A commercial painter is a skilled professional responsible for applying paint and protective coatings to various structures in commercial settings. These painters work on a wide range of projects, including office buildings, retail stores, warehouses, and other commercial properties. Their tasks involve preparing surfaces by cleaning, sanding, and priming them before applying paint to ensure a smooth and durable finish. Commercial painters also work with clients to select appropriate colors and paint materials, taking into consideration factors like durability, weather resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, they may use specialized equipment such as spray guns and scaffolding to reach high or hard-to-access areas. Overall, a commercial painter plays a crucial role in enhancing the appearance and longevity of commercial buildings through their skilled painting services.
An industrial painter is a skilled professional specializing in painting large structures and equipment typically found in industrial settings such as manufacturing plants, factories, storage tanks, pipelines, and bridges. Industrial painters are trained to work with various types of coatings and paints suitable for protecting metal, concrete, or other surfaces from corrosion, rust, and weather damage. Their work often involves surface preparation, which may include cleaning, sandblasting, or applying primers to ensure proper adhesion of the paint. Industrial painters use specialized equipment such as airless sprayers, brushes, and rollers to apply coatings evenly and efficiently. They must also adhere to strict safety regulations and procedures, as industrial painting often involves working at heights, in confined spaces, or around hazardous materials. Overall, industrial painters play a critical role in maintaining the integrity and longevity of industrial structures and equipment through their expertise in protective coating applications.
Shannon Nunn
Painters Local Union 109
Nebraska
Shannon has been painting for the past few years, honing his craft through an apprenticeship that he joined right after high school. His advice to newcomers in the trade is to work hard, observe everything, and stay humble. What Shannon loves most about his job is the painting itself - he finds true joy in his work. Outside of painting, Shannon enjoys being a family man and spending time with his kids. He learned about the apprenticeship program through a friend's referral and is grateful for the opportunity to pursue his passion. Shannon said that an unexpected benefit from working in the trade is the great work environment and the people he works with.
Aaron Borodychuck
Painters Local Union 1178
Illinois
According to author Paul Douglas—a University of Chicago professor writing in 1921—the common notion that apprenticeship began in the medieval age is actually false. As proof, Douglas notes that ancients such as Plato and Xenophon refer to it as common practice. The roots of apprenticeship extend even farther back, as indicated by apprenticeship’s mention in the Code of Hammurabi. If apprenticeship worked so successfully for thousands of years, then why did we throw it away in the last century? (Pictured) Aaron Borodychuk. Apprentice with Painters and Finishers Local 1178 of Rock Island, IL.
Corey Cameron
Painters Local Union 1178
Colorado
Painters and Drywall Finishers Local 1178 (Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois) President Corey Cameron was recently asked some questions about his time with the union and his experience in the painting trade. Here is what he had to say when he was asked by DC 81 Representative Josh Ehrmann, "If you had to pick one thing, what would be your favorite thing about the trade?"
"My favorite thing about the trade is the fellowship of brothers and sisters in the union. My coworkers aren’t competitors to me, but rather guys and gals taking the same journey that I am and are supportive of."