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Painter & DecoratorCV Example

A template for decorators who transform spaces with skill and precision.

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What Does a Painter & Decorator Actually Do?

Painters and decorators prepare and finish surfaces in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings — applying paint, varnish, wallpaper, specialist coatings, and decorative finishes. They work for building contractors, property maintenance companies, house builders, and as self-employed sole traders, reporting to a site foreman or contracts manager. A typical week involves preparing surfaces, masking and protecting fittings, applying coats to schedule, and sometimes colour consulting with clients. Commercial jobs are deadline-driven and may involve working nights or weekends to avoid disrupting a business.

Steve Clarke
Painter & Decorator
📍 London, UK✉️ steve.clarke@email.com
Summary

NVQ Level 3 qualified Painter & Decorator with 10 years of experience in residential and commercial projects. Specialist in period property restoration, wallpaper hanging, and spray finishing. CSCS Gold Card holder with full public liability insurance.

Work Experience
Painter & Decorator at Self-Employed
  • Run self-employed painting and decorating business generating £75K+ annual revenue across London
  • Complete 80+ residential and commercial projects annually with 4.9-star Checkatrade rating (200+ reviews)
Employed Painter & Decorator at Dulux Decorator Centre Network
  • Completed 500+ residential redecorations across new-build estates and refurbishment projects
  • Mastered spray finishing, wallpaper hanging, and specialist paint effects including marbling and rag-rolling
Skills
Interior & Exterior PaintingWallpaper HangingSpray Finishing (HVLP)Period RestorationSurface PreparationCSCS Gold CardHealth & SafetyClient Management

What Recruiters Look For

Painter & Decorator CVs must show your qualification level, specialisations, and the types of projects you have completed. Self-employed decorators should include revenue, review ratings, and client testimonials.

Key Skills to Include

Interior and exterior painting, wallpaper hanging, spray finishing (HVLP/airless), period restoration, surface preparation, CSCS card, colour matching, and working at height qualifications.

Common Mistakes

Not distinguishing between domestic and commercial work. A new-build estate decorator and a heritage restoration specialist have very different skill sets. Be specific about your specialism.

Formatting Tips

One page. Include your NVQ level and CSCS card type. If self-employed, include your Checkatrade/MyBuilder rating and number of reviews. Mention any specialist techniques you offer.

Average SalaryPainter & Decorator

United States
$40,000 – $65,000
United Kingdom
$28,000 – $45,000
Germany
$30,000 – $45,000
UAE / Dubai
$22,000 – $38,000
Canada
$42,000 – $62,000
Australia
$48,000 – $68,000

Figures in USD. Ranges reflect mid-level experience (3–7 years). Senior roles and major metro areas typically sit at the top of these bands.

Top 5 Interview QuestionsPainter & Decorator

1How do you approach surface preparation before painting, and why does it matter?
Cover filling, sanding, priming, and cleaning — and explain that the finish is only as good as the prep. Employers want to hear you take this seriously.
2Describe a job where a client wasn't happy with the colour or finish. How did you handle it?
Show accountability — did you offer to redo it, reach a compromise, or explain why it looked different wet vs. dry? Professionalism and client retention matter.
3What health and safety measures do you follow on site?
Name specifics — COSHH compliance for paint fumes, working at height regulations, PPE, covering ventilation. Show you know the rules, not just the spirit of them.
4Have you worked with specialist finishes — gilding, faux effects, anti-graffiti coatings, or fire-retardant paints?
List what you've done honestly and describe one project in detail. Specialist skills command higher rates and distinguish you from general painters.
5How do you estimate the materials and time needed for a job?
Walk through square meterage calculation, coats required, drying time, and contingency. Commercial employers need accurate estimating — it protects their margins.

How to Tailor Your CV

Mitie, Mears Group, Wates, Barratt Homes, and independent painting contractors all hire painters and decorators. Large facilities management companies like Mitie and Mears need painters who can work across commercial and residential sites with minimal supervision and handle COSHH documentation. House builders like Barratt want speed and consistency — production painting on new builds is very different to bespoke residential work. Commercial contractors value CSCS card holders with working at height certification. For self-employed work, testimonials and photos of past projects on your CV or a linked portfolio page make a big difference.

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