The world of painting can be divided into two main fields: commercial painting (similar to residential) and industrial painting. While both aim to transform spaces with colour and aesthetics, they are quite different in their goals, techniques, and the training required to become a commercial painter or industrial painter.

Let’s dive into what sets commercial and industrial painting apart, highlighting their unique characteristics and the specialized training each requires.

So, What’s the Difference between Commercial and Industrial Painting?

Commercial painting is all about beautifying and maintaining spaces that are open to the public or used for commercial purposes—like offices, retail stores, hotels, restaurants, schools, and other similar places. The goal is to create a welcoming environment that enhances the experience of customers, clients, employees, and visitors. On the other hand, industrial painting focuses on coating surfaces within industrial settings, such as factories, warehouses, bridges, storage tanks, pipelines, and manufacturing plants. Here, the primary concern isn’t aesthetics but ensuring protection and durability in harsh environments.

Painting Form Versus Function

One of the biggest differences between commercial and industrial painting lies in their objectives. Commercial painting’s main goal is to enhance the visual appeal of a space, creating an inviting atmosphere for those who use it. This involves selecting colour schemes, textures, and finishes that align with the brand’s identity or the desired ambiance. For instance, a restaurant might use warm colours to create a cozy feel, while a corporate office might stick to neutral tones for a more professional vibe. Commercial painting also involves regular maintenance and touch-ups to keep the space looking fresh and up to date, especially with wear and tear from high foot traffic.

Industrial painting, on the other hand, serves a much more functional purpose. The aim is to protect surfaces from corrosion, rust, and damage caused by environmental factors, chemicals, or heavy machinery. Industrial coatings are specially designed to withstand extreme conditions like high temperatures, chemicals, abrasion, and exposure to the elements. In industrial settings, durability and longevity are key because the paint’s condition can directly impact safety and operations. A failure in industrial coatings could lead to safety hazards, expensive repairs, or even operational shutdowns. This means industrial painters need a deep understanding of materials, coatings, and application techniques to ensure maximum protection.

An industrial painter’s job might involve coating steel structures in a factory to prevent rust, painting pipelines to ward off chemical reactions, or using specialized coatings in areas exposed to radiation or extreme heat. Their focus on safety and protection requires a meticulous approach—every surface must be thoroughly coated to prevent vulnerabilities.

Commercial Versus Industrial Painter Training

With these different objectives and painting substances come different training needs for these two distinct types of painting.

Industrial painting requires a specialized skill set because of its unique challenges and the need to adhere to strict safety protocols. Specialized industrial painter training is, therefore, required. Industrial painter training covers areas like surface preparation, applying the right coatings, understanding safety procedures, and using specialized equipment. Industrial painters need to know how to use high-pressure spray systems, understand surface preparation methods like abrasive blasting, and be able to interpret technical specs and blueprints. Safety is a major focus as well—industrial painters often work in environments involving chemicals, heights, or confined spaces, so they need to be well-trained in using personal protective equipment (PPE) and following safety guidelines to avoid accidents.

Commercial painting, while not as specialized as industrial painting, still demands a solid understanding of colour theory, design principles, and different application techniques. Commercial painters need great attention to detail because they’re often working in high-traffic areas where a flawless finish is expected. They should also be skilled in working with different types of paint—like water-based, oil-based, or specialty coatings—depending on what the project requires. Additionally, commercial painters need to be flexible, as they may work in a variety of environments, from newly built buildings to occupied offices, where minimizing disruption is essential.

Transforming Careers for Commercial and Industrial Painters

Whether you’re considering commercial or industrial painting, both paths offer unique opportunities to showcase your craftsmanship and technical skills. Commercial painting brings the satisfaction of transforming public spaces into inviting, visually appealing environments. This field is ideal for those who enjoy working with clients to create personalized, eye-catching spaces that make a lasting impression.

On the flip side, industrial painting provides the chance to work on large-scale projects that are critical to maintaining infrastructure and ensuring the longevity and safety of key assets. Industrial painters are more than just painters—they’re problem solvers who protect essential structures and extend their lifespan. It’s a rewarding field for anyone who likes technically challenging work and takes pride in maintaining and safeguarding important industrial facilities.

FTI Ontario Provides Training To Become a Commercial or Industrial Painter

The Finishing Trades Institute of Ontario (FTI Ontario) is here to provide the knowledge, skills, and training needed for these career paths. It’s the only Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development-authorized Training Delivery Agent for the in-school apprenticeship program for Painter Decorator Commercial & Residential (404C), Painter Decorator Industrial (404D), and Architectural Glass and Metal Technician (Glazier) (424A).

Whether your passion lies in making commercial spaces beautiful or protecting industrial facilities, painting offers a diverse and rewarding career path. FTI Ontario is committed to helping aspiring painters get the training and experience they need to succeed. Interested in becoming a commercial or industrial painter? Contact us for more information and take the first step towards a fulfilling career!