Going out on your own

How to start a painting business in Ontario

Painting is the lowest-barrier construction business to start in Ontario — no licence, minimal equipment — but the industrial coatings niche (404D) is a credential-gated, higher-margin world of its own.

The steps to start your painting business

1. 1

   Incorporate your company

   Most contractors incorporate (Ontario or federal) to limit personal liability, look credible to larger clients, and access tax advantages once profitable. You choose a named or numbered company, set directors and share structure, and file the articles. Budget roughly $400–$600.

   Full guide: Incorporation
2. 2

   Register your CRA accounts

   Get a Business Number, then register for HST/GST (mandatory once you exceed $30,000 in revenue, and worth registering sooner to claim input tax credits), a payroll account if you will hire, and corporate income tax. This is free and done through the CRA.

   Full guide: CRA Registration
3. 3

   Register for WSIB

   Construction is a mandatory WSIB sector. Independent operators and partners in construction generally must register even with no employees, and clients and general contractors will require a valid WSIB clearance certificate before letting you on site.

   Full guide: WSIB & Provincial
4. 4

   Handle painting & finishing licensing & permits

   Painter & Decorator (404C residential/commercial, 404D industrial) is a voluntary trade. No provincial licence is required for general painting. You need a business licence, WSIB, and insurance. Industrial coatings work requires AMPP/NACE/SSPC certifications and lead/hazard protocols.

   Full guide: Trade Licensing
5. 5

   Get insured

   Carry Commercial General Liability (typically $2M, $5M for commercial/industrial work), plus tools and equipment, commercial auto, and — depending on scope — builders risk and professional liability. Many contracts and clients specify minimum coverage before you can quote.

   Full guide: Insurance
6. 6

   Set up health, safety & compliance

   Meet your Occupational Health and Safety Act duties: a health and safety policy, required training (WHMIS, Working at Heights where applicable), and — for commercial and public work — often COR® certification. This is also where any trade-specific safety tickets live.

   Full guide: Safety Compliance
7. 7

   Stand up your operations

   Open business banking, set up construction-specific accounting, and understand your trust obligations under the Construction Act (holdback, prompt payment, and adjudication). This is the back office that keeps you paid and out of trouble.

   Full guide: Operational Setup
8. 8

   Get bid-ready and win work

   Assemble your prequalification package — incorporation and WSIB documents, insurance and bonding letters, safety program, key personnel, and project references — then quote, send proposals, and collect on invoices. This is where a construction business actually makes money.

   Full guide: Bid Readiness

Insurance for a painting business

Generally lower-risk, but overspray, ladder work, and care/custody of client property still drive claims. $1M–$2M CGL is typical for residential; industrial coatings needs more.