A civil painter applies paint, stains, and other finishes to buildings, bridges, and other structures to protect them and enhance their appearance. Responsibilities include preparing surfaces by repairing cracks, sanding, and cleaning; building scaffolding; mixing paints to achieve the correct color and texture; applying finishes with brushes, rollers, or sprayers; maintaining a clean and safe work area; and removing old paint and wallpaper. Painters may also work with customers to understand requirements and estimate materials.