An Industrial Painter is a professional who specializes in painting various industrial structures, equipment, and surfaces. They play a crucial role in maintaining and preserving these assets by applying protective coatings to prevent corrosion and improve aesthetics. In this blog post, we will explore the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Industrial Painters.

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Main Responsibilities of an Industrial Painter

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Industrial Painter:

Adhere to

Adhere to all company rules and regulations.

Apply

• Apply paint and coatings to a variety of materials and surfaces.

• Apply paint to parts using air assisted spray painting tools.

• Apply paint, varnish, or other coatings using brushes, rollers, or spray equipment.

• Apply primer and other coating per paint specifications and blueprints.

• Apply sealants or caulking to fill gaps and joints in surfaces.

Assist

Assist with other tasks related to industrial maintenance or construction projects.

Check

• Check job write up for proper paint spec and colour.

• Check proper thickness of plating using micrometers, callipers or other devices.

Choose

Choose the paint according to the colors and specifications of the product.

Clean

• Clean and maintain equipment.

• Clean and maintain painting equipment after use.

• Clean and maintain the painting equipment.

• Clean and maintain work area to provide a safe and organized work environment.

• Clean and perform preparation of work-site.

• Clean and prepare surfaces for paint.

• Clean equipment and perform routine maintenance when necessary.

• Clean equipment and work area at the end of each job or work day.

• Clean filters and paint booth floor as required or instructed by supervisor.

• Clean lighting fixtures as required or instructed by supervisor.

Collaborate with

Collaborate with other team members to complete projects efficiently.

Communicate

• Communicate with clients or stakeholders to understand their painting needs and expectations.

• Communicate with maintenance the need for any proactive / reactive needs.

Complete

• Complete and / or maintain productions records as required.

• Complete periodic preventive maintenance on equipment as assigned.

• Complete related paperwork.

Coordinate with

• Coordinate with contractors or subcontractors as required.

• Coordinate with maintenance teams for ongoing surface care and touch-ups.

Dispose

• Dispose of all filters, paint, paint dust, stripeze, in proper manner.

• Dispose of all non-conforming parts and material in the appropriately described manner.

Ensure

• Ensure a high quality of paint and coating processes.

• Ensure all health and safety policies are followed.

• Ensure all material for each job is identified and collected from fitter.

• Ensure part being painted is grounded to avoid any shocks.

• Ensure proper maintenance and operation of equipment.

• Ensure quality workmanship.

• Ensure that all safety and environmental regulations are followed during painting projects.

• Ensure that paint colors and finishes match specifications and requirements.

• Ensure work meets process requirements and quality control standards.

Estimate

Estimate material and labor costs for painting projects.

Evaluate

• Evaluate and troubleshoot painting issues or challenges.

• Evaluate condition of equipment to assure in proper working condition prior to use.

Examine

Examine and inspect components for defects prior to paint and coatings.

Follow

• Follow blueprints or specifications for painting projects.

• Follow safety protocols and use protective gear to prevent accidents and exposure to chemicals.

Identify

Identify and recommend improvements in painting processes.

Implement

Implement quality control measures to ensure the highest standards of workmanship.

Inform

Inform purchasing in writing if more paint or consumables are needed prior to running out.

Inspect

• Inspect surfaces for contamination prior to application of paint.

• Inspect surfaces for defects or imperfections that may affect the quality of the paint job.

Keep

Keep track of inventory and order painting supplies as needed.

Learn

Learn through our Industry-best training programs.

Load

• Load and clean paint and coating machines as needed.

• Load onto and unload parts or products from fixtures.

Maintain

• Maintain accurate records and documentation for painting projects.

• Maintain a clean and orderly work area at all times.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area.

• Maintain and clean all painting equipment, grit blasting equipment and finishing area.

• Maintain a safe, clean and legally compliant workplace.

• Maintain assigned work area and equipment in a safe and professional manner.

• Maintain gun and paint equipment as per manual.

• Maintain the shop and yard.

• Maintain tools and equipment at the highest level.

Manage

• Manage proper waste disposal for the paint department.

• Manage work area and meet high levels of housekeeping and cleanliness.

Mask

• Mask off parts of vehicle that need to be protected from paint.

• Mask parts as required per customer specifications.

Mix

• Mix and blend paints and coatings to achieve the desired color and texture.

• Mix and match paints and finishes.

Observe

Observe all safety procedures and use proper Personal Protective Equipment.

Operate

• Operate and maintain painting equipment and tools.

• Operate equipment to clean, wash, strip, sand, or otherwise prepare items for application of paint.

• Operate hand-held spray guns to spray paint or coat stationary items.

• Operate overhead cranes, jib cranes, forklifts, manlifts and scissorlifts.

• Operate paint and coating spray guns in a safe and efficient way.

• Operate paint booth within guidelines and specifications.

• Operate various equipment and power tools required to complete projects.

• Operate various types of machinery as required.

Own

Own mode of transportation- vehicle.

Paint

• Paint and assemble parts to make a complete assembly.

• Paint preparation and paint application.

• Paint small items and apply touch-ups using paint brushes.

Perform

• Perform buffing and detailing as required.

• Perform final assembly of products.

