Next, painters fill nail holes and cracks and smooth rough spots with sandpaper. On new surfaces, they apply a primer or sealer to prepare for the finish coat. Painters must choose the proper way to apply the paint since they have several options. Some paints work best when brushed on while others work best when rolled or sprayed onto the surface. Painters may use all three methods on one job.
Painters mix paints and match colors, while helpers set up scaffolds and place ladders.
Paperhangers cover walls and ceilings with decorative wall coverings made of paper, vinyl, or fabric. They prepare the surface by applying sizing, which seals the surface and makes the covering stick better. Sometimes paperhangers need to remove the existing wallpaper. They do this by soaking, steaming, or applying solvents. When necessary, paperhangers patch holes in the wall and other imperfections that would show through the wall covering.