cleanup techniques. Over time, you’ll take on more responsibility and begin working independently. Each job provides new lessons, from handling different materials to managing client expectations. The more diverse your work history, the better prepared you’ll be for the challenges and opportunities in the trade.

Step 6: Build a Portfolio and Specialize

As your confidence and capability grow, you’ll want to create a portfolio that showcases your best work. Take quality photos before and after each project, document your techniques, and collect client feedback. A well-rounded portfolio not only helps attract new clients but also allows you to reflect on your progress. With experience, you may choose to specialize in areas such as heritage restoration, mural painting, decorative finishes, or large-scale commercial projects. Specialization can lead to higher earnings and more consistent work. Whether you’re passionate about fine detail or large industrial spaces, focusing your skills can set you apart in a competitive market.

Step 7: Invest in Tools and Safety Equipment

Having the right tools is essential for both performance and professionalism. While some employers supply equipment, building your own toolkit gives you flexibility and control. Key items include brushes, rollers, drop cloths, sprayers, and ladders, along with personal protective equipment like gloves, masks, and goggles. As you progress, investing in advanced tools such as airless sprayers or specialty brushes can improve your efficiency and finish quality. Maintaining clean, high-quality tools also helps you deliver better results and reduce waste—an important consideration in both budget and environmental terms.

Step 8: Consider Upskilling for Business or Management Roles

If you’re thinking long-term, you may want to grow beyond technical work and move into supervisory or business management roles. Many experienced painters eventually start their own businesses, manage teams, or work as estimators and project coordinators. To succeed in these roles, you’ll need more than trade skills—you’ll need leadership, budgeting, and organizational expertise. Enrolling in a program like the Graduate Diploma of Management is an excellent step toward acquiring those capabilities. It prepares you to run operations smoothly, manage teams, develop client relationships, and handle legal and financial responsibilities. Upskilling helps position you not just as a painter but as a business leader.

Step 9: Network and Market Your Services

To grow a thriving career or business in painting and decorating, visibility is everything. Start by building a professional website that includes your portfolio, service descriptions, and contact information. Use social media to highlight your work and connect with potential clients. Local networking with interior designers, builders, and real estate agents can also open doors. Don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth and referrals—satisfied clients often become repeat customers and can be your best promoters. Whether you’re operating solo or building a team, good branding and consistent communication are crucial.

Step 10: Stay Current with Industry Trends

The painting and decorating industry is constantly evolving, influenced by technology, design trends, and environmental concerns. In 2025, clients are more informed and expect services that align with their values—such as sustainability, smart design, and eco-friendly materials. Staying current with trends in color palettes, finishes, and painting techniques helps you deliver on client expectations. Subscribe to industry magazines, attend trade shows, and participate in workshops to continuously refine your skills. Those who innovate and adapt often enjoy greater demand, better client satisfaction, and higher earnings.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a painter and decorator is more than learning to wield a brush—it’s about developing an eye for design, a commitment to safety and quality, and the willingness to learn and grow. Whether you're looking to start in a small company, join a commercial painting team, or build your own business, there's a pathway for you in this ever-evolving field. Starting with the right training, such as the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, will provide the technical foundation and hands-on experience needed to launch your career with confidence.

And as your ambitions grow, consider branching into complementary fields like interior styling or hospitality. An advanced diploma of hospitality management could offer insight into space aesthetics, service design, and how painted environments impact customer experience.

Painting and decorating is a skill, a trade, and a business. With the right mindset, tools, and training, you can turn it into a lifelong career filled with creativity, growth, and opportunity.