Automotive - Industrial Spray Painter

Express Employment; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Express Employment Professionals in Virginia Beach seeks an experienced automotive or industrial spray painter to join a team delivering high‑quality finishes for custom parts rather than residential painting. Candidates should understand finish quality, color matching, paint prep, and professional spray application.

You will prepare surfaces, mix paints, apply coatings with professional spray equipment, and inspect finished products for consistency.

Qualifications

• Experience in automotive or industrial painting required.
• Proficiency with paints, color matching, and finish work.
• Experience operating spray guns and spray equipment.
• Ability to produce high-quality cosmetic finishes.
• Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship.

Responsibilities

• Prepare surfaces by sanding, cleaning, masking, and priming.
• Mix and match paints to meet exact color specifications.
• Apply coatings using professional spray equipment.
• Paint metal, plastic, wood, and composite materials.
• Inspect finished products for quality and appearance.
• Maintain paint equipment and a clean, organized work area.
• Follow safety procedures with paints, solvents, and chemicals.

Skills

Automotive/industrial painting

Finish quality

Paint preparation

Color matching

Spray application

Attention to detail

Craftsmanship

Tools

Spray guns

Paint equipment

Paint booth equipment

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Automotive & Industrial Spray Painter

Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Evaluation Hire (Temp-to-Hire)

This Is NOT Your Average Painter Position

Before you apply, please understand this is not a residential or commercial house painting job.

We are looking for experienced automotive or industrial spray painters who understand finish quality, paint preparation, color matching, and professional spray application. If your experience is limited to painting houses, this position will not be the right fit.

All qualified candidates will complete a hands-on paint test during the interview process to demonstrate their skill level. This is a true working interview where your ability to prepare, spray, and produce a quality finish will be evaluated.

What You'll Do

• Prepare surfaces by sanding, cleaning, masking, and priming
• Mix and match paints to meet exact color specifications
• Apply coatings using professional spray equipment
• Paint metal, plastic, wood, and composite materials
• Inspect finished products for quality, consistency, and appearance
• Maintain paint equipment and a clean, organized work area
• Follow all safety procedures while working with paints, solvents, and chemicals

What We're Looking For

Required Experience:

• Automotive, industrial, manufacturing, or body shop painting experience
• Experience operating spray guns and paint equipment
• Strong understanding of surface preparation and finish work
• Ability to produce high-quality cosmetic finishes
• Attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship

Preferred Experience:

• Automotive dealerships
• Collision/body shops
• Industrial manufacturing
• Paint booth environments
• Custom finishing or sign manufacturing

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Stand for extended periods
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to wear required PPE, including a respirator
• Must be able to pass a respirator fit test

Schedule

• Monday-Friday
• First Shift
• Overtime opportunities available, including Saturdays as needed

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

This is an opportunity to put your professional painting skills to work on custom, high-quality products not repetitive production or residential work. You'll work alongside a team that values craftsmanship, offers regular overtime, and provides a path to long-term employment for top performers.

Please Note

This position is intended for experienced automotive or industrial painters. Residential painting experience alone does not meet the qualifications for this role. Candidates should expect to complete a paint skills test during the interview process as part of the hiring decision.

Express Employment Professionals is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.
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