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Painter Interview Questions

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Painter interview questions and answers.

  1. What is the first thing you must do when applying a new layer of paint over a wall? See answer
  2. What are some steps you must take before starting to paint a room? See answer
  3. What are some differences when using a brush instead of a roller? See answer
  4. A client tells you he or she is unhappy with your work as a painter. How do you respond? See answer
  5. What safety equipment must be worn when spray painting a room? See answer
  6. What is the use of paint extenders in painting? See answer
  7. What are the supplies required for an industrial paint project?
  8. You have started a paint job and the client decides they don’t like the color. What steps will you take to salvage the project and keep the customer happy?
  9. Considering the repetitive nature of painting, how to you stay motivated and maintain attention to detail?
  10. What precautions will you take before painting a house that has lead paint?
  11. When is it better to use a brush instead of a spray gun?
  12. Have you ever forgotten to follow job specifications? How did you manage the situation?
  13. Are you afraid of heights?
  14. Discuss the PDCA standards.
  15. Which particular paint brand do you prefer working with? Why?
  16. Do you prefer working in a team or independently?
  17. Have you ever worked with a difficult client? How do you deal with such people?
  18. Explain how you would paint without taping.
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Hire your next Painter today.

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
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6 Painter Interview Questions and Answers

What is the first thing you must do when applying a new layer of paint over a wall?

This question will show if the applicant is proficient regarding basic painting knowledge. The prospective painter should mention how they would remove the old paint, ensuring the surface underneath is smooth and clean. Experienced applicants will mention specialized techniques such as sandblasting to smooth out a surface or chemical rinses to fully clean a wall. What to look for in an answer:

  • Proper painting procedure
  • Use of surface cleaning techniques
  • A knowledgeable and experience-based response
Example:

“I would start by removing the old paint and perform a chemical wash of the surface to ensure it’s fully clean. Then, I would apply the new layer.”

What are some steps you must take before starting to paint a room?

Prospective painters need to be able to think critically, follow procedures and adhere to safety protocols in order to complete a job correctly. This question helps to determine an applicant’s ability to follow steps and tests their knowledge on commercial painting basics. The applicant should mention safety procedures that will help protect themselves and the area to be painted. They should also discuss how they’ll set up the job by choosing the correct paint and sheen for the project, preparing the paint before starting and sampling paints to ensure they’ll look the way the customer wants. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to plan ahead
  • Willingness to follow procedures
  • Understanding of painting safety
Example:

“Before getting started, I would mix all the paint I’d need for the room and sample the colors on white poster board. Then, I’d apply tape to the wall’s trim and cover the floors. Finally, I’d put on my goggles and check to make sure my ladder is secure.”

What are some differences when using a brush instead of a roller?

A successful painter needs to know when and how to use the different tools at their disposal correctly. Knowledge of basic tools such as a brush or a roller will let you know if they’ve taken the time to understand the different resources they work with. The applicant should be able to describe the main differences between the two and have an idea of when to use each. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understands key differences between tools
  • Is comfortable switching between brushes and rollers
  • Knows which surfaces are better suited for each item
Example:

“Brushes should be used for small areas where detail is important and a roller won’t fit, such as trims, corners and edges. They’re also used to create an antique textured effect. The roller is best for painting large spaces as it holds more paint and can paint an area faster and more evenly.”

A client tells you he or she is unhappy with your work as a painter. How do you respond?

As a professional painter, keeping the customer happy is part of the job. A qualified applicant needs to be more than just a good painter. They also need to possess the necessary listening and customer service skills to ensure customers are happy with the work they’re paying for. Applicants should describe how they acknowledge the client’s concerns and ask questions to make sure they understand exactly what the client’s expectations are. What to look for in an answer:

  • Good listening and communication skills
  • Willingness to offer excellent customer service
  • Ability to focus and follow the client’s directions
Example:

“I would give the client the opportunity to express his or her concern and take note of exactly what it is he or she is looking for in order to prevent any miscommunication. I would then assure the client that the work will be redone according to their instructions.”

What safety equipment must be worn when spray painting a room?

An applicant needs to be familiar with the necessary procedures and equipment needed to complete a job safely. This question tests their knowledge of spray painting safety and can give you an idea of their overall commitment to safety standards. The prospective painter should mention using a HEPA-certified respirator, goggles and other equipment. A good candidate should be willing to follow OSHA safety regulations when on the job. What to look for in an answer:

  • Uses a respirator
  • Follows OSHA safety guidelines
  • Familiarity with protective equipment
Example:

“For indoor spray painting, I would make sure to always wear a HEPA-approved respirator. I would also follow OSHA guideline and wear googles, a full-body coverall and gloves.”

What is the use of paint extenders in painting?

Painters must have the skills and experience to apply paint and deliver quality jobs that meet the clients' standards. This question can help interviewers gauge the expertise and technical knowledge of a painter and their ability to finish painting jobs to exact requirements. A skilled painter candidate should know why paint extenders are used for painting jobs and how to use them for improved results. The candidate's answer should emphasize:

  • Painting experience
  • Knowledge of the trade
  • Problem-solving skills and adaptability
Example:

“Paint extenders are used primarily for two purposes. They make the paint dry faster, making it possible to overlap recently painted areas while avoiding lap marks. Extenders also prevent brush strokes from showing on the walls by spreading out the paint.”

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Download our free step-by-step guide for encouraging healthy risk-taking
Get the Guide

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