At Halls Decorators, we’ve been at the forefront of industrial paintwork for over 35 years, and we understand the importance of skilled professionals in this field. If you’re considering a career as an industrial painter, you’re embarking on a path that combines technical skill, creativity, and a keen eye for detail. 

This guide will walk you through the essential steps to becoming a successful industrial painter, drawing from our extensive experience in the industry.

What Does an Industrial Painter Do?

Industrial painters play a crucial role in maintaining and protecting various structures and equipment in industrial settings. Unlike residential or commercial painters, industrial painters work in challenging environments such as factories, warehouses, and industrial facilities. Their responsibilities extend far beyond simply applying paint; they are tasked with preparing surfaces, selecting appropriate coatings, and ensuring the longevity and safety of industrial equipment and structures.

At Halls Decorators, our industrial painters are often called upon to work on a wide range of projects, including:

The work of an industrial painter is both physically demanding and technically challenging. It requires a deep understanding of different paint types, application techniques, and safety protocols. Our team at Halls Decorators prides itself on staying up-to-date with the latest industry standards and technologies to deliver the best results for our clients.

What Skills Do You Need to Become an Industrial Painter?

Becoming a successful industrial painter requires a unique blend of physical abilities, technical knowledge, and personal qualities. Based on our experience at Halls Decorators, here are some of the essential skills and attributes you’ll need to develop:

  1. Physical Stamina and Dexterity: Industrial painting often involves working long hours in challenging positions, such as on scaffolding or in confined spaces. You’ll need to be comfortable with physical labour and have good hand-eye coordination.
  2. Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail is crucial in industrial painting. Even small imperfections can lead to significant issues down the line, so precision is key.
  3. Technical Knowledge: Understanding different paint types, application methods, and surface preparation techniques is essential. At Halls Decorators, we continuously train our team on the latest products and methods.
  4. Safety Awareness: Working in industrial environments comes with inherent risks. A strong commitment to safety and the ability to follow strict safety protocols is non-negotiable.
  5. Problem-Solving Skills: Every project presents unique challenges. The ability to think on your feet and find creative solutions is a valuable asset in this field.
  6. Communication Skills: Industrial painters often work as part of a team and need to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients.
  7. Colour Perception: While industrial painting may not always involve complex colour schemes, the ability to distinguish between shades and understand colour matching is important.

Developing these skills takes time and practice. At Halls Decorators, we’ve seen many talented individuals grow into exceptional industrial painters through dedication and hands-on experience.

How Can You Get the Right Qualifications?

While natural aptitude and on-the-job experience are valuable, formal qualifications can significantly boost your career prospects as an industrial painter. In the UK, one of the most recognised qualifications in this field is the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Decorative Finishing and Industrial Painting Occupations.

This qualification is designed to demonstrate your competence in industrial painting and includes both mandatory and optional units. Here’s a breakdown of the structure:

Qualification Component Credit Value Units Required
Mandatory Units 67 6
Optional Units 9 1
Total Minimum 76 7

The mandatory units cover essential skills such as:

  • Preparing surfaces for painting and decorating
  • Moving, handling, and storing resources
  • Erecting and dismantling access/working platforms
  • Conforming to productive working practices
  • Adhering to general health, safety, and welfare practices
  • Applying surface coatings by brush and roller

Optional units allow you to specialise in areas such as:

  • Operating equipment in support of industrial paint sprayers
  • Operating equipment for abrasive blast cleaning
  • Applying coatings using airless spray methods
  • Preparing surfaces by abrasive blast cleaning

At Halls Decorators, we encourage our team members to pursue these qualifications as part of their professional development. We’ve seen firsthand how this formal training enhances the skills and confidence of our painters.

What is the Training and Certification Process Like?

The journey to becoming a certified industrial painter typically involves a combination of classroom learning and practical, on-the-job training. The NVQ qualification is assessed in the workplace, meaning you’ll need to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.

The process usually involves the following steps:

  1. Enrolment: Sign up for the NVQ programme through a recognised training provider.
  2. Induction: Receive an overview of the qualification structure and assessment methods.
  3. Training: Attend classes and workshops to learn theoretical aspects of industrial painting.
  4. Practical Experience: Gain hands-on experience in a work environment. At Halls Decorators, we often provide apprenticeship opportunities for aspiring industrial painters.
  5. Assessment: Your skills and knowledge will be assessed through observation, questioning, and examination of your work.
  6. Certification: Upon successful completion, you’ll receive your NVQ Diploma.

It’s worth noting that in addition to the NVQ, you’ll also need to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test to apply for your CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card. This card is often required to work on construction sites in the UK.

At Halls Decorators, we support our team members through this process, recognising that well-trained and certified painters are the backbone of our success.

How Can You Gain Practical Experience?

While formal qualifications are important, there’s no substitute for hands-on experience in the field of industrial painting. At Halls Decorators, we believe in the power of learning by doing. Here are some ways you can gain valuable practical experience:

  1. Apprenticeships: Many companies, including Halls Decorators, offer apprenticeship programmes. These provide a structured way to learn the trade while earning a wage.
  2. Entry-Level Positions: Starting in a junior role, such as a painter’s assistant, can provide invaluable exposure to the industry.
  3. Work Placements: Some training providers offer work placements as part of their courses. These can be an excellent way to get a taste of the job.
  4. Volunteering: While less common in industrial settings, volunteering for community projects can help you develop basic painting skills.
  5. Personal Projects: Practising on your own time can help you hone your skills and build a portfolio of work.

