Industrial Painters / Coaters are specialized tradespeople who apply protective and decorative coatings such as paint, enamel, and lacquer to industrial products, machinery, and infrastructure. Unlike commercial painters, these professionals focus on high-performance coatings to protect surfaces from corrosion, abrasion, and environmental hazards. They typically work in manufacturing plants, defense contracting firms (military equipment), structural steel fabrication shops, and water/infrastructure treatment facilities.
You have good physical stamina.
You are detail oriented.
You are comfortable working at heights.
Responsibilities
- Clean, sand, grind, or abrasive blast to remove rust, old paint, or debris to ensure proper adhesion
- Operate high-pressure hand-held spray guns or automated machinery to apply paint, enamel, or protective coatings
- Prepare, thin, and mix paints or chemical coatings according to formulas and specifications
- Use thickness gauges to ensure coatings meet specifications and inspecting surfaces for defects
- Apply specialized coatings (zinc, epoxy, rust-proofing) to metal, plastic, or structural surfaces
- Clean and maintain sprayers, guns, and related equipment to prevent clogging and breakdowns
Key Skills & Attributes
(technical training and on the job)
- Strong communication skills, reading, and numeracy
- Strong problem-solving and planning skills
- Creativity and an eye for detail
- Physical strength and balance
- Ability to work in high places
- Ability to work outdoors in diverse weather
- Ability to work in a collaborative environment
- Experience using precision tools
Hourly Pay
Contact the local union for more information on hourly pay, benefits, pensions, and more.
Construction workers needed!
649,300
Per year to 2024 (construction & extraction occupations)*
*According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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