Being a professional spray painter is a profession in the rising. While automation is increasing, the dexterity, finesse and human judgement of professionals is still crucial for dealing with complex shapes, sensitive surfaces, artistic needs, and quality assurance. Their skills remain in demand.
So, if you are thinking of becoming a professional spray painter, this article is for you. Some experts have put together the basics of this profession. Let’s first see some facts regarding why professional spray painters are so much needed nowadays.
Professional spray painters are needed
Are professional spray painters needed? Yes. Even where robotic spray guns are in place, manual touch-up painting is needed alongside automation to fix flaws and defects.
While automation will disrupt some roles, human creativity, problem-solving, and finesse are hard to fully replace. Well-trained professional spray painters who specialize and expand their capabilities should retain good job prospects.
There is still a strong need for skilled professional spray painters in many industries:
Automotive: Car makers rely on trained spray painters to coat bodies and components to high quality standards. Robots can’t yet match human finesse.
Construction: Spray painters are needed to apply protective and decorative coatings to buildings, infrastructure, and equipment.
Manufacturing: Many factories utilize spray painting to finish fabricated metal parts, appliances, furniture, and more.
Aerospace: Aircraft surfaces require expert application of specialized coatings. This often involves manual spray painting.
Marine: Anti-fouling, protective and aesthetic paints are applied to boats and ships by experienced painters.
Transportation: Trains, buses, trucks, and other vehicles get painted by professionals for durability and branding.
Arts/Sets: Custom spray paint jobs require artistic painters for public art, theatre backdrops, special effects, and more.
Restoration: Vintage car, motorcycle, and antique restoration relies on quality spray painting to retain value.
Small-scale manufacturing: Designer furniture, retail displays, awnings, and similar local products.
How many professional spray painters will be needed for 2030?
Based on current Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, the number of commercial and industrial painting jobs in the US is expected to grow about 6% between 2020 and 2030, representing about 16,400 additional jobs. However, global economic conditions may change these estimates. Adaptability and technical skills will be important for painters.
Making an accurate projection about the number of professional spray painters needed by 2030 is difficult, as it depends on many factors:
Automation trends: If industrial automation and robotic painting continues expanding, the need for manual spray painting may decline. However, robots still lack human finesse and judgement.
Manufacturing growth: Expansion or contraction of domestic manufacturing industries that utilize spray painting will impact painter demand.
New specialty applications: Emerging applications like 3D printing, nano coatings, or solar panels may require innovative manual painting skills.
Apprenticeship engagement: Interest in vocational trades like spray painting could wane or grow based on job prospects, pay rates, and workplace conditions.
Regulation changes: Tighter environmental or worker safety rules could alter painting processes and impact staffing needs.
Retirements and turnover: Retirees leaving the field will create job openings. The rate of retirement depends on workforce age demographics.
1) Get to know the equipment
The first step toward becoming a professional spray painter is getting to know the equipment you will need.
Professional spray painters use a variety of specialized equipment to apply coatings efficiently and achieve the desired finish quality. Common equipment includes:
Spray guns: Manual spray guns that atomize paint using compressed air (conventional, HVLP) or fluid pressure (airless). Spray guns have nozzle, tip, and air cap configurations for specific paints.
Paint Pumps: Used to supply paint to spray guns under high pressure. Common types are piston, diaphragm and rotary vane pumps. They help by providing consistent paint flow.
Compressors: Provide clean, dry and regulated compressed air for air spray systems. Important for proper paint atomization.
Hoses: Durable, flexible hoses connect spray guns to paint supply pumps and air compressors. The most common models are nylon or wire reinforced.
Personal protection: Respirators, protective suits, gloves, eye shields for working safely with chemicals.
Disposable cups: For automotive refinishing, disposable cups like the Snap-n-Flow, from DeVilbiss, can be very helpful for color changing and coating storage when using gravity spray guns.
Masking tools: Masks, tapes, plastic sheeting, etc. protect surfaces not being painted from overspray.
Sanding tools: Sanders, abrasive pads/papers help prep and smooth surfaces prior to coating.
Paint filtration: Filters contaminants from paint supply to avoid nozzle clogging and finish defects.
Ventilation: Exhaust fans and breathing/dust masks keep overspray from the painter’s breathing zone.
Scaffolding/lifts: Used to safely access surfaces for painting, especially at height, like when painting an aircraft.
Coating inspection tools: Lighting, magnifiers, thickness gauges, etc. used to examine paint quality.
Cleaning supplies: Solvents, cleaning brushes, waste containers, rags for cleanup tasks.
The specific selection of equipment depends on the painting application requirements and conditions. For example, the equipment needed for automotive refinishing is quite different from the one required for wood furniture finishing. Professional spray painters would know exactly what equipment you might need and how to use it proficiently.
2) Get to know the surfaces
The second step to becoming a professional spay painter is getting to know all the surfaces can be painted in industrial finishing. The substrate always influences paint selection for proper adhesion, compatibility and performance. Skilled professional spray painters understand how to prepare and coat any surface.
