These two guilds eventually merged with the consent of the Lord Mayor of the City of London in 1502, forming the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers.

The Construction Industry Joint Council, a body formed of both unions and business organizations, today has responsibility for the setting of pay levels.

[2] Historically, the painter was responsible for the mixing of the paint; keeping a ready supply of pigments, oils, thinners and driers.

[2] Larger firms operating within the trade were generally capable of performing many painting or decoration services, from creating an accent wall to sign writing, to the gilding of objects or the finishing or refinishing of furniture.

All stucco or popcorn or texture scraping, sanding, wallpaper removal, caulking, drywall or wood repair, patching, stain removal, filling nail holes or any defects with plaster or putty, cleaning, taping, preparation and priming are considered to be done by the professional contracted painter.