Paint Sprayer

What does a Painter and Coater do?

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A painter and coater worker paints and coats a wide range of products, like ceramics, wood, jewelry, factories, cars, and other products. They frequently use spray guns for the application of paints and coating especially for large areas. Another common technique for a painter and coater is dipping a product in a large vat of paint or other coatings. They mostly work on a full-time basis and stand for long periods of time in specially ventilated areas.

Watch a video to learn what a painter and coater does:

How to Become a Painting and Coating Worker

Painting and coating workers are typically hired after receiving a high school diploma or the equivalent in the manufacturing sector. Outside of the manufacturing sector one may not require a diploma. It is advisable to take courses in high school in automotive painting.

Most entry-level painter and coater workers receive on-the-job training that is usually only a few days or sometimes a few months. Automotive painters may go to technical or vocational schools to learn the intricacies of mixing and applying different types of paints. This training is mostly hands-on. One that works with computer-controlled equipment may need to get training in computer programming.

On-the-job training is usually sufficient for manufacturing transportation equipment painters. Although certification is not required, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is recognized as the standard achievement for automotive painters and can be advantageous to show one’s competency.

Job Description of a Painter and Coater Worker

The duties of a painting and coating worker may vary depending on the type of job they have. For example, there are transportation equipment painters, dippers, painting, coating, and decorating workers, spraying machine operators and coating, and painting and spraying machine tinders, setters, and operators. However, a painting and coating worker typically set up and operate machines used in their job that paints or coats a product. They make the appropriate selection of the paint or coating required for the job and clean and prepare the product to apply the coating or paint. He or she uses a variety of techniques to paint or coat the product, like dipping or spraying.

Painting and Coating Worker Career Video Transcript

From candy-apple hot rods to glossy paper and weatherproof furniture, painting and coating workers use machines to paint and coat a wide range of items to enhance their beauty and protect surfaces. These workers prepare a surface by sanding or cleaning it then cover portions of the product to direct the paint, varnish, rustproofing, or other coatings.

Painting and coating workers use different techniques dipping items in vats of paint, spraying products with coatings, or using automated painting systems. Some create mirrors by spraying metallic solutions onto glass. Proper coating and an even finish are always the goal, so workers carefully monitor their progress, making adjustments when needed. At the end of any project, cleaning equipment and work areas is essential.

Transportation equipment painters specialize; most work in car repair and paint shops. They mix paints to match colors and may paint intricate, detailed custom jobs. Some paint huge ships and construction equipment and touch up damaged paint surfaces. Most painting and coating workers are employed full-time and may work overtime when business is brisk. They often stand for long periods and even working in ventilated areas may wear masks or respirators that cover their nose and mouth. Skills are generally learned on the job after earning a high school education.

Article Citations

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Painting and Coating Workers.

National Center for O*NET Development. 51-9123.00. O*NET OnLine.

The career video is in the public domain from the U. S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

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