Spray-Painter

Job overview
Spray-painters spray paint onto the bodywork of motor vehicles or onto other metal objects with a spray-gun in order to change the colour or to repaint scratched and damaged paint work.

They also prepare the surfaces which are to be sprayed and mix the paint to the exact shade required.

What do people do in this job?
First, the surface to be painted has to be properly prepared and be free of dirt and grease.

Then any paint already on the section to be sprayed is carefully removed by means of sandpaper, or the application of a special type of paint-removing liquid.

The rest of the bodywork is covered with paper in order to protect it from being discoloured by the fresh paint.

Next a preliminary coat of red or grey primer is applied and allowed to dry.

The whole surface is then covered with a thin layer of primer filler applied by means of a spray-gun, in order to fill up small dents and scratches.

When dry, four or five coats of paint are sprayed onto the bodywork.

Great care must be taken to ensure that the colour of the paint matches the rest of the paint work on the vehicle and to ensure an even application which can only be obtained if even pressure is maintained, if the gun is held at the correct distance and if the paint is not applied too thickly or too thinly.

The paint is allowed to dry thoroughly in the sunlight or by means of artificial heat and is then treated with sandpaper and a special polish to produce a shiny surface and to ensure a smooth, even effect. Nowadays, baked enamel paint is highly recommended.

Spray-painters usually work in garages or in motor workshops.

Spray painters' clothes are protected by overalls supplied by their employers.

Suction fans are used to purify the air.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Spray-painters must have good eyesight and colour sense and be able to distinguish easily between various shades of the same colour.

The ability to work with great accuracy is essential, especially when mixing the paint, where carelessness can result in paint being wasted.

In addition, good eye-hand coordination, and neatness in order to produce a pleasing result, are valuable assets.

What qualifications are needed?
A successfully completed apprenticeship, normally started at not less than 16 years of age.