May 30, 2025
Zhiying is a skilled painter who discovered her passion right at a job site. From her TAFE training to challenging ceilings, she brings genuine enthusiasm and professional expertise.
Sometimes the best careers start with curiosity. For professional Sydney painter Zhiying, that journey began with a visit to a job site. It started when a friend, who was already in the trade, showed her what a pro tradie’s life is like. Something just clicked.
"I go to look at his job and I feel there’s something interesting about it," she recalls with a smile.
That spark of interest led her to Technical and Further Education (TAFE), where she learned industry standards and mixed it in with her unique creative skills. But like many tradies, she discovered that real learning happens on the job.
Her first painting gig was at an apartment, working alongside her friend. Fresh out of training, she started with the basics; cutting in walls. Despite the nerves, she found herself genuinely enjoying the work. That first project confirmed that painting was more than just a job for her.
When asked about her most challenging project, she lit up and started talking about a restaurant ceiling job. The existing bread-colored ceiling needed to be transformed to crisp white. It’s a standard job on a drywall but it’s no easy task when you're working overhead with spray equipment.
"Three coats," she explains. "We had to cover the bread color." It took patience and skill but the transformation was worth every bit of effort.
When it comes to her favorite part of the job, she's quick to answer: "Prepping the walls. It's easier." But don't let that fool you into thinking she takes shortcuts. She's learned that different aspects of painting require different skills, and she's mastered them all.
The toughest part? Working outdoors in unpredictable weather. Rain can put work into an abrupt halt, only to see the brutal Sydney sun take over immediately. Unpredictable weather patterns can be brutal during long days. But that's just part of being a professional painter.
Outside of work, you'll find her in the kitchen. She's passionate about baking, especially creamy cakes. It's a creative outlet that complements her painting work. Both require attention to detail and a good eye for the finished product.
Zhiying's skills and attention to details show what separates a true tradie from someone just holding a brush. She's put in the TAFE training, learned from experienced painters and tackled challenging projects that pushed her skills.
Zhiying is the person you want to hire whether it's a tricky ceiling job or straightforward wall work. If you want to sign Zhiying up for your next project or find more professional tradies like her, SnapTradie can help. Here’s what we can do for you:
