Examples

• Level 1 read instructions for use and storage on the labels of paints and thinners.
• Level 1 read letters and comment cards written by customers to determine the reasons for high or low satisfaction levels.
• Level 2 read memos to learn about work schedules, performance goals and changes to operating procedures.
• Level 2 read about new auto body products and equipment in brochures and pamphlets.
• Level 2 read notes on work orders. For example, they may read notes from shop supervisors requesting the application of special pin striping designs.
• Level 2 read short articles in trade magazines and newsletters to stay informed about new products. For example, they may read about how new paint booth technology is expected to save time and money.
• Level 2 read about the safe handling and use of fillers, thinners, cleaners and paints in material safety data sheets and product information sheets.
• Level 3 read instructions for assembly, use, cleaning and repair in equipment manuals. For example, they may read instructions about the assembly and safe use of air respirators.

Examples

• Level 1 scan product labels to locate specifications such as mixing ratios, drying times and expiration dates.
• Level 1 check order forms to identify vehicles which they have to paint, and the promised delivery date for each.
• Level 1 record preparation and paint job times on time sheets and work orders.
• Level 1 may make lists of supplies to be ordered such as tapes, paints and sand papers.
• Level 2 may refer to viscosity tables to determine the thickness of primers and paints using drip-rates.
• Level 2 read tables to determine the drying times and temperatures for primers, paints and clear coats.
• Level 2 refer to codebooks, colour code labels and microfiche to produce the desired paint formula.
• Level 2 complete forms to record vehicle makes, paint codes, dates, the equipment used and any unusual problems encountered.
• Level 2 use colour chips to locate paint codes for non-standard vehicle colours. They locate paint codes by visually comparing different colour chips to a vehicle's paint colour until a direct match is found.
• Level 2 use colour wheels and colour charts to determine the various tints required to produce a desired colour.

Examples

• Level 1 write short statements on product defect forms to describe defective materials. For example, they may note that a particular batch of paint does not adhere properly to primed surfaces.
• Level 2 write short notes on work orders to explain work that was carried out, note any irregularities or deviations from the estimates and point out additional repairs needed. For example, they may note that a job took longer because additional structural damage was uncovered during a repair.
• Level 2 may write work estimates. They use short, concise statements to detail the condition of a vehicle and to outline the proposed work.
• Level 2 may outline the events leading to workplace accidents and incidents, and actions taken afterwards on reporting forms.

Examples

• Level 1 may pay cash on delivery to suppliers for parts, materials, and supplies ordered.
• Level 1 may tally hours on work orders to determine the total amount of billable time.
• Level 1 may measure the viscosity of primers and paints by timing drip-rates using Zahn cups.
• Level 1 may compare the actual times taken to complete repairs and painting tasks to flat rates in order to gauge their own productivity and determine which charges will have to be explained to customers.
• Level 2 may check quantities, prices and totals on supplier invoices and approve them for payment.
• Level 2 may create schedules to plan and control the amount of time spent on vehicles.
• Level 2 use ratio sticks and electronic scales to measure quantities of tints and base colours needed to produce different amounts of coloured paint.
• Level 2 estimate how long it will take to complete repairs and painting tasks. They consider the size of the areas to be repaired or painted, painting and drying techniques employed, materials used and special requirements such as pinstriping.

Examples

• Level 1 order parts, materials and supplies such as masking tape, paints and thinners by telephone.
• Level 1 speak with shop supervisors about their schedules, activities and tasks. For example, they may be asked when vehicles will be finished or what supplies are needed.
• Level 2 talk with other painters about a wide range of topics including paint preparation methods, application techniques, problems and job task scheduling.
• Level 2 discuss production problems and workflow processes at staff meetings.
• Level 2 may explain procedures to apprentices and show them how to correct errors. For example, automotive painters may give apprentices directions for sanding a featheredge or provide explanations while demonstrating the skill.
• Level 2 may speak with customers about the scope and expected cost of repairs. They describe how repairs are to be done, indicate the type of paints to be used and answer any questions that customers may have.
• Level 3 may talk with customers who are angry about the quality of work performed on their cars. Automotive painters listen to customers' concerns, explain why the work turned out the way it did and attempt to negotiate fair settlements.
• Level 3 may talk with co-workers and supervisors to resolve conflicts. For example, they may speak with shop supervisors about missed timelines and negotiate solutions to prevent reoccurring problems.
• Level 3 may speak with helpers and co-workers experiencing work related problems such as workmanship and the timely completion of tasks. They describe how the problems impact operations and suggest ways to improve performance.

