[pacificpainters.com]

As you probably are aware there is some debate as to whether we are Painters or Painters & Decorators.

The qualification I teach is a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating. Should we protect the term Decorators? should we embrace all that it means?

The debate started on another thread over the subject of selecting colour schemes.

I am interested in seeing what the general feedback on this subject is.

In the competency CPCCPD3005A Match Specified Colour the primary focus is on matching a colour, but it also includes demonstrating an understanding of colour harmony theory. This is not to say that we should do a complete colour scheme but we should be able to help a customer know and identify what the complimentary, triadic, split complimentary etc. etc. colour schemes are from a specified main colour, this is science not taste.

 

[Roadog]

Tough one. As an ex union decorative painter, I always considered myself as a "Painter". But a lot in the trade call them selves decorators when asked what they do. I also have friends in Europe that consider themselves decorators that are decorative painters. I think here in the US most consider a decorator in the same sense as a designer. I think the term "decorator" when I have heard it used was relating to usually those that do decorative paint as well....(stenciling, gilding, graining etc.)

 

[JoseyWales]

I've worked with a designer for years so I'd like to think that I have a good eye for colours...That said, I don't market this ability of mine because I just don't have the patience with customers...Volunteering to help out on a few colour choices can turn into a few hours of your "free" time...I can't say that I enjoy the experience.

 

[One Coat Coverage]

Painting contractor.

 

[pacificpainters.com]

Painting contractor.

Glad you joined the thread One Coat, I just thought I was taking away from your drama on your thread, so I thought it best to tackle it as a separate issue.

I respect your opinion and it is helping me re-look at this in a global context.

 

[One Coat Coverage]

Glad you joined the thread One Coat, I just thought I was taking away from your drama on your thread, so I thought it best to tackle it as a separate issue.

I respect your opinion and it is helping me re-look at this in a global context.

Yeah, around here, decorators are people who dress classy, male or female, and pick people's stuff for them. Whether it be furniture, counter- tops, tile, paint colors, etc....

Then, they get the work for the tradesmen and expect a cut off the top of the bid.

There is a show on Bravo called Million Dollar Decorators. My wife watches it, I personally can't stand it. But if you watch it, you'll see what I'm talking about.

 

[Sully]

Isn't decorating for girls? I personally don't think it is but I feel like it is sometimes. Actually as I sit and think more about man caves and such I'd say men can be pretty darn good decorators. However I think being a decorator can go much deeper than wall finishing. I also would say there is a difference between interior design and decorating. An example would be the interior of a restaurant... you know the ones with all the interesting junk hanging from the ceilings or vintage stuff on display. Well you have one guy that designs it another that paints it and another that finds and displays all that cool junk. It's like an ambiance trifecta... or something like that. :turned: just my two cents

 

[pacificpainters.com]

I think that the following skills fall into decorating:

• Matching a colour
• Identyfying a colour harmony for paint and/or wallpaper from a specified colour
• Applying decorative finishes
• Fine trim work
• Gloss to a mirror finish
• wallpaper

I don't believe that the term as it relates together (Painter & Decorator as opposed to just being a "decorator") does NOT include wall hangings, specifying colour schemes from scratch, curtains, carpets or cushions.

 

[Ole34]

to many trades mixing together .......jack of all master of none syndrome.......... you want to play dress up an pick out pillows then do that........you want to sling paint then go for that but just don't mix the 2 ...............Christ interior decorators already have no idea what they're doing so no need to add to the confusion by expecting them to paint !!!



i can consult/ custom tint colors or what have you but i consider myself a painter first an foremost

 

[BrushJockey]

I had an interior designer ( who often gets called a Decorator ) say the difference is a designer designs, a decorator applies.
I have always thought that if someone just paints- painter. But if they paint, hang wallpaper, do decorative finishes- then they can add painter and decorator to their name. or "Painting and Decorating" to their business name.
I am a painter and decorator.

 

[ewingpainting.net]

The uk its painter/decorators, I'm on the west cost of the states. A painter (aka paint contractor) is separate from a decorator. A decorator is more like a designer, who manages a project in the decorating trends.

Go here at wiki for a painting decorator - painter
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_painter_and_decorator

Go here at wiki for a decorator
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interior_decoration

 

[pacificpainters.com]

I win.... http://www.cslb.ca.gov/generalinfor...gclassifications/C33PaintingAndDecorating.asp

 

[daArch]

Apparently we have confusion due to one's definition of terms.

I can understand the belief that if one "decorates" by the technical application of decorative finishes, then he/she can be termed "decorator".

However, somewhere along the line, at least here in my corner of the world, it has been long understood that a "decorator" or even an "interior decorator" is a person who coordinates the fabrics, furniture, wall finishes, and such for interior spaces.

How does this differ from a "Designer" ? Well, mainly, a Designer is trained, degreed, and an ASID member.

Many of my paperhanging friends have run across too many bored house spouses who decide they are going to consult other bored house spouses on how to decorate their homes. They are untrained, unskilled, know nothings, wearing foo-foo scarfs and blouses with over blown egos. We like to call these hobyists, "Decorinas"

 

[Bender]

Regardless of your feelings on it, if we were educated to be decorators it would add some credibility to our trade, not to mention the increase in income to both employer and employee.

