Scope

Automotive painters work on the surfaces of motor vehicles, primarily in restoring vehicles to their original condition following damage and subsequent auto body repair. Generally, automotive painting begins when body work has been completed. Some of the duties that an automotive painter completes include: removing exterior trim and hardware; removing layers of sub-coating; matching colours and mixing paints; preparing metal surfaces for painting by spot filling, sanding, and masking; applying primers, primer surfacers, enamels, clearcoats and urethanes; cleaning and polishing painted surfaces including removing and replacing decals; and applying anti-corrosive treatments.

Automotive painters use hand and power tools in their work. Commonly used tools are sanders and spray guns. Computers and related software may be used in some workplaces for computerized paint colour reading, generating paint formulas and tinting. In some workplaces, decals and graphics are produced by computerized equipment.

Journeypeople in this trade usually work indoors and can expect a work environment that includes paint fumes, dust and noise. Health and safety are important issues for automotive painters, as they are exposed to chemical (e.g. paints, compounds, solvents) and physical (e.g. spray guns, sanders) hazards. Ongoing safety training and a good knowledge of government safety standards and regulations are important in providing a safer working environment.

Many automotive painters work in close contact with motor vehicle body repairers who tend to work in auto body shops or dealerships. Automotive painting duties may overlap with motor vehicle body repairers’ duties, particularly in small shops. In larger places of employment, automotive painters likely work as specialists, after body repairs have been completed. While they may work as part of the repair team, automotive painters tend to work independently.

Key attributes for people entering this trade include: mechanical aptitude; manual dexterity; good colour vision; the ability to do precise work that requires attention to detail; and an eye for creativity. Good physical condition and agility are important because the work often requires considerable standing, bending, crouching, kneeling and reaching.

Being an automotive painter is very self-rewarding. With experience, journeypersons have a number of career options, including supervisory or teaching/training in the field.

Observations

The use of environmentally friendly materials is becoming more common in the trade. Regulations controlling their use and disposal are becoming more strict.

New painting equipment such as High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) sprayers and higher calibre sprayers that apply paints more efficiently has decreased paint waste. The composition of paints has been one of the bigger changes that the industry has seen recently. The introduction of high-solid contents and water-borne paints has decreased the level of solvent fumes, as well as the use and disposal of solvents. Solvent recycling has in many cases dramatically decreased solvent waste and costs associated with this industry.

Other new technologies involve the use of Ultraviolet (UV) curing technology, direct-to-metal primer surfacers and cycle-time reduction clears.

Computer software is playing a major role in colour formula retrieval and assists in colour matching. While these high technology tools are helpful, they are only supplemental to the trained eye of an experienced professional automotive painter who is attuned to fine detail.

Because of the high capital expenditure required to set up a stand-alone paint shop, automotive painters tend not to be self-employed.

Safety

Safe working procedures and conditions, accident prevention and the preservation of health are of primary importance to industry in Canada. These responsibilities are shared and require the joint efforts of government, employers and employees. It is imperative that all parties are aware of circumstances and conditions that may lead to injury or harm. Safe learning experiences and environments can be created by controlling the variables and behaviours that may contribute to accidents or injury.

It is generally recognized that a safety-conscious attitude and work practices contribute to a healthy, safe and accident-free working environment.

It is imperative to apply and be familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Acts and Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) Regulations. As well, it is essential to determine workplace hazards and take measures to protect oneself, co-workers, the public and the environment.

As safety education is an integral part of training in all jurisdictions, personal safety practices are not recorded in this document. However, the technical safety aspect relating to each task and sub-task are included throughout this analysis.

Job Titles

Auto Body Technician – Auto Body Refinisher
Automotive Painting and Refinishing Technician
Motor Vehicle Body Refinisher
Motor Vehicle Body Refinisher Sub-Trade
Motor Vehicle Body Repair – Refinishing
Motor Vehicle Body Repair Painter
Motor Vehicle Body Repairer – Refinishing