There is a wide variety of surfaces that can be painted using spray, like the following ones:
Metal: Steel, aluminum, iron and metal alloys make up much of the material painted industrially, from infrastructure to appliances. Proper surface prep and primer are important.
Plastics: Paint adheres well to many rigid and flexible plastics, especially with adhesion promoters. Softer plastics may require higher solid coatings.
Wood: Often painted for consumer products, furniture, cabinets, architectural millwork. Sealers help wood stability.
Glass: Can be painted for opacity, colors, heating absorption. Requires high heat paints fused properly.
Ceramics: Paints with inorganic binders able to withstand high heat are used on ceramics in some applications.
Concrete & masonry: Primers aid adhesion on porous concrete and cement surfaces. Withstands weathering.
Composites: They can present adhesion challenges depending on the material. Testing determines the best coating system.
Pre-finished metals: Existing baked enamel or powder coated metals can still be painted if prepared well.
Printed circuit boards: Conformal coatings protect circuitry from the environment. Require precision spray methods.
3D printed parts: Coatings enhance appearance, strength and functionality of 3D printed components.
3) Get to know the techniques
The third step to becoming a professional spay painter is getting to know the most common –and the not so common- spray painting techniques used in industrial finishing. This is probably the most important factor, because using the right technique is what differentiates a skilled professional spray painter from the rest.
The spray technique is selected based on the part shape, production speed, paint properties and desired quality of finish. Many systems use a combination of techniques. So, here is a list of some common spray painting techniques:
Base coat/clear coat: This is a two-step process in which a base coat of paint is applied, followed by a clear coat to protect the finish. This technique is commonly used for automotive painting and other applications where a high-quality, durable finish is desired.
Wet-on-wet: This technique involves applying multiple coats of paint while the previous coat is still wet. This creates a smooth, even finish. Wet-on-wet is often used for painting furniture, crafts, and other smaller items.
Dry-to-the-touch: This technique involves waiting for each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next coat. This results in a more durable finish, but it can take longer to complete the job. Dry-to-the-touch is often used for painting outdoor surfaces and other items that will be exposed to wear and tear.
Stenciling: This technique involves using a stencil to create a design on a surface. The stencil is placed over the surface and the paint is sprayed through the stencil openings. Stenciling is often used for painting walls, furniture, and other surfaces where a decorative design is desired.
Fade: This technique involves gradually transitioning from one color to another. This can be done by spraying the two colors together in an overlapping pattern, or by spraying one color over the other in a series of thin coats. Fading is often used for painting cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles.
To explain better what techniques, apply on each case, let’s see two examples.
What spray painting techniques are used to paint bicycles?
Bicycle manufacturers use a variety of techniques to paint them, depending on the type and desired finish. The most common technique is to use a powder coating process.
Powder coating: This is a dry finishing process that uses fine particles of paint that are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto the bicycle frame. The frame is then baked in an oven to cure the paint. Powder coating is a durable and long-lasting finish that is resistant to chipping and scratching.
Wet painting: Another common technique used to paint bicycles is wet painting. This is a traditional painting process that uses liquid paint and a spray gun to apply the paint to the bicycle frame. Wet painting is a more versatile process than powder coating, but it is not as durable. Wet painted bicycles are more susceptible to chipping and scratching.
Some bicycle manufacturers also use a combination of powder coating and wet painting to achieve a specific finish. For example, a manufacturer may powder coat the main frame of a bicycle and wet paint the components, such as the handlebars and fork. This allows the manufacturer to achieve a durable finish for the main frame and a more versatile finish for the components.
What spray painting techniques are used to paint kitchen utensils?
Manufacturers of kitchen utensils typically use a variety of painting techniques, depending on the type of utensil, the desired finish, and the production volume. Some of the most common techniques include:
Powder coating: This is a dry finishing process that uses fine particles of paint that are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto the utensil. The utensil is then baked in an oven to cure the paint. Powder coating is a durable and long-lasting finish that is resistant to chipping and scratching. It is also a relatively environmentally friendly process, as it does not produce any volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Wet painting: This is a traditional painting process that uses liquid paint. The paint is applied to the utensil using a spray gun or brush. Wet painting is a more versatile process than powder coating, but it is not as durable. Wet painted utensils are also more susceptible to chipping and scratching, and they can release VOCs into the air.
Enameling: This is a process that coats the utensil with a glass-like coating. The coating is applied to the utensil and then heated to a high temperature. Enameling is a durable and long-lasting finish that is resistant to chipping and scratching. It is also relatively easy to clean.
The specific painting technique that is used will depend on the type of kitchen utensil and the desired finish. For example, a manufacturer may use powder coating to paint a metal skillet, as this will provide a durable and long-lasting finish. A manufacturer may use wet painting to paint a wooden spoon, as this will allow them to achieve a more natural finish. Enamel coating may be used to paint a cast iron pot, as this will provide a durable and easy-to-clean finish.
