Industrial Painter/Applicator

Job Summary: The Industrial painter/applicator professional is essential to the successful production of durable, aesthetically pleasing, and high-performance truck bodies. The Industrial Painter will be responsible for applying paint, coatings, and finishes to custom truck bodies while adhering to strict quality control standards. The role demands technical expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment. The Industrial painter/applicator must also demonstrate strong commitment to safety and quality assurance throughout the manufacturing process.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Surface Preparation

A) Cleaning & Surface Treatment:

• Thoroughly clean truck body surfaces to remove contaminants such as dirt, grease, oils, rust, and dust to ensure proper paint

adhesion.

• Utilize abrasive methods, such as sanding or grinding, to prepare surfaces and remove imperfections that might affect the final

finish.

• Apply pre-treatment solutions such as phosphates or other bonding agents to ensure optimal adhesion and corrosion

resistance.

B) Masking:

• Apply masking tape and protective coverings to components (windows, doors, grilles, etc.) that should not be painted, ensuring

precision and no paint overspray.

• Prepare areas for special coating treatments (e.g., anti-corrosion or underbody coatings) with appropriate masking and

preparation.

C) Inspection & Quality Checks:

• Conduct detailed inspections of truck bodies before painting, ensuring surfaces are prepared to specifications and free of

defects that could affect finish quality.

• Report any issues such as dents, scratches, or imperfections to the relevant department for repairs before painting.

2. Paint Application

A) Spray Painting:

• Operate spray guns, airless sprayers, and other painting equipment to apply primers, base coats, and topcoats in a consistent,

even manner across the entire surface of the truck body.

• Select and mix paints, primers, and other finishing products based on job specifications, ensuring the correct colors and

textures for the desired finish.

• Apply coatings according to customer requirements, industry standards, and best practices, including special finishes for

specific environments (e.g., anti-corrosion, high-gloss, matte finishes).

B) Layering & Curing:

• Ensure that the paint is applied in the correct number of layers and thickness for durability and to prevent peeling, chipping, or

fading.

• Oversee the curing process of each coat of paint, ensuring proper drying times and curing temperatures to guarantee the

strength and longevity of the finish.

C) Special Coatings Application:

• Apply specialty coatings, including corrosion-resistant, heat-resistant, or protective finishes that are critical to the truck’s long-

term functionality and appearance.

• Follow manufacturer instructions for each type of coating to ensure consistency and quality of application.

3. Quality Assurance & Inspection

A) Paint and Finish Inspection:

• Perform regular inspections throughout the painting process, including pre-paint, during-paint, and post-paint stages, ensuring

that all surfaces meet quality standards for adhesion, consistency, and finish.

• Check for any imperfections such as runs, sags, dust, orange peel, or bubbles and correct them immediately to maintain the

highest quality of work.

B) Defect Detection:

• Identify and troubleshoot any defects in the finish, such as improper curing, color mismatches, uneven texture, or

contamination, and address them before moving forward with production.

• Conduct post-paint testing such as adhesion tests, scratch resistance tests, and environmental exposure simulations to ensure

the coating meets performance specifications.

C) Documentation & Reporting:

• Maintain detailed records of paint types, quantities, mixing ratios, and application methods for traceability and compliance

with industry standards.

• Document and report any deviations from quality standards or production issues to the Paint foreman/leads, providing

suggestions for corrective actions.

4. Equipment and Tool Maintenance

A) Tool Maintenance:

• Regularly clean and maintain all painting equipment, including spray guns, mixing tools, paint booths, and ventilation systems,

ensuring they are in optimal working condition.

• Troubleshoot and resolve minor issues with equipment, such as clogging, wear and tear, or uneven spraying.

B) Inventory Management:

• Track and manage paint supplies, including the ordering of new paint and coating materials when stock levels are low.
• Ensure the proper storage of paints, solvents, and chemicals in accordance with safety guidelines.

5. Health, Safety, and Compliance

A) Safety Protocols:

• Follow all safety protocols to minimize exposure to hazardous materials, including wearing personal protective equipment

(PPE) such as respirators, gloves, goggles, and protective clothing.

• Maintain a clean and organized workspace, ensuring all chemicals, paint supplies, and tools are stored correctly and disposed

of according to environmental regulations.

B) Workplace Safety:

• Adhere to OSHA and company-specific safety regulations related to the handling and application of industrial coatings.
• Participate in safety meetings, training, and updates to ensure full compliance with workplace safety standards and promote a safe working environment.

6. Collaboration and Communication

A) Teamwork:

• Work collaboratively with other team members, including fabricators to ensure timely and efficient production.
• Communicate effectively with paint foreman and leads and other departments to address any issues or delays related to the painting process.

B) Feedback & Improvement:

• Provide feedback on process improvements, equipment upgrades, and new techniques or materials that can improve

efficiency, quality, or safety in the painting process.

• Assist in the training of new employees, sharing knowledge of painting techniques, safety practices, and quality assurance

protocols.

Required Qualifications:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Additional technical training or certification in industrial painting or coating processes preferred.

Minimum of 2 years of experience in industrial painting or application, preferably in automotive, truck body manufacturing, or similar industries.

Proven experience with a variety of painting techniques, including spray painting, masking, and specialty coatings.

Familiarity with different paint systems, including epoxies, polyurethanes, enamels, and corrosion-resistant coatings.

Skills:

Proficient in the use of spray guns, airless paint sprayers, and other painting equipment.

Strong knowledge of paint preparation, mixing, and application methods.

Excellent attention to detail, with a commitment to achieving a high-quality finish.

Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills related to paint application and quality control.

Knowledge of safety standards and practices in an industrial setting.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to stand, bend, or crouch for long periods.

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.

Ability to work in an environment with varying temperatures, humidity, and exposure to fumes.

Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators, gloves, goggles, and coveralls.