 

[BJacobs]

painters, decorators, designers, and others

This is a good dialogue, from a somewhat "new" perspective to me. As a color consultant (are you laughing, smirking, or something else?) I deal with designers, decorators, architects, builders, home and commercial property owners, and of course professional Painters!

In the realm of painting, I have over 20 years experience as a decorative finisher. I never did want to call myself a 'decorator' because I feel that what I offered was artistry, which 'decorators' typically do not do. (imo).

In my experience, "designers" are usually more highly educated and experienced than decorators. Heck, even I can pick fabric, pillows, rugs, and furniture. But do a full-on space design with lighting etc.? Not a chance!

However, even in that capacity I always valued my relationships with fine painters, who could understand the value I place on preparation as being important to the outcome of any decorative finishing project, no matter who does the actual application.

The tricky part for me is that while I could offer value to decorators and designers, they for the most part will not ask for my help except for the rare opportunity to provide feedback for their own homes, or even get in the middle of a husband-and-wife disagreement about color! Creating custom paint colors...sometimes.

In the area of picking colors, that's what I offer: creating a color palette(s) and providing different ways for them to view the colors, and then a detailed paint plan the client can share with their painter. Some painters find this useful because my specific training and over 20 years experience in working with color--combined with the willingness to be patient and do the homeowner hand-holding--just allows them, as painters, to "keep rolling."

I look forward to future comments!

 

[jack pauhl]

I am a painter. Color consulting is not painting so I do not offer it or do it. I will offer a popular trending portfolio of colors or names of other who do but that's it. My expertise is painting. Besides who is going to pay the equivalent for my time painting - talking colors. Not sure people are willing to throw down an extra $300 bucks for a consult. Maybe, never asked.

 

[Ole34]

Not sure people are willing to throw down an extra $300 bucks for a consult. Maybe, never asked.

youd be surprised.........i can do it but im not much into TALKING..... im more a hands on type of guy so i let the woman do the talking ...shes better at it then me.........anyway, you can charge a few bucks for consulting but then you OWN the colors and that sometimes can be a bad thing

 

[daArch]

This is a good dialogue, from a somewhat "new" perspective to me. As a color consultant (are you laughing, smirking, or something else?) I deal with designers, decorators, architects, builders, home and commercial property owners, and of course professional Painters!

In the realm of painting, I have over 20 years experience as a decorative finisher. I never did want to call myself a 'decorator' because I feel that what I offered was artistry, which 'decorators' typically do not do. (imo).

In my experience, "designers" are usually more highly educated and experienced than decorators. Heck, even I can pick fabric, pillows, rugs, and furniture. But do a full-on space design with lighting etc.? Not a chance!

However, even in that capacity I always valued my relationships with fine painters, who could understand the value I place on preparation as being important to the outcome of any decorative finishing project, no matter who does the actual application.

The tricky part for me is that while I could offer value to decorators and designers, they for the most part will not ask for my help except for the rare opportunity to provide feedback for their own homes, or even get in the middle of a husband-and-wife disagreement about color! Creating custom paint colors...sometimes.

In the area of picking colors, that's what I offer: creating a color palette(s) and providing different ways for them to view the colors, and then a detailed paint plan the client can share with their painter. Some painters find this useful because my specific training and over 20 years experience in working with color--combined with the willingness to be patient and do the homeowner hand-holding--just allows them, as painters, to "keep rolling."

I look forward to future comments!

Barbara,

Make your self known here more. some of us massholes may be able to direct some work your way.

I hate it when customers of mine just keep slapping on Navajo or Linen white giving no consideration to the green bias of the wallpaper. I'm out of the paint application business, but I still know colors, but I ain't about to consult.

BTW, you in Boston itself? Or one of the 'burbs. I do a lot of work in the western burbs - and back bay.

 

[BJacobs]

who are we, anyway?

Thanks to all who replied to my earlier post(today!) You are all so quick, it's great.

So, Bill - actually I've heard about you from a designer friend but guess what, it was a long time ago and I can't remember who it was! (apologies)

I'm in Medfield but work "all over" so to speak, as long as the auto fuel holds out. Also work on line for people out of traveling range or who do not want to pay for travel and accommodations. Otherwise, site visit is 100% preferable for all obvious reasons.

-bj

 

[WarlinePainting]

There is definitely a difference between a designer and a decorator and yes DaArch, bored housewives fall in the latter category. Few designers want to be referred to as a decorator.

I mentioned this in another thread that a very important aspect of our business is helping a customer choose colours. It is a very easy thing to dismiss as a painter but you will significantly increase customer satisfaction and your referral business if you make sure the customer loves the colour they put on their walls as much as the wonderful job you do painting it on the walls.

If you can't do this yourself or don't have someone in your company that is qualified to do this, work with a professional colour consultant (like Barbara above). They understand undertones, can put together a palette that creates flow and pulls a house together. This can be the difference between a customer being happy with the work you did and LOVING their newly painted house. Guess which one they can't stop talking about?