238320 - Painting and Wall Covering Contractors

When it comes to transforming the look and feel of buildings, NAICS code 238320 plays a pivotal role. Known officially as Painting and Wall Covering Contractors, this classification encompasses businesses that specialize in applying paint, wallpaper, and other finishes to both residential and commercial structures. Whether refurbishing a cozy home or enhancing large infrastructure, these contractors bring color and protection to our built environment.

What is NAICS Code 238320?

NAICS 238320 covers establishments primarily engaged in painting and wall covering activities. These professionals apply paint, wallpaper, and other finishes to buildings and various structures, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and surface protection. This industry plays a crucial part in the construction sector by enhancing durability and visual appeal of surfaces both inside and out.

Sector and Industry Overview

• Sector: Construction
• Industry: Painting and Wall Covering Contractors

The construction sector relies heavily on these contractors for both new projects and maintenance. Painting and wall covering contractors deliver services ranging from simple residential touch-ups to complex industrial structure painting.

Typical Business Activities under NAICS 238320

• Bridge painting
• Electrostatic painting on-site
• Painting of engineering structures (e.g., oil storage tanks, water towers)
• Residential and commercial house painting
• Paint and wallpaper stripping
• Rustproofing (excluding automotive)
• Ship painting
• Wallpaper hanging and removal
• Whitewashing

These activities require specialized skills tailored to different surfaces and client needs, integrating safety, quality, and durability standards.

Size Standards for NAICS 238320 Eligibility

Businesses classified under NAICS code 238320 must adhere to specific size standards to qualify for certain government contracts and programs.

• Size Standard: $19 million in average annual receipts

This threshold designates whether an establishment qualifies as a small business under SBA guidelines, influencing eligibility for federal contracting opportunities.

Examples of Businesses under NAICS 238320

Here are some typical examples of business types that fall within this NAICS code:

• Residential Painting Contractors: Focus on interior and exterior painting services for homes and apartments.
• Commercial Painting Contractors: Provide painting services for commercial buildings like offices, retail stores, warehouses, and more.
• Wall Covering Installation Services: Specialize in hanging wallpaper, fabric, murals, and other wall coverings.

These entities serve a broad clientele that includes homeowners, property managers, and commercial developers.

Detailed Code Activity Table

Code Details	Description
Bridge painting	Painting and maintenance of bridge structures
Electrostatic painting (on-site)	Using electrostatic charges for efficient paint application on-site
Contractors	General contractors involved in painting and wall covering
Engineering structure painting	Painting oil storage tanks, water towers, etc.
House painting	Interior/exterior painting of residential buildings
Paint and wallpaper stripping	Removal of old paint and wallpaper
Painting (except roof) contractors	Painting services excluding roof painting
Painting and wallpapering	Application of paint and wallpaper
Paperhanging and removal contractors	Hanging and removing wallpaper
Paperhanging or removal contractors	Similar wallpaper services
Rustproofing (except automotive)	Protective coatings to prevent rust, excluding vehicles
Ship painting contractors	Painting and maintenance of ships
Wall covering or removal contractors	Installation or removal of wall coverings
Wallpaper hanging and removal contractors	Specialized wallpaper services
Wallpaper stripping	Removing wallpaper
Whitewashing contractors	Application of whitewash coatings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of projects do painting and wall covering contractors handle?

They take on a wide range of projects, from residential interior/exterior painting to industrial and engineering structure coatings, including bridge and ship painting.

What is the importance of the $19 million size standard?

The $19 million limit helps define which businesses qualify as small businesses for government contracting purposes, impacting access to special procurement programs.

Are roof painting services included under NAICS 238320?

No, this code excludes roof painting services, which may fall under a different NAICS category.

Can this NAICS code apply to contractors specializing in wallpaper removal?

Yes, wallpaper hanging and removal are explicitly included within this classification.

How does electrostatic painting differ from traditional methods?

Electrostatic painting uses electrically charged paint particles attracted to the surface, resulting in more efficient and even coverage, especially on metal surfaces.

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With the growing demand for maintenance and beautification of buildings, businesses under NAICS code 238320 - Painting and Wall Covering Contractors remain essential to the construction ecosystem. Whether you are a contractor seeking government contracts or a client looking for qualified painting professionals, understanding this NAICS category ensures you connect with the right experts for high-quality finishing services.