Qualified Spray Painter

The role of the Qualified Spray Painter is to restore vehicle bodywork to a high-quality finish by preparing surfaces, mixing and matching paint colours, applying primers and paint coatings, and completing finishing and rectification work in accordance with manufacturer specifications, repair standards, production deadlines and occupational health and safety requirements.

1. KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.1 Surface Preparation

• Inspect vehicle panels and bodywork to determine the preparation required before painting.
• Clean, degrease, sand and smooth metal and plastic surfaces to ensure proper paint adhesion.
• Remove old paint, rust, scratches, surface imperfections and other contaminants where necessary.
• Apply appropriate fillers and surface preparation products to achieve a smooth and even surface.
• Prepare repaired panels in accordance with job specifications, paint manufacturer guidelines and workshop quality standards.
• Ensure that surfaces are clean, dry and free from dust, grease and other contaminants before priming and painting.

1.2 Masking and Vehicle Protection

• Mask and protect vehicle areas that are not scheduled for painting, including glass, rubber seals, trim, tyres, lights and adjacent panels.
• Use appropriate masking paper, plastic sheeting, tape and other protective materials.
• Ensure that masking is applied accurately to prevent overspray, paint contamination and damage to vehicle components.
• Remove masking materials carefully after painting and inspect surrounding areas for paint defects or contamination.
• Maintain the cleanliness and condition of vehicles throughout the painting process.

1.3 Priming, Sealing and Undercoating

• Apply the appropriate primers, primer-fillers, surfacers and sealers to prepared vehicle surfaces.
• Select products according to the substrate, repair requirements and paint system specifications.
• Ensure that primer coats are applied evenly and provide the required adhesion, coverage and surface preparation for subsequent paint layers.
• Observe prescribed flash-off times, drying periods and sanding requirements between applications.
• Identify and rectify surface imperfections before proceeding to the next stage of the painting process.

1.4 Paint Mixing and Colour Matching

• Identify the correct vehicle paint code and determine the appropriate colour formula.
• Use computerized paint-matching systems, mixing scales and manufacturer formula guides to prepare accurate paint colours.
• Mix solvent-based or water-based paints, primers, hardeners, thinners and clear coats in accordance with product specifications.
• Perform colour checks and test sprays where necessary to ensure an accurate match with the original vehicle finish.
• Apply appropriate blending techniques to achieve a consistent colour transition between repaired and adjacent panels.
• Minimise paint wastage by accurately calculating and preparing the quantities required for each job.

1.5 Paint Application

• Apply primers, base coats, colour coats and clear coats using HVLP spray guns or other approved spray equipment.
• Operate spray guns correctly to achieve even coverage, appropriate film thickness and a consistent finish.
• Apply paint within an approved spray booth or designated spray area, in accordance with applicable safety and environmental requirements.
• Follow paint manufacturer specifications regarding mixing ratios, application techniques, flash-off times, coating thickness and drying intervals.
• Ensure that the final finish matches the required colour, gloss level, texture and overall quality standards.
• Prevent defects such as runs, sags, orange peel, dry spray, overspray, dust inclusions and uneven coverage.
• Plan and complete painting activities in line with workshop production schedules and vehicle delivery commitments.

1.6 Curing, Polishing and Finishing

• Ensure that painted surfaces are dried or cured in accordance with the paint system requirements.
• Inspect cured surfaces for imperfections, colour consistency, gloss and overall finish quality.
• Sand, denib, buff, polish and refine surfaces where necessary to achieve the required finish.
• Remove minor paint defects using approved rectification methods without compromising the integrity of the coating.
• Ensure that completed panels blend appropriately with surrounding vehicle panels.
• Clean the vehicle and remove masking materials, residue and other contaminants before presenting the job for final inspection.

1.7 Quality Control and Defect Rectification

• Inspect completed work against company quality standards, job specifications and applicable manufacturer requirements.
• Identify and rectify paint defects, including runs, orange peel, dust nibs, uneven coverage, colour mismatch and insufficient gloss.
• Report significant surface, preparation or repair defects to the relevant panel beater, estimator or production manager.
• Rework defective areas where required and ensure that corrective work meets the required quality standards.
• Maintain consistent quality across all completed jobs to minimise rework, material wastage and customer complaints.
• Participate in quality inspections and address feedback from management or quality control personnel.

1.8 Equipment Maintenance and Workshop Housekeeping

• Clean and maintain spray guns, paint-mixing equipment, air hoses, compressors and associated tools after use.
• Check equipment for damage, blockages, leaks or other faults that may affect the quality of the finish.
• Ensure that spray booths and designated painting areas are kept clean and suitable for painting operations.
• Report equipment malfunctions, maintenance requirements and unsafe working conditions promptly.
• Store paints, thinners, hardeners and other chemicals correctly in designated areas.
• Dispose of paint waste, contaminated materials and chemical containers in accordance with applicable procedures.
• Maintain an orderly and professional work area to prevent contamination, accidents and unnecessary material wastage.

