🖌️ Painting · Hiring
How to Write a Painting Job Ad That Attracts Good Painters (Not Just Anyone)
The short answer: Good painters are already employed. They'll only consider your ad if the first paragraph makes the role sound worth reading. Lead with what makes the work good — the job types, equipment, van, team, owner — before listing requirements. Requirements come second. Salary range should always be included.
By OnToolsAI · Updated March 23, 2026 · 5 min read
Why most painting job ads fail
The painters you want aren't sitting at home refreshing job boards. They're employed, reasonably paid, and only considering a move if something genuinely catches their eye. Most painting job ads look identical — a list of requirements, a salary range, "must have own tools," and a bland company description. They're written for the employer's checklist, not for the candidate's decision.
❌ The job ad no experienced painter reads past the first line
"Experienced decorator required for busy painting company. Must have 3+ years experience, own tools, and full driving licence. Competitive salary. Must be reliable and hardworking. Apply with CV."
✅ The job ad that makes someone think "this sounds like a good place to work"
"We're a 6-person residential painting team based in [area] — mostly interior work on high-spec homes, with some exterior in the summer. You'd be working on your own or in pairs, in well-equipped vans (fully stocked, no having to find your own kit), with a boss who's done the job himself and understands the work. We're looking for someone who takes the finish seriously and wants to stay somewhere long-term. £[X]–£[X] depending on experience. If that sounds like you, give us a call or drop us a message."
Job ad template — residential painting company
Job ad — leads with the role, requirements follow
🖌️ Painter/Decorator — [Location]
We're a [small/growing] residential painting team based in [area]. Most of our work is interior — quality homes, repeat customers, and jobs we're genuinely proud of. You'd be working [solo/in small teams], in a well-equipped van, with consistent work and no chasing for payment.
We're looking for someone who cares about the finish, communicates well with customers, and wants to be part of a team that takes the work seriously.
What you'd be doing:
— Interior and exterior residential painting and decorating
— Prep work, filling, sanding, priming — done properly
— Occasional cabinet or feature work
What we offer:
— £[X]–£[X] per day depending on experience
— [Van / Use of van / Tools provided]
— Consistent work, paid on time, no drama
— A team that's been together for [X] years
What we're looking for:
— [X]+ years decorating experience
— Own tools preferred / provided
— Full UK driving licence
— Someone who takes pride in a clean finish
To apply: Call [number] or message us here. Tell us a bit about the kind of work you've been doing.
💡 Always include a salary range. Ads without salary ranges get fewer applications from experienced candidates — the people you want don't apply to mystery roles. Being in the top third of local pay rates makes a significant difference to the quality of who applies.
Where to post your painting job ad
Indeed — highest volume for trade roles. Worth a small sponsored boost for 7-14 days.
Facebook Jobs — reaches local candidates who aren't actively job hunting. Local Facebook trade groups also work well.
Word of mouth from your current team — consistently the highest-quality source. A referral bonus (£200-500 for a successful hire that stays 3 months) is usually money well spent.
Instagram/Facebook page — if your work photos are good, posting "we're hiring" with a job description image reaches people who already admire your work.
How do I find experienced painters to hire?
The best painters aren't always looking — so reach them where they already are. Word of mouth from your existing team, Facebook trade groups, and Instagram (if your work is visible) often outperform standard job boards for experienced candidates. Indeed works for volume but tends to attract more entry-level applicants.
Should I hire painters as employees or subcontractors?
Both are common in the painting trade. Employees offer more control and consistency; subcontractors offer flexibility. The key factor is whether the arrangement would pass HMRC's employment status tests — working primarily for one company, with set hours, using your equipment, under your direction generally suggests employment. Get advice specific to your situation if you're unsure.
What should I look for when interviewing a painter?
Ask them what they're most proud of in their work and what they're most particular about. Good painters have opinions about prep — they notice when it's been skipped. Ask about the worst job they've had and how they handled it. How they talk about past customers and employers tells you a lot about how they'll behave on yours.
Generate your painting job ad in 30 seconds
Tell OnToolsAI about your business, the role, and what makes working with you good. It writes a compelling job ad that attracts experienced painters — not just anyone looking for work.
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