Picture this: A factory floor where newly manufactured appliances move along an assembly line, and skilled workers with spray guns meticulously apply even coats of paint that will protect and beautify the products consumers will soon bring into their homes.
Think about the last time you admired the glossy finish on a car, the protective coating on a bridge that withstands harsh weather, or the decorative finish on furniture in your home.
Behind each of these finished products are painting and coating workers who combine technical skill with artistic precision to apply finishes that not only enhance appearance but also provide protection against corrosion, deterioration, and wear.
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders set up, operate, or tend spraying or rolling machines to coat or paint any of a wide variety of products, including glassware, cloth, ceramics, metal, plastic, paper, or wood, with lacquer, silver, copper, rubber, varnish, glaze, enamel, oil, or rust-proofing materials.
On the other hand, Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers paint, coat, or decorate articles, such as furniture, glass, plateware, pottery, jewelry, toys, books, or leather.
Total Employment: 179,400 (2023)
Common Names for Painting and Coating Workers
- Decaler
- Decorator
- Glass Decorator
- Glazer
- In Mold Coater
- Painter
- Pottery Decorator
- Silk-Screen Operator
- Spray Painter
- Sprayer
What Painting and Coating Workers Do
Painting and coating workers transform, protect, and enhance the appearance of products through the skilled application of paints and other finishes. Their responsibilities include:
- Surface Preparation: Cleaning, sanding, and treating surfaces to ensure proper adhesion of paints and coatings, which directly impacts the quality and longevity of the finished product.
- Material Application: Applying paints, varnishes, lacquers, and other finishes using brushes, rollers, spray equipment, or dipping techniques to protect surfaces and enhance appearance.
- Quality Control: Inspecting finished work to identify imperfections, ensure uniform coverage, and verify compliance with specifications, maintaining high standards of craftsmanship.
- Equipment Maintenance: Cleaning, adjusting, and performing basic maintenance on painting tools and equipment to ensure proper functioning and extend the lifespan of these assets.
- Safety Protocol Adherence: Following safety guidelines and using appropriate personal protective equipment when handling potentially hazardous materials to maintain a safe work environment.
- Material Management: Measuring, mixing, and preparing paints and coatings according to specifications, ensuring proper consistency and color matching.
- Technical Documentation: Reading and interpreting work orders, blueprints, and technical specifications to understand project requirements and execute work accurately.
- Environmental Compliance: Properly handling, storing, and disposing of paints, solvents, and waste materials in accordance with environmental regulations and company policies.
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