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The Daily Insight

How do I become an exterior painter?

Author

Sarah Oconnor

Updated on February 28, 2026

Here are the steps you should take to become a painter:

  1. Get a degree. Some painting jobs may require a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate.
  2. Complete the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program.
  3. Research state requirements.
  4. Get experience.

What qualifications do you need to become a painter?

You’ll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail.
  • the ability to work well with others.
  • the ability to work well with your hands.
  • to be flexible and open to change.
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure.
  • customer service skills.
  • knowledge of public safety and security.
  • business management skills.

How long does it take to become a painter?

For a career changer, it might take five to 10 years to develop core painting skills. Generally, formal art education takes about six years total, including four years to earn a BFA degree and additional two for an MFA.

How much does a house painter make?

How Much Does a Painter Make? Painters made a median salary of $40,280 in 2019. The best-paid 25 percent made $53,290 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $33,120.

How much do painters charge per hour UK?

Painter and decorator hourly rates The average cost of a painter and decorator is around £20 per hour – depending on the individual tradesperson, their experience and where you live.

How do I start my painting career?

Five Ways to Jumpstart Your Art Career

  1. Develop Your Skills. Before you can begin a successful career in art, you must first develop solid artistic skills.
  2. Make a Studio Space. Studio space is critical.
  3. Find Your Artistic Voice.
  4. Make Yourself Known.
  5. Learn to Run a Business.

Can you use interinter interior paint outside?

Interior paints come in lots of finishes, including matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and gloss, as well as many types of faux-finish effects. Given their specific formulations for application on different surfaces and in different environments, there’s no good reason to use interior paint outside or exterior paint indoors.

What is the difference between interior paint and exterior paint?

“Interior paints are formulated to resist scuffs and marks and are easier to clean,” says Savino. “They use more rigid resins that don’t scuff or scratch easily and can be cleaned with soap and water.” Interior paints rarely contain fungicides and are low VOC emitting.

What is a painting class like?

A painting class in this program, combined with on-the-job training, can help transform any beginner into a skilled professional. The series of self-paced classes takes a measured approach, beginning with pre-technical skills and then leading into in-depth trade concepts.

What kind of paint do you use for interior house painting?

Early residential paints were oil-based. Today, water-based acrylics and latex paints make DIY house painting for interiors and exteriors as easy as it’s ever been. Let’s look at some of the differences between interior and exterior paints, and why these are formulated differently.