Remember, every project you work on is an opportunity to learn and improve. At Halls Decorators, we encourage our team to approach each job with curiosity and a willingness to learn, regardless of their experience level.

What Specialised Skills and Techniques Should You Learn?

Industrial painting often requires specialised skills that go beyond traditional painting techniques. At Halls Decorators, we’ve found that painters who master these specialised skills are often the most versatile and valuable team members. Some key areas to focus on include:

  1. Airless Spray Painting: This technique is widely used in industrial settings for its efficiency and ability to cover large areas quickly. It requires skill to achieve an even coat and minimise overspray.
  2. Abrasive Blast Cleaning: Often used to prepare metal surfaces, this technique involves propelling abrasive material at high pressure to remove rust, paint, and other contaminants.
  3. Electrostatic Painting: This method uses electrically charged paint particles to ensure even coverage and reduce waste. It’s particularly useful for painting complex shapes and hard-to-reach areas.
  4. Powder Coating: While not strictly painting, this technique is often used in industrial settings for its durability and resistance to chipping, scratching, and fading.
  5. Protective Coatings Application: Applying specialised coatings for corrosion protection, fire resistance, or chemical resistance is a valuable skill in industrial painting.
  6. Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating various types of equipment, from simple spray guns to complex industrial painting systems, is essential.

At Halls Decorators, we provide ongoing training to our team to ensure they’re proficient in these specialised techniques. We believe that a well-rounded industrial painter should be comfortable with a variety of methods and able to choose the most appropriate technique for each job.

Why is Health and Safety So Important in Industrial Painting?

In the world of industrial painting, health and safety isn’t just a box-ticking exercise – it’s a fundamental aspect of the job. At Halls Decorators, we place the highest priority on ensuring the safety of our team and our clients’ employees.

Industrial painters often work in challenging environments, dealing with potentially hazardous materials and equipment. Some of the key health and safety considerations include:

  • Working at Heights: Many industrial painting jobs involve working on scaffolding, lifts, or other elevated platforms. Proper fall protection and safety protocols are essential.
  • Hazardous Materials: Industrial paints and coatings often contain chemicals that can be harmful if not handled properly. Understanding material safety data sheets (MSDS) and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial.
  • Respiratory Protection: Spray painting and surface preparation can create airborne particles. Proper respiratory equipment is necessary to protect against inhalation hazards.
  • Fire and Explosion Risks: Some paints and solvents are highly flammable. Understanding fire safety and proper storage of materials is vital.
  • Confined Spaces: Industrial painters may need to work in tanks, silos, or other confined spaces, which present unique safety challenges.
  • Equipment Safety: Knowing how to safely operate and maintain painting equipment is essential to prevent accidents.

At Halls Decorators, we ensure that all our painters are thoroughly trained in health and safety procedures and that they understand the importance of following these protocols at all times. We believe that a safe workplace is not only a legal requirement but also a foundation for high-quality work and client satisfaction.

What Does the Future Hold for Industrial Painters?

The field of industrial painting is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing environmental regulations. At Halls Decorators, we’re always looking ahead to ensure we’re at the forefront of industry trends. Here are some developments that aspiring industrial painters should be aware of:

  1. Eco-Friendly Coatings: There’s a growing demand for low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) and water-based paints that are less harmful to the environment and human health.
  2. Smart Coatings: These advanced materials can respond to environmental stimuli, such as changing temperatures or detecting corrosion.
  3. Automation: While human skill remains crucial, automated painting systems are becoming more common in some industrial settings.
  4. Nanotechnology: Nanoparticle-enhanced coatings offer improved durability and performance in extreme conditions.
  5. Virtual Reality Training: Some companies are using VR technology to provide safe, immersive training experiences for painters.
  6. Increased Focus on Corrosion Prevention: As infrastructure ages, there’s a growing need for skilled painters who can apply protective coatings to extend the life of structures and equipment.

At Halls Decorators, we believe that the future is bright for industrial painters who are willing to embrace new technologies and techniques while maintaining a strong foundation in traditional skills.

Conclusion: Is Industrial Painting the Right Career for You?

Becoming an industrial painter is a journey that requires dedication, skill, and a commitment to ongoing learning. At Halls Decorators, we’ve seen many individuals grow from apprentices to highly skilled professionals, making significant contributions to our team and the industry as a whole.

If you’re detail-oriented, enjoy hands-on work, and are looking for a career that combines technical skill with creativity, industrial painting could be an excellent choice. The field offers opportunities for specialisation, career advancement, and the satisfaction of seeing your work make a tangible difference in industrial environments.

Remember, the path to becoming a successful industrial painter involves:

  • Developing essential skills and qualities
  • Obtaining relevant qualifications like the NVQ Diploma
  • Gaining practical experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions
  • Learning specialised techniques and staying updated with industry trends
  • Maintaining a strong commitment to health and safety

At Halls Decorators, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who are passionate about industrial painting. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, we encourage you to explore the opportunities in this dynamic and rewarding field.