PDCA represents over 10,000 owners and top-flight managers from more than 3,000 painting and decorating firms across the U.S. and Canada.

PDCA is developing industry standards, industry-specific publications and programs essential to the success of your business. From business management publications, to training and reference videos, to health and safety manuals, we are continually providing the resources you need to manage a successful painting company. PDCA Standards benefit the painting and decorating industry and the entire construction and design community.

PDCA is focusing on legislative and regulatory affairs that directly affect the painting and decorating contractor. From working with EPA and OSHA on lead-based paint regulations, to monitoring environmental restrictions on paint, PDCA is actively representing the interests of all painting contractors, large and small.

PDCA is promoting the use of professional painting and decorating contractors to the consumer. The promotion of PDCA Members to the purchasing public via the 'Find A Pro' search feature on this web site and the promotion of members who have completed the Commercial or Residential Contractors Certification Programs are two examples of how we are promoting the hiring of a PDCA Professionals. Hire a Pro.

PDCA is where you can benefit from PCEP, the Painting Contractors Education Partnership. PCEP provides educational workshops and seminars You can benefit from the experiences of fellow painting and decorating contractors from around the country through networking opportunities like the national convention and trade show. Local Chapters, State or Regional Councils, and Specialty Forums also provide networking and educational opportunities with your local PDCA Member industry leaders. You can also interact daily with other contractors in your work specialty through PDCA OnLine and other various Member Services.


History of PDCA

The Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) traces its history to 1884 when it was established by a group of contractors. The first name of PDCA was the "Master House Painters Association of the United States and Canada". It came into legal existence in New York City on January 15, 1885 for the specific purpose of attacking industry abuses which arose from "unwise competition", to remedy a defective apprentice system, to solve problems created by unsatisfactory materials, and to devise a means for assuring the public of the "skill, honorable reputation, and probity" of master painters.

In 1890, the name was changed to "The Master House Painters and Decorators Association of the United States of America". In 1903, "and Canada" was restored to the name and in 1904, the title was further amplified to read "International Association of Master House Painters and Decorators". Later, the Toronto Association was admitted to membership. At Richmond, Virginia, in 1903, it was voted to hold the 20th convention in Toronto, Canada at which time a Canadian Association was organized. For the next 30 years, the Canadian representatives were most active in the affairs of the International Association, with two of them being elected to the Presidency. The Canadian affiliation was ended with great regret on both sides of the border in 1933. This was due to legal complexities of the Association's sponsorship of the National Code Authority in the days of the F.D. Roosevelt Administration's New Deal and the National Recovery Administration.

On June 4, 1928, under the laws of the state of Illinois PDCA was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation. In 1928, the name was again changed, this time to the "Master Painters and Decorators, Incorporated." On March 8, 1937, at the annual convention in San Antonio, Texas, the name was changed from the "Master Painters and Decorators, Incorporated" and became known as the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America This change was in response to a group of members who felt that the term "Master Painter" implied an organization of craftsmen rather than businessmen and did not accurately describe the type and scope of the work they performed. It was also at this time that the Bylaws were changed to designate state associations as Councils of the National, and the city groups were to be known as Chapters of the Councils, or Independent Chapters where no Council existed in a state.

Throughout the long history of the organization, PDCA has never lost sight of its purpose and goals to:

1) Enhance the advancement of the coating application industry

2) Provide a conduit for communication between those involved in the coating application industry

3) Provide services to members that cannot be obtained in small groups or individually

4) Be the voice of the coating application industry

5) Promulgate an attitude of ethical responsibility in business

The principal offices were formerly located in New York City and then moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in June 1954, the headquarters were transferred to Chicago, Illinois. In 1975 the PDCA moved the headquarters to Falls Church, VA, and in 1989, to Fairfax, VA. In 2003 PDCA headquarters moved to St Louis, MO.

Mission Statement
PDCA exists to lead the industry by providing quality products, programs, services, and opportunities essential to the success of our members