Painters and Paperhangers Painters and Paperhangers Painters apply paints to decorate and protect surfaces of structures. Paperhangers apply wall coverings for the same reason. Before they begin painting, professional painters confer with the customer about the color and type of paint to use. They consider the customer's wishes as well as the durability of the finish, ease of handling, and method of application.
Painters prepare the surface by washing walls and trim to remove dirt and grease.
Sometimes they need to remove the existing paint. They do this by stripping, sanding, wire brushing, or blasting the surface with water or abrasives. 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.