• Perform general housekeeping duties to ensure the work area is clean.

• Perform general shop duties as assigned by the supervisor.

• Perform masking of equipment.

• Perform paint touch-up / clean-up as needed.

• Perform sand and water blasting.

• Perform visual inspections to ensure quality standards and specifications are met.

Place

Place work orders into production board and review work orders prior to starting to work.

Plan

• Plan daily work in order to meet on time completion.

• Plan out area for storage of freshly painted parts to dry with supervisor.

Prepare

• Prepare and apply stencils, decals, and other decorative items on the finished product.

• Prepare and mix metallizing solutions according to formulas or specifications.

• Prepare and mix required paint and coating materials using 2 component paint.

• Prepare and submit progress reports for painting projects.

• Prepare equipment for painting, including mixing paint.

• Prepare paint and equipment for use.

• Prepare product for painting.

• Prepare proper paint colors by mixing paint according to formulas.

• Prepare surfaces by cleaning, sanding, and priming them for painting.

• Prepare surfaces for painting.

Prioritize

Prioritize and allocates time efficiently.

Read

• Read and interpret blue prints.

• Read and interpret blueprints / sketches / specifications.

• Read specifications and painting instructions.

• Read, understand and follow drawings, specifications, blueprints and assembly instructions.

Recommend

Recommend any equipment and facilities improvements.

Repair

Repair and patch damaged areas on surfaces before painting.

Report

• Report all quality concerns to production supervisor.

• Report any equipment issues to Area Lead.

• Report any shortage of supplies and consumables to production supervisor in writing.

Respond to

Respond to painting emergencies or urgent touch-up requests.

Retrieve

Retrieve raw product from other departments that are ready for prepping.

Return

Return standard paint to paint cabinet and paint obtain for specific job to be returned to job shelf.

Select

• Select appropriate paint or mix paints.

• Select appropriate paint or mix paints according to a pre-determined formula.

Set-up

• Set-up and operate conventional and airless spray equipment.

• Set-up and operate spray gun and other equipment required for job.

• Set-up and operate the grit blasting equipment.

Shop

Shop and yard environments.

Shut off

Shut off equipment after use, for break, lunch, at the end of a shift or long period of time.

Spray

• Spray coatings using HVLP Equipment to provide finished surface to manufactured products.

• Spray painting and sandblasting metal parts using a spray gun.

Stay updated on

Stay updated on the latest painting techniques and trends.

Store

Store and mix coatings per established procedures.

Take

Take appropriate actions to resolve issue.

Tend

• Tend and operate to equipment used to apply protective or decorative coats.

• Tend and operate to equipment used to spray or coat products.

• Tend or operate equipment to prepare items for application of protective or decorative coatings.

Understand

Understand basic job site safety requirements.

Use

Use scaffolding or ladders to reach high or difficult-to-access areas for painting.

Utilize

Utilize power tools in the preparation and finishing of products.

Work with

• Work with different types of paint, coatings, and surface materials.

• Work with project managers and supervisors to meet project deadlines and requirements.

• Work with the supervisor to resolve any technical, productivity, safety or schedule problems.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Industrial Painter:

1. Proficiency in various painting techniques and methods.

2. Knowledge of different types of paints, coatings, and solvents.

3. Familiarity with surface preparation techniques and materials.

4. Competence in using painting tools and equipment, including sprayers and brushes.

5. Understanding of color mixing and matching.

6. Knowledge of safety procedures and protective gear usage.

7. Ability to read and interpret blueprints and specifications.

8. Experience with working at heights using scaffolding or ladders.

9. Knowledge of surface repair and patching techniques.

10. Understanding of environmental regulations and painting compliance.

11. Proficiency in estimating material and labor costs for painting projects.

12. Familiarity with industrial surface materials, such as metal, concrete, and wood.

13. Competence in using measuring and leveling tools for accurate painting.

14. Knowledge of paint application temperature and weather conditions.

15. Understanding of quality control measures for painting projects.

16. Proficiency in using painting software or applications for color visualization.

17. Experience with power washing and surface cleaning techniques.

18. Knowledge of hazardous waste disposal procedures.

19. Ability to troubleshoot and resolve painting issues or challenges.

20. Familiarity with touch-up and repair techniques for painted surfaces.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Industrial Painter:

1. Attention to detail for precise and high-quality painting work.

2. Time management skills to meet project deadlines.

3. Communication skills to collaborate with team members and clients.

4. Flexibility to adapt to different painting projects and requirements.

5. Physical stamina to handle painting tasks that require prolonged standing or reaching.

6. Problem-solving abilities to address painting challenges.

7. Organizational skills to maintain an efficient work schedule and inventory.

8. Teamwork and cooperation to work effectively with others on painting projects.

9. Adaptability to work in different environments and conditions.

10. Customer service skills to address client needs and requests.

Conclusion

Industrial Painters are skilled professionals responsible for ensuring the protection and aesthetic enhancement of various industrial structures and equipment. Their expertise in painting techniques, materials, and safety protocols is essential for successful painting projects. Coupled with strong soft skills, such as attention to detail and teamwork, Industrial Painters contribute significantly to the maintenance and improvement of industrial assets.