NAICS 238320 - Painting and Wall Covering Contractors
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What is NAICS 238320
NAICS code 238320 encompasses establishments primarily engaged in interior or exterior painting and interior wall covering. Businesses in this sector perform a range of services including new construction painting, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repair of painted surfaces and wall coverings. These contractors apply paint, stain, varnish, and wallpaper to both residential and commercial structures, as well as specialized applications such as bridge and ship painting. The industry includes both small local firms and larger contractors capable of handling extensive government projects. Government agencies contract these services to maintain, protect, and enhance the appearance and longevity of public infrastructure, facilities, and military assets. The need for skilled painting and wall covering contractors extends across federal, state, and local levels due to ongoing maintenance cycles and construction programs.
Industry Classification for NAICS 238320
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.
Illustrative Examples:
- Bridge painting
- Paperhanging or removal contractors
- House painting
- Ship painting contractors
- Paint and wallpaper stripping
- Wallpaper hanging and removal contractors
Breakdown for NAICS 238320
- Covers interior and exterior painting and wall covering services.
- Includes new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
- Typical projects range from residential homes to large infrastructure like bridges and ships.
- Small and large contractors operate in this sector, including specialized firms.
- Government projects require compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Included Activities for NAICS 238320
- Applying paint, stain, and protective coatings to buildings and structures.
- Installing and removing wallpaper and other interior wall coverings.
- Surface preparation including stripping old paint and cleaning.
- Specialized painting of bridges, ships, and industrial equipment.
- Performing routine maintenance and repair painting on government properties.
- Applying environmentally friendly and durable coatings.
- Coordinating with construction and facility management teams.
Business Types for NAICS 238320
- Residential and commercial painting contractors
- Specialty wallpaper installation and removal firms
- Industrial and infrastructure painting companies
- Ship and marine coating contractors
- Small businesses focused on government maintenance contracts
Subcategories for NAICS 238320
- Bridge painting
- Electrostatic painting, on-site, contractors
- Engineering structure (e.g., oil storage tank, water tower) painting
- House painting
- Paint and wallpaper stripping
- Painting (except roof) contractors
- Painting and wallpapering
- Paperhanging and removal contractors
- Paperhanging or removal contractors
- Rustproofing (except automotive)
- Ship painting contractors
- Wall covering or removal contractors
- Wallpaper hanging and removal contractors
- Wallpaper stripping
- Whitewashing contractors
Government Buyers for NAICS 238320
Government buyers for NAICS 238320 services include agencies such as the Department of Defense, General Services Administration, transportation departments, housing authorities, and public works departments. These agencies require painting and wall covering contractors to preserve and improve buildings, bridges, ships, and other infrastructure assets. Contracts ensure facilities meet safety, environmental, and aesthetic standards, as well as extending the lifecycle of government property. Painting services are often procured for routine maintenance, large-scale renovations, and new construction projects, reflecting government priorities in asset management and public safety.
Contract Types & Procurement for NAICS 238320
Contracts for painting and wall covering services typically include firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ), and time-and-materials arrangements. Procurement methods often utilize competitive bidding or simplified acquisition procedures, depending on contract size. Smaller projects may be awarded via micro-purchases or small business set-asides, while larger infrastructure contracts involve formal solicitations and multiple award schedules. Typical contract values range from a few thousand dollars for minor repairs to several million dollars for large-scale projects such as bridge painting or ship maintenance. Performance-based contracting is common to ensure quality and adherence to timelines.
Details for NAICS 238320
Explore the hierarchy and related codes for this industry
| NAICS Code | Industry Title |
|---|---|
| 23832 | Painting and Wall Covering Contractors |
| 2383 | Building Finishing Contractors |
| 238 | Specialty Trade Contractors |
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