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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