NAICS UNIVERSITY · Free research for insurance agents
Painting and Wall Covering Contractors
NAICS 238320 · United States · 2022 edition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in interior or exterior painting or interior wall covering. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs. CONSTRUCTION 135
Start the review with completed operations.
For Painting and Wall Covering Contractors, the saved research highlights completed operations, lead paint exposure, premises liability at client sites. Confirm how these arise in the actual operation, what controls are used and whether additional services change the proposed coverage.
Questions to ask
- What is the split between residential and commercial work, and what percentage involves older pre-1978 structures?
- Is any lead abatement, lead paint testing, or EPA RRP-certified work performed?
- Does the operation include any bridge, water tower, marine, or industrial coating work?
- Are subcontractors used, and if so, are certificates of insurance and written agreements collected?
- What aerial lift, scaffolding, or elevated work equipment is used, and how often?
- What is the full schedule of owned tools, sprayers, and equipment, and where is it stored when not in use?
- Do any employees use personal vehicles for job-site runs or material pickups?
- What does the prior loss history look like, particularly for workers' comp and completed operations?
Activities described by this code
- Bridge painting
- Paperhanging or removal contractors
- House painting
- Ship painting contractors
- Paint and wallpaper stripping
- Wallpaper hanging and removal contractors
Other activities to examine
- Painting lines on highways, streets, and parking lots: 237310 — Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
- Roof painting: 238160 — Roofing Contractors
- Installing wood paneling: 238350 — Finish Carpentry Contractors
- Concrete coating, glazing, or sealing: 238390 — Other Building Finishing Contractors;
- Painting and rustproofing automotive vehicles and trailer bodies: 8111 — Automotive Repair and Maintenance
Census classification reference
For educational purposes only. AI-generated insurance research and automated logic can contain errors. Independently verify classification and coverage decisions.
Compare another operationInsurance operations research — draft
Painting and wall covering contractors apply interior and exterior paint, stain, varnish, and specialty coatings to residential and commercial buildings, and hang or remove wallpaper, fabric wall coverings, and similar materials. Work may involve surface preparation including scraping, sanding, and priming, and can range from single-room residential repaints to large commercial or industrial projects requiring scaffolding and aerial lifts.
Questions to investigate
- What is the split between residential and commercial work, and what percentage involves older pre-1978 structures?
- Is any lead abatement, lead paint testing, or EPA RRP-certified work performed?
- Does the operation include any bridge, water tower, marine, or industrial coating work?
- Are subcontractors used, and if so, are certificates of insurance and written agreements collected?
This insurance research was generated in April 2026. It has not received a complete human review. The October 12, 2026 audit checked codes and titles only, not descriptions or coverage assertions.