1.9 Job Cards, Material Control and Production Administration

• Review job cards, repair instructions and relevant vehicle information before commencing work.
• Record completed tasks, materials used, additional work required and any deviations from the original job specifications.
• Estimate or calculate paint and consumable requirements and labour inputs where required.
• Monitor the use of paint, thinners, primers, abrasives, masking materials and other consumables to minimise wastage.
• Report additional repair requirements, material shortages or delays to the production manager.
• Ensure that work is completed within allocated labour times and agreed production schedules, subject to the condition of the vehicle and the scope of repairs.
• Maintain accurate records of work completed to support job costing, quality control and production reporting.

1.10 Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance

• Comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable regulations, company safety procedures and paint manufacturer safety data sheets.
• Wear the prescribed personal protective equipment (PPE), including appropriate respiratory protection, gloves, protective clothing and eye protection.
• Follow safe handling, mixing, application and storage procedures for paints, solvents, hardeners and other hazardous chemicals.
• Adhere to spray booth operating requirements, ventilation standards and applicable respiratory protection procedures.
• Follow fire prevention measures and ensure that flammable substances are handled and stored safely.
• Report accidents, incidents, chemical spills, equipment defects and unsafe working conditions immediately.
• Maintain good housekeeping and comply with applicable waste management and environmental protection requirements.
• Participate in relevant safety training and comply with workplace risk assessments and safe operating procedures.

2. CORE COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following competencies:

• Demonstrates sound practical knowledge of automotive surface preparation, paint mixing, colour matching, coating application and finishing.
• Identifies minor surface imperfections, colour variations and paint defects before vehicles are released.
• Produces consistent, professional paint finishes that meet company and manufacturer standards.
• Distinguishes colour variations and applies appropriate mixing and blending techniques.
• Organises painting activities effectively to meet production schedules and delivery deadlines.
• Identifies the causes of paint defects and determines appropriate corrective action.
• Completes work within reasonable labour times while maintaining the required quality standards.
• Uses paint, chemicals, consumables and equipment efficiently to minimise wastage and unnecessary costs.
• Consistently follows occupational health, safety, chemical handling and environmental requirements.
• Takes ownership of assigned jobs, workmanship, equipment and the timely reporting of problems.
• Works effectively with panel beaters, preparation technicians, polishers, estimators, quality controllers and management.
• Keeps up to date with paint systems, application techniques, equipment and evolving automotive repair requirements.

3. REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Practical knowledge of automotive spray-painting processes and refinishing techniques.
• Proficiency in cleaning, degreasing, sanding, filling, masking and preparing vehicle surfaces.
• Ability to select and apply appropriate primers, surfacers, sealers, base coats and clear coats.
• Knowledge of paint codes, colour formulas, tinting, computerized colour-matching systems and blending techniques.
• Competence in operating HVLP spray guns, air compressors, spray booths and paint-mixing equipment.
• Understanding of paint mixing ratios, film thickness, flash-off times, curing requirements and product compatibility.
• Ability to identify and rectify common paint defects and finish imperfections.
• Knowledge of paint product technical data sheets and safety data sheets.
• Understanding of occupational health and safety requirements, PPE, hazardous chemical handling and fire prevention.
• Ability to read and interpret job cards, repair instructions and paint manufacturer specifications.
• Basic numeracy for calculating paint quantities, mixing ratios, material usage and labour requirements.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a production team.
• Ability to maintain accurate job records and report completed work, defects and material requirements.

4. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum requirements:

• NQF Level 1 / Grade 9 or equivalent.
• Relevant occupational certificate or recognised qualification in automotive spray painting.
• Minimum of two years' relevant working experience in automotive spray painting, preferably within a collision repair centre, panel-beating workshop or coachworks.
• Demonstrable practical experience in surface preparation, paint mixing, colour matching, paint application and finishing.
• Working knowledge of safe spray painting practices and hazardous chemical handling.

Advantageous qualifications and experience:

• Relevant trade test or recognised occupational certification in automotive spray painting
• Read Seal certification, as specified by the employer, will be advantageous.
• Experience with computerized paint-mixing and colour-matching systems.
• Experience with water-based and solvent-based automotive paint systems.
• Experience working with recognised automotive paint brands and manufacturer-approved refinishing systems.
• Experience in an insurance-driven collision repair environment.
• Knowledge of job costing, material control, labour allocation and production targets.
• Experience working to formal quality standards and vehicle repair delivery deadlines.

Pay: R5 000,00 - R20 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person