Automotive Paint Prep Technician

Coulter Services; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Coulter Services in Michigan seeks an Auto Paint Prepper to prepare vehicles for refinishing. You will sand, mask, prime, and ensure surfaces are clean and ready for paint, coordinating with painters and technicians to uphold quality standards.

Ideal candidates have hands-on prep experience, a detail-oriented mindset, and a solid understanding of safe shop practices to support continuous improvement in the refinishing process.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with automotive paint preparation (sanding, masking, priming)
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards
• Ability to work effectively in a team and communicate with painters/technicians
• Good understanding of refinishing best practices and safe shop procedures

Responsibilities

• Sand and prep damaged or repaired vehicle surfaces for proper adhesion and finish quality
• Apply masking materials and perform surface preparation for painting
• Prime prepared surfaces according to shop standards
• Verify cleanliness and readiness of panels before painting
• Coordinate with painters and technicians to maintain quality and repair accuracy
• Follow established procedures and support continuous improvement

Skills

Sanding/mask­ing/priming

Attention to detail

Teamwork & communication

Refinishing best practices & safety

Job description

Auto Paint Prepper to support the Automotive team by preparing vehicles for refinishing. Responsibilities include sanding, masking, priming, and ensuring surfaces are clean, smooth, and ready for paint.

Key Duties

• Sand and prep damaged or repaired vehicle surfaces for proper adhesion and finish quality
• Apply masking materials and perform surface preparation for painting
• Prime prepared surfaces according to shop standards
• Verify cleanliness and readiness of panels before painting
• Coordinate with painters and technicians to maintain quality and repair accuracy
• Follow established procedures and support continuous improvement

Qualifications/skills

• Hands-on experience with automotive paint preparation (sanding, masking, priming)
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards
• Ability to work effectively in a team and communicate with painters/technicians
• Good understanding of refinishing best practices and safe shop procedures