Automotive Painter

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does an Automotive Painter do?

An automotive painter is a person who sands, spot fills, primes, finishes and paints motor vehicles. They are involved in the restoration of paint originally applied at the factory. When painting is required because of an accident or after rust or wear damage, a painter becomes part of the vehicle repair process after bodywork is completed. Not only is repainting following an accident or after rust or wear damage important to the appearance and value of a motor vehicle, but for safety as well. Passenger safety in a unibody vehicle is dependent on rust-free components.

Painters are involved throughout the collision repair process, often starting with application of anti-corrosion compounds while the vehicle is still mounted on frame repair equipment. They must know how to apply refinishing products in the correct sequence, ensuring chemical compatibility, adhesion and durability. As well, these skilled workers must have a high skill level in both product chemistry and colour matching to prepare the complex colour formulas created by automobile manufacturers.

As an automotive painter, you can expect to do the following:

• remove exterior trim and hardware;
• clean and maintain spray guns, spray booths and other equipment;
• identify and apply corrosive-resistant primers and topcoats for fiberglass and plastic;
• sand, spot fill, prime and condition areas of repair;
• mask and tape for multi-tone work or to protect areas that do not require painting;
• apply primers, acrylic enamel, polyurethane, base coat, clear coat and other types of paint using paint spray guns;
• mix paint, blend and match colours;
• dry or bake newly painted areas;
• apply decals, transfers and stencils; and
• apply specialty refinishing and detailing.

What skills/abilities are required?

If you like working with cars and other vehicles, have a good eye for colour and are capable of meeting strict standards for cleanliness and detail, consider a career as an automotive painter. Matching paint colors and ensuring quality standards are precise work practices that require patience as well as skill. An automotive painter works with paints and other potentially harmful mixtures and must follow safety procedures. Reading and following directions and estimating materials costs are also important. This trade appeals to individuals who are meticulous, artistic and enjoy meeting a customer's expectations.

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship two years of two levels. Practical and technical training is a minimum of 1800 hours per level. About 80 per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the trade through in-school training.

What is taught during in-school/technical training?

During your two-level apprenticeship, you attend periods of in-school training to enhance and reinforce the practical experience you learn on the job. The cost of books and course supplies is approximately $200. Subject areas of instruction include:

• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
• estimating
• using hand and power tools and other paint equipment
• preparing a vehicle for painting
• paint booth operation
• refinishing, detailing
• final preparation of vehicle
• finishing vehicle surfaces
• quality assurance

Link to Curriculum Information

What is the supervision ratio?

As experience comprises the bulk of apprenticeship training, it is essential that each apprentice has on-site access to a skilled journeyperson and receives the attention and guidance necessary to perform the tasks of the trade safely and efficiently.

For every apprentice working in this trade, the employer is required to maintain a 1:1 ratio of apprentices to journeypersons on-site and must ensure that the apprentice is directly supervised by a certified journeyperson in the trade.

What are the entrance requirements?

High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP): Begin your apprenticeship training in high school. A minimum age of 16 years in required.

General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing is strongly recommended including a course in Math. A minimum of Grade 9 is required. If you do not hold a high school diploma, you can also qualify as an Access Program Trainee (formerly Mature Student). Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry experience and successful completion of the Red Seal Examination. A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.

For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How to Start".

Do I get a certificate?

When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical experience and technical training, you write an interprovincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify for a “Red Seal” endorsed interprovincial certificate confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.

Your “Red Seal” endorsed Certificate of Qualification as a journeyperson in this trade is recognized throughout Canada.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

Regulations under the Apprenticeship and Certification Act establish minimum wage rates for apprentices. Every employer who enters into an apprenticeship agreement with an apprentice must ensure that the apprentice is paid at least the minimum wage rate for that trade.

Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the wage rate in the collective agreement if it exceeds the pay rates specified in the trade regulation.

Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care and training benefits.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule.

What are the career prospects?

The employment outlook for a motor vehicle body painter is good. This specialized technician is involved in the preparation and application of constantly changing paint products and colours.

Most individuals employed in this occupation work primarily for autobody shops or vehicle dealerships. In small shops the duties of an automotive painter overlap with body repairers. In larger shops, the job may be separated into painter, vehicle preparation person and detail person. In general, painters work alone, even in a shop where many are employed.

Generally: In the automotive painting industry, materials and equipment used to refinish vehicles have become increasingly expensive. This means painters have had to re-evaluate the way they work and become more efficient in their jobs. Poor workmanship and mistakes result in wasted materials, time and money. To maintain quality work, minimize costs and keep pace with new painting technologies, painters must continuously upgrade their skills and job knowledge.

There is a trend towards more environmentally friendly materials such as water based paints and primers. Regulations controlling the use and disposal of refinishing materials are also becoming much stricter.

Computers are now becoming a basic tool in this industry for computerized paint colour reading, creating paint formulas, tinting and applying decals and graphics. In many shops painters must have computer skills to do their jobs.

To be competitive, employers must invest in these technologies and have qualified and trained employees who understand and know how to use this equipment.

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