Prepper

ob Description: Scenic Prepper / Paint Prep Technician

Company: Scruffy Dog Productions Limited
Location: Birmingham, UK
Contract Type: Temporary
Contract Duration: Immediate start through to 30 November 2026
Start Date: Immediate – candidates must be available to start at short notice

About the Role

Scruffy Dog Productions Limited is seeking a skilled, hands-on Scenic Prepper / Paint Prep Technician to join its creative production team in Birmingham. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the creation of visually striking, high-quality scenic elements, themed environments, bespoke props and immersive production pieces.

Working within a fast-paced fabrication and finishing environment, you will play a vital role in transforming raw, fabricated and modelled surfaces into smooth, durable, paint-ready components. Your attention to detail, understanding of surface preparation techniques and ability to deliver consistent finishes will directly contribute to the overall quality and visual impact of the finished products.

We are looking for practical, motivated individuals who take pride in their workmanship, understand the importance of preparation in achieving an exceptional finish and can work efficiently to meet demanding production deadlines.

This is a temporary opportunity requiring an immediate starter, with the assignment expected to run until the end of November 2026.

Key ResponsibilitiesSurface Preparation & Finishing

• Carry out sanding, abrading and surface preparation on a variety of fabricated components, props, scenic structures and production pieces.
• Apply body filler and surface fillers to repair imperfections, fill joints, smooth transitions and achieve an even surface.
• Sand filled areas to the required profile, ensuring surfaces are smooth, consistent and free from visible defects.
• Identify and rectify surface imperfections, including pinholes, scratches, uneven areas, seams and minor fabrication marks.
• Prepare a variety of substrates and materials for subsequent priming and painting, following the appropriate process for each component.

Priming & Spray Application

• Apply filler primer and suitable primer coatings to prepared surfaces using spray guns and other appropriate application methods.
• Set up, operate and maintain spray guns and associated equipment in line with workshop procedures.
• Apply spray coatings evenly and consistently, achieving the required coverage, build and surface quality.
• Carry out sanding between primer coats where required to achieve a smooth, uniform finish.
• Identify surface defects following priming and complete any necessary remedial preparation before components proceed to the painting stage.
• Support spray painting and topcoat application activities where required, following the specified finish, colour and coating requirements.

Scenic Production & Creative Fabrication Support

• Prepare bespoke props, scenic features, fabricated components and decorative elements for finishing.
• Work collaboratively with scenic fabricators, model makers, painters and finishing technicians to maintain a smooth production workflow.
• Follow drawings, work instructions, samples and finish specifications to ensure components meet the required visual standards.
• Handle finished and partially finished components carefully to prevent damage, contamination or rework.
• Maintain consistency across multiple components and repeat production pieces, particularly where colour, texture and finish uniformity are essential.

Quality, Safety & Workshop Standards

• Inspect prepared and primed surfaces to ensure they meet the required quality standards before progressing to the next production stage.
• Maintain a clean, organised and efficient working area, including the appropriate care and cleaning of tools and spray equipment.
• Follow COSHH requirements, risk assessments, safety procedures and correct personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Work safely with fillers, primers, paints, solvents and other workshop materials, following product instructions and ventilation requirements.
• Manage workloads effectively, meet production deadlines and communicate any technical issues or material defects promptly.
• Minimise waste, avoid unnecessary rework and take ownership of the quality of your output.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Previous hands-on experience in a prepper, paint preparation, automotive bodyshop, spray finishing, scenic workshop or fabrication environment.
• Proven practical skills in sanding, filling, surface levelling and preparing components for paint.
• Experience applying body filler and filler primer to achieve a smooth, even surface.
• Practical experience using spray guns for priming and/or painting.
• Good understanding of surface preparation, coating adhesion, primer application and the importance of preparation in achieving a professional finish.
• A keen eye for detail and the ability to recognise and correct surface imperfections.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider production team.
• A reliable, proactive attitude and the ability to work to tight deadlines without compromising quality.
• Availability to start immediately and commit to the temporary assignment through to the end of November 2026.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within scenic fabrication, themed entertainment, immersive attractions, exhibition builds, theatre, film and television sets, events or bespoke prop production.
• Experience preparing fibreglass, GRP, MDF, timber, plastics, metal or other fabricated substrates for finishing, where relevant to the project.
• Familiarity with two-pack coatings, specialist primers or industrial spray-finishing systems, where applicable.
• Experience working from finish samples, technical specifications or quality-control requirements in a production workshop.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a practical, quality-focused professional who understands that an outstanding painted finish starts long before the first topcoat is applied. You will be comfortable working with your hands, confident using fillers and spray equipment, and meticulous in preparing surfaces to the standard required for high-quality creative production.

You will bring a strong work ethic, a safety-conscious approach and the flexibility to support changing production priorities. Most importantly, you will take pride in producing clean, consistent, paint-ready surfaces that help bring ambitious creative concepts to life.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to contribute to specialist creative fabrication and scenic production projects.
• A hands-on role within a production-focused workshop environment.
• The chance to apply and develop practical finishing skills across bespoke fabricated components.
• An immediate-start temporary assignment based in Birmingham, UK, running until 30 November 2026.

Work Location: In person