People have decorated the walls of their living spaces since ancient times. Modern advancements in the materials and techniques used to cover surfaces created jobs for painters and paperhangers.

Using paint, varnish, stain or enamel, painters decorate and protect the indoor and outdoor surfaces of buildings. Paperhangers, on the other hand, cover interior rooms with decorative wallpaper, fabric, vinyl and other materials.

Each trade has its own set of skills. Both must properly prepare the surfaces to be covered so that the paint or paper adheres to the surface. Preparation may include scraping the surface, filling holes, cracks and joints and sanding or smoothing surfaces before applying paper or paint.

Paint and paperhangers need to be in good physical condition, as they must climb ladders and reach overhead for many hours a day. An apprenticeship or on-the-job training is usually the only requirement to getting started in the field. Experienced painters and paperhangers often start their own businesses as painting or decorating contractors.