Painting

Car painters (refinishes) are responsible for reinstating the pre-accident paint finish to cars after the structure and/or the panels have been repaired or replaced. They may also be asked to completely repaint a whole vehicle either to change its color or reinstate its newness. Car painters may also become involved in matching colors to an original color no longer available or to colors that prove difficult to match. A car painter must match the color, shade and texture of the adjoining panels that are not being painted.

Car painters can work in various work environments from an auto body repair shop to an aircraft hangar, dependent upon what vehicle or transport system they are painting. They work to apply paints inside an enclosed spray booth/oven in order to protect the environment from harmful products.

Car painters prepare panels or vehicles to receive paint. They may carry out minor panel repairs and apply undercoats, color coats and clear sealant coats which provide the high gloss levels required. They may be required to identify a color code using various methods, mix the correct amount of color to pre-determined formula and spray test cards to test the suitability of this color match to the original color and shade.

Car painters (refinishes) may be required to refinish a wide range of items such as passenger cars, racing cars, vintage and classic vehicles, commercial goods vehicles, trains, aeroplanes, static structures or furniture. They may be required to refinish a wide variety of materials such as metals, plastics, composite materials or wood.