What's the difference between commercial and domestic painters?
“So it’s just painting, right? Surely if you can paint a wall, then you can paint anything?” That’s what most people think. But the reality is, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. The difference between commercial and domestic painters goes well beyond the size of the job – it touches everything from tools and techniques to scheduling and safety standards.
If you’re planning to hire a painter for your home or business, understanding the distinction between these two types of professionals could save you time, money, and a lot of hassle. Let’s break it all down in plain English.
What do domestic painters do?
Domestic painters are the people you call when your home needs a freshen-up. They specialise in residential properties – flats, houses, bungalows, extensions, you name it. Whether it’s repainting a single bedroom or giving the whole house a new look, domestic painters work on a more personal scale. Their projects are usually tailored to the tastes of homeowners, often involving consultations on colour schemes, finishes, and finer aesthetic details.
But don’t mistake smaller scale for simpler work. Domestic painting can be fiddly, detailed and time-sensitive. You’re working around people’s lives, pets, furniture and routines. A good domestic painter in Swansea needs to be neat, flexible, and mindful of the fact that they’re working in someone’s personal space.
What do commercial painters do?
Commercial painters tackle larger-scale projects, often in public or industrial spaces. Think offices, retail units, schools, warehouses, factories, hospitals and even high-rise buildings. The scope is far bigger, and the stakes can be higher. Deadlines are tighter, budgets larger, and compliance requirements more rigorous.
These professionals are used to working in teams, sometimes operating at height, out-of-hours, or alongside other contractors in complex project environments. It’s less about aesthetics and more about durability, coverage, and delivering a finish that meets safety standards and withstands heavy use.
Commercial painters often work in shifts to minimise disruption, and they’ll usually be operating within strict health and safety protocols – sometimes even needing DBS checks or industry-specific accreditations before stepping foot on site.
How do they structure their work differently?
One of the clearest differences between commercial and domestic painters is how they plan and carry out their work.
Domestic painters usually work solo or in pairs, with projects scheduled to fit around the homeowner’s availability. Flexibility is key, they may be in and out over several days, carefully managing mess and access in a lived-in space. Much of the job involves prep: covering furniture, protecting carpets, sanding down walls, and making sure every finish looks sharp. Homeowners tend to expect a clean, tidy service and clear communication.
In contrast, commercial painting teams often resemble a small operation in themselves. Fact: a domestic painting job might involve 1-2 workers, while commercial painting companies often deploy teams of 5-20 people, depending on the size of the site. Their work is structured like a project – with timelines, milestones, site plans, and even logistics for accessing equipment or restricted zones. You’ll often find them working nights or weekends to avoid disrupting regular business operations.
Do they use different skills, equipment or qualifications?
Absolutely – and this is where the distinction becomes really clear.
Skills
Domestic painters
Domestic painters focus on precision and detail. They’re often called upon to repair minor wall imperfections, handle decorative finishes, or paint intricate features like coving or skirting. They might need a keen eye for design to help clients choose colours or textures that suit their home.
Commercial painters
Commercial painters, on the other hand, need skills geared towards scale and endurance. This might include applying protective coatings, spray painting large surfaces, or understanding the properties of industrial-grade paints. They’re also trained to follow health and safety regulations, including working at height or in hazardous environments.
Equipment
Domestic painters
Domestic painters typically work with brushes, rollers, ladders, and dust sheets. Their kit is portable, easy to set up, and designed to minimise disruption in a home.
Commercial painters
Commercial painters use more advanced gear. This can include:
- High-pressure sprayers
- Scissor lifts and scaffolding
- PPE (personal protective equipment)
- Industrial coatings and sealants
- Ventilation systems for enclosed or hazardous areas
They also use more robust surface preparation tools like shot blasters or pressure washers, especially when working on exteriors or in industrial zones.
Qualifications
Domestic painters
While there’s no legal requirement for either role to have formal qualifications in the UK, many domestic painters are self-taught or come through apprenticeships. Experience and a portfolio matter most in residential work.
Commercial painters
Commercial painters are more likely to carry certifications such as:
- CSCS cards (Construction Skills Certification Scheme)
- IPAF (for working at height using powered access equipment)
- PASMA (for mobile tower scaffold use)
- NVQs or CITB accreditations in painting and decorating
Clients in commercial sectors often expect proof of compliance, insurance and up-to-date training, especially for public buildings or government contracts.
Which one do you need?
If you’re a homeowner looking to improve your living space, you’ll want a painter who’s attentive, tidy, and great with detail. Domestic painters in Swansea are trained to work in exactly this environment. They understand the personal touch, how to handle delicate spaces, and how to deliver a result that feels like “home”.
If you’re managing a commercial property or large building project, hiring a domestic painter won’t cut it. You need a team that can handle scale, pressure, and compliance. Commercial painters are built for this – they’ve got the numbers, the training, and the muscle to get big jobs done quickly and safely.
Conclusion
Painting isn’t just painting. The difference between commercial and domestic painters runs deep – from the size of the team to the tools in their hands, and from the way they plan their work to the settings they’re trained to handle.
One paints your child’s bedroom with care. The other sprays five storeys of steel cladding in a week.
So next time you’re weighing up who to hire, don’t just ask how much it costs. Ask what kind of painter you really need and whether they’re the right fit for your space.
And if you’re looking for trusted, local domestic painters who actually take the time to listen and deliver brilliant, long-lasting results, you know who to call.