Examples

• Level 1 realize that too many vehicles have been scheduled for work. They speak with their shop supervisors to determine which vehicles have priority.
• Level 2 determine that vehicles will not be ready for delivery as promised. They inform their shop supervisors and tell customers to expect delays. They change work schedules to minimize delays and work overtime to finish priority jobs.
• Level 2 discover that insurance claims allow for too few hours to complete the work. They review and itemize the work required and submit detailed quotes to shop supervisors for follow-up.
• Level 2 mix the wrong paint colours. They discard the paints or attempt to correct the colours by adding tints that neutralize the incorrect shades.
• Level 2 cannot properly apply paints or primers because chemicals such as washes, solvents and adhesives were used improperly. Painters determine the best way to remove or neutralize the chemicals by referring to product information sheets or by discussing the problem with other painters.
• Level 2 lose time when paint guns become clogged. They use other paint guns to complete jobs and then either clean the defective guns, have the guns repaired or buy new equipment if the problem is recurring.
• Level 3 experience production problems when important pieces of equipment such as ventilation systems and paint booths break down. They inform their shop supervisor about the breakdowns and complete other work until the equipment is repaired. If the equipment can not be repaired immediately, they may negotiate temporary access to equipment used by co-workers or by painters in other shops.
• Level 3 may have to face angry and upset customers. Once they have determined the reasons for the dissatisfaction, painters attempt to negotiate settlements with customers that may involve removing blemishes, repainting entire vehicles or providing cash discounts.

Examples

• Level 1 decide what grits of sandpaper to use. They consider the state of the surfaces and whether they will be dry or wet sanded.
• Level 2 decide how much primer is needed to fill depressions. They consider the properties of the primers and the porosity of the surfaces being filled.
• Level 2 decide how to cure fresh paints and primers. They consider the size of the surface areas to be dried and the benefits of using ultraviolet, infrared or air-drying techniques.
• Level 2 make decisions about what paints to use to create desired finishes. They choose paint products according to the types of surfaces being painted, budgets and the results desired by customers.
• Level 2 decide which personal protective equipment to use when painting. They consider the size of the areas to be painted and the types of paint being used when choosing between facemasks and air respirators.
• Level 3 notice that paint finishes have defects such as fish-eyes and embedded dirt. They determine probable sources of contamination, assess the severity of defects and decide how to effect repairs. For example, they may power buff imperfections caused by small contaminates such as dust or dirt to correct the defect and then replace air filters, repair damaged seals, clean spray equipment or use stronger cleaning solvents to prevent future occurrences.

Examples

• Level 1 assess the need for additional coats of primer after inspecting the results of previous applications.
• Level 2 judge the adequacy of vehicle preparation to determine if cars are ready for painting. They analyze the quality of sanding, how well primers have been applied and surface cleanliness to assess whether painting should proceed as planned.
• Level 2 evaluate whether paint jobs should pass final inspection by considering the severity and frequency of defects such as blemishes, lines, paint runs and colour mismatches.
• Level 2 may assess the skill levels of helpers and apprentices by observation.

Examples

• remember which work processes produce the best results to speed up delivery times.
• remember commonly-used flat rate times.
• remember commonly used paint codes.
• remember drying temperatures for various paints.
• remember where paint codes are affixed to vehicles.

Examples

• Level 2 locate information about the products they use by reading product information sheets, container labels and material safety data sheets and by talking with other painters.
• Level 2 locate information about alternative paint techniques by talking with other automotive painters, reading trade magazines and through vendor websites.

Examples

• Level 2 use databases. For example, they operate computer programs that integrate database functions with electronic measuring devices. Using touch-screen technology, automotive painters enter data to retrieve paint formulas and then follow instructions to select and mix the correct quantity of ingredients to create the desired amount and colour of paint.
• Level 2 use the Internet. For example, they use the Internet to access websites operated by paint and equipment suppliers. The automotive painter navigates through websites to locate the desired information.
• Level 2 use other computer and software applications. For example, automotive painters use electronic, hand-held wands to scan vehicle paint colours and determine paint colours and codes.

Physical Aspects

Automotive painters spend much of their time on their feet but move through a variety of positions to complete their duties, including bending, standing, crouching and kneeling. Good eye-hand and upper limb coordination is required to manipulate spray guns in a manner that results in a smooth finish. Automotive painters generally are required to lift medium weight loads ranging from five to ten kilograms. They occasionally have to lift heavier items such as car doors but not without assistance from co-workers. As automotive painters need to recognize incremental changes in tone and tints, colour vision is essential.

Attitudes

Automotive painters need to be patient, thorough and possess a positive attitude. They should be capable of working well with others.

Future Trends Affecting Essential Skills

With the introduction of new materials such as high strength plastics and composites, automotive painters will have to learn new skills and master new painting techniques. If this trend continues, they will need strong reading and continuous learning skills to stay abreast. The growing importance of the Internet as a source of technical information means that many automotive painters will require computer skills.