4) Practice, practice, and practice
How much practice does a person need to become a professional spray painter? Short answer: A lot of practice. The key is spraying time under varied real-world conditions. There are no shortcuts to the muscle memory and intuitive skills needed to become an expert spray painting professional.
The amount of practice required to become a professional spray painter varies depending on the individual’s natural aptitude and the level of skill and expertise they wish to achieve. However, most professional spray painters have been practicing for several years, and some have even been painting for decades.
There is no set threshold, but here are some general estimates on how much practice someone might need:
Basic Competency: At least 80-100 hours of hands-on spray time across different methods is generally needed to develop basic spray painting skills and quality.
Intermediate Proficiency: Approximately 500 hours or more of active spray experience is usually needed to become comfortable with varied techniques, paints, and challenges.
Professional Expertise: It often takes 2,000-5,000 hours or 2-3 years of full-time spray painting across projects to gain the expertise expected of a true professional.
Ongoing Practice: Even experienced professionals will practice several hundred hours per year to continually refine and expand their skillset. Lifelong learning is critical.
The benefits from experience in spray painting
With hard work and dedication, you can become a professional spray painter in a few years. Just remember that it takes practice to achieve perfection. Some of the benefits of getting experienced with spray painting are:
Muscle Memory: Like athletes, the motions and muscle memory of spray painting take much repetition to master. This comes primarily from time under the spray gun.
Paint Familiarity: Knowing paint characteristics, how they atomize and flow, takes extensive first-hand experience to intuit.
Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and fixing spray finish issues relies heavily on deep familiarity only gained after many hours of practice.
Efficiency: Maximizing transfer efficiency and minimizing waste relies on practice ingraining optimal spray techniques.
5) Improve safety
Last, but not least, one key thing you can do to become a professional spray painter is to improve safety. Almost every part of an industrial painting facility is potentially dangerous. There are several important ways to improve safety in industrial finishing:
Personal Protective Equipment: Provide proper PPE like respirators, masks, suits, gloves and ensure it is worn consistently.
Regular Maintenance: Maintain equipment, filters, detectors and alarms to prevent incidents from failures.
Safety Training: Provide ongoing education to all workers on best practices and updating procedures.
Ventilation: Install exhaust systems and ventilation to effectively capture and remove vapors and overspray.
Hazardous Materials Handling: Train workers on safe chemical storage, transfer, mixing and disposal protocols.
Fire Prevention: Implement precautions around paint fumes and flammable materials. Ensure adequate extinguishers are available.
Confined Space Protocols: Follow strict procedures for safely entering and working in tanks or confined areas.
Visible Safety Signs & Warnings: Post clear signage on hazards, PPE rules, chemical risks and emergency info.
Limits on Work Time: Implement policies that limit continuous exposure times to hazardous paint fumes.
Testing & Monitoring: Regularly monitor air quality and worker exposure levels.
Safety Culture: Encourage proactive identification of risks. Empower workers to speak up on concerns.
A combination of proper equipment, protocols, training and culture focused on safety is key to protecting workers in finishing environments.
How to improve safety in automotive refinishing operations?
Beside the safety tips beforementioned, here are some best practices for improving safety in automotive refinishing:
Use proper PPE: Customized respirators, gloves, suits, and goggles for automotive refinishing should be worn at all times when spraying or handling chemicals.
Store flammables securely: Keep solvents, paints, primers in flammable storage cabinets away from ignition sources.
Handle waste properly: Collect used rags, filters, sludge in sealed approved containers and dispose of safely.
Use less hazardous coatings: When possible, choose water-based or low VOC/HAP coatings.
Regularly inspect equipment: Check spray guns, hoses, booths and ventilation for proper function.
Becoming a professional spray painter is a career for life
With commitment to continuous skills development and maintaining professional standards, spray painters can build rewarding careers. Passion for the craft is also important for long-term success. This could be the path to follow for any professional spray painter:
- Get formal training: Attend a vocational school or apprenticeship program to gain knowledge of spray painting methods, equipment, and materials. Learning proper technique is crucial
- Build experience: Look for opportunities to get hands-on paint time through internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs. Experience develops skill and proficiency
- Focus on safety: Strictly follow all safety protocols for personal protection equipment, ventilation, fire prevention, and handling of hazardous material. Safety is paramount
- Specialize: Target a specific area like automotive, industrial, architectural, or aerospace painting and build up your skills and network in that field. Become an expert
- Get certified: Earn certifications from industry organizations to validate and showcase your abilities. For example, NACE has coating inspector certification programs
- Continue learning: Stay up to date on the latest equipment, methods, regulations, and best practices through ongoing classes and training. Skills must evolve with technology
- Cultivate professionalism: Build a reputation for quality work, integrity, and reliability. Strong professional conduct makes employers more likely to hire.
Get the best equipment for your workshop
Whether you are an individual looking for a career as a professional spray painter or managing an industrial finishing production line, you need the right equipment to do your job. Our experts have decades helping companies to get the ideal DeVilbiss, Binks, Ransburg, MS, BGK, and Hosco equipment. Certainly, we can help you too. Feel free to contact us regarding your industrial finishing needs.
