How can you do the format painter function from excel in numbers?

There is no "Format Painter" function in Numbers.

In Numbers '09 (the OS X version), you can Copy the format of a cell (option-command-C, or Format > Copy Style), then Paste that format to (an)other cell(s) (option-command-V, or Format > Paste Style). Copying and Pasting a cell includes both the content and Style of the cell. Filling a cell into other ajdacent cells also fille both content and Style.

Similar features may be supported in Numbers for iOS, but the manner of accessing them is likely a bit different.

I've requested this discussion be transfered to the iWork for iOS community, where you'll likely get a more complete answer.

Regards,

Barry