14 Steps How To Become A Body Painter

(doylc.com) How to Become an Auto Body Painter - Body painters, sometimes called transportation equipment painters, are responsible for painting vehicles such as cars, buses, and trucks. This may involve painting intricate designs or simply reapplying paint to cover scratches and other damage. To become a Body Painter you must meet the basic requirements before you can be hired.

• How to meet basic requirements

1. Complete your high school diploma or GED. Before you can begin your career as an auto body painter, most employers require that you have completed high school or received your GED. If you have not already done so, you may consider taking classes at a community center or community college to meet this requirement.

You may be able to improve your chances of getting employment as a body painter, or ease your transition into this role, by attending a high school store or auto class, if one is available to you.

Some high schools allow dual enrollment, meaning you can take a course that is not offered at your other school. You'll need to check with a teacher or school counselor first, but you might be able to take a store class at a community college in your junior or senior year.

2. Get a driver's license and keep a clean driving record. Body painters have to move customer vehicles in many situations. To do this legally, you need a license. Since you are also responsible for maintaining expensive vehicles, many employers also require clean logbooks as proof of your responsibility.

3. Familiarize yourself with manual transmissions. At some point in your career as a body painter, you will likely be working on a manual transmission vehicle, also known as a shifter. For this reason, many employers require body painters to be able to drive both manual and automatic transmission cars.

You may be able to get a lesson in driving a shifter from a family member or friend. Be patient with this. It may take some time to get used to driving a manual.

4. Familiarize yourself with the tasks of body painting. Many more tasks are expected from you to prepare vehicles for painting. This can include removing rust, dirt, or debris from the surface to be painted, filling voids or dents to create a smooth, even surface, and masking edges for detail work.

You must also be able to choose the right types of paint and equipment for a specific project. This information is often provided in body repair/paint courses or through on-the-job training.

5. Find a job related to auto body work. This is a good way to take a look at the basics before trying to get a body painting job. As you work, pay attention and ask questions about how the process works and the techniques used to colleagues you are familiar with.

Many companies promote from within. If you start working at the front desk of a body shop and express an interest in becoming a painter, you may be able to train the position and move from your desk position.

As an apprentice body painter, you might get a start in a body shop. This will provide you with valuable hands-on training to mention on your CV and during interviews.

• How to find a job as an auto painter

6. Write your resume . In your resume, you should highlight any experience you may have related to automotive work. This can be working in a body shop, tinkering with vintage cars as a hobby or artistic experiences such as studying art or painting.

You may want to bring ready-made images of automotive work you've done in the past to interviews that you need to add to your resume.

7. Network with people working in the auto industry. If you are interested in the automotive scene, you probably know other people who share your interest. These people may be able to direct you to a job posting or to a dealer they work for or take their vehicles to.

Be clear and direct with your automotive friends when you let them know you're looking for a job as a body painter.

You can get in touch with people from the automotive industry via networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn.

8. Apply to local body shops. You can wait until there is an online or newspaper advertisement for a body painting job, but that can be a waste of time. There is nothing wrong with applying even if there are no vacancies.

Many companies keep resumes in case a position becomes available in the future. You may not be called back for an interview right away, but eventually, once your resume is in place.

9. Follow up with potential employers. Many people may be applying for the same job as you. Call after the interview and ask politely about the status of your application to set yourself apart and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.

• How to improve chances of getting the job

10. If possible, practice in your free time. Professional body painting equipment can be expensive, so you may not be able to afford the tools to do it yourself. However, if you do, you can gain part-time experience painting or touching up friends and family's cars.

You may be able to save money to invest in your own body paint facility. If you're experienced, you might even be able to paint your own bodywork on the side for extra income.

11. Get certified or take a body painting class. Many vocational schools and adult education centers offer courses in bodywork and painting technology. Completing a course or certification program makes you more attractive to potential employers.

Many community colleges and trade schools have open admissions policies, so the risk of rejection is low unless the program is already full.

12. Complete an Associate degree. If you have little or no body shop experience, an associate degree can improve your chances of being accepted as an apprentice or assistant painter. Employers often see continuing education as a sign that potential employees have the skills needed to learn the trade.

An associate degree in an automotive-related field, such as

13. Gain experience with the tools of the trade. Hands-on experience with automotive-related hand tools and other aspects of automotive work will also improve your chances of being selected for a body shop position. This information can be added to your resume or included in your cover letter.

14. Become ASE certified. The Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers a certification program for automotive painters. You must have body painting experience as certification requires you to have at least 2 years of automotive painting experience or at least 1 year of training that meets ASE standards.

Obtaining the voluntary certification means passing a written exam. You must retake the exam approximately every 5 years to retain certification.