Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Industrial Painter
What industrial painters actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an industrial painter?
Check the booth. From there, the day usually includes prep surfaces, mask parts, and mix coatings. Full time, often shifts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an industrial painter working full time.
- Check the booth.
- Mix paint.
- Hang parts.
- Spray coat.
- Measure film thickness.
- Change colors.
- Clean guns.
Where industrial painters work
Painters work in spray booths and paint lines.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often shifts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Prep surfaces
- Mask parts
- Mix coatings
- Spray paint
- Run powder coating
- Cure parts
- Inspect finishes
Tools you’ll use every day
- Spray guns
- Powder coat guns
- Mil gauges
- Spray booths
- Cure ovens
- Viscosity cups
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- No degree needed
- Average growth
- Skill builds
- Many industries
What’s hard
- Fumes
- PPE all day
- Repetitive
- Heat from ovens
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like finishing work
- I have a good eye
- I can wear PPE
- I’m patient
- I like steady work
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Industrial Painter fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear respirators
- Use booths
- Ground equipment
- Store solvents safely