Paint Prep Technician

Total Recon Auto Center; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Total Recon Auto Center in Laurel, MD is seeking a Paint Prep Technician to prep surfaces for high-quality refinishing. You'll sand, feather edges, mask, and clean to prep vehicles for paint, working alongside a team that values craftsmanship and efficiency.

The role emphasizes attention to detail, safety, and teamwork in a fast-paced shop. Lifting up to 50 lbs and PPE adherence are required; hourly pay ranges from $18.00 to $25.00 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Paint Prep Technician or auto body prep preferred.
• Knowledge of surface prep, sanding, masking, and primer application.
• Familiarity with OEM repair procedures and refinishing processes.
• Must lift up to 50 lbs and work in a fast-paced shop.

Responsibilities

• Prepare vehicle surfaces for painting via washing, sanding, feather-edging, masking, and cleaning.
• Apply primers, sealers, and coatings for paint adhesion.
• Inspect panels and perform final surface prep before painting.
• Mask and protect trim, glass, and components to prevent overspray.
• Assist painters with staging and material prep.
• Follow OEM procedures and safety standards.
• Maintain prep area cleanliness and tools.
• Perform final tack-off before entering the paint booth.

Skills

Paint preparation

Attention to detail

Fast-paced environment

Physical stamina

Safety compliance

Tools

Power tools

Job description

Are you the technician who makes every paint job possible? The one who knows that a flawless finish starts long before the paint gun comes out? If you're the person who can block a panel perfectly, mask with precision, and prep every vehicle to paint-ready standards, we want to talk to you.

We're looking for a Paint Prep Technician who takes pride in the details. This isn't just sanding and masking—it's preparing vehicles for high-quality refinishing while working alongside a team that values craftsmanship, efficiency, and attention to detail.

If you're ready to be part of a shop where your work is recognized as a critical step in delivering exceptional results, we'd love to meet you.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(include, but are not limited to the following):

• Prepare vehicle surfaces for painting by washing, sanding, feather-edging, filling minor imperfections, masking, and cleaning according to manufacturer specifications.
• Apply primers, sealers, and other preparatory coatings as directed to ensure proper paint adhesion and finish quality.
• Inspect repaired panels for imperfections and perform final surface preparation before vehicles enter the paint booth.
• Remove, mask, or protect vehicle trim, glass, moldings, and other components to prevent overspray and damage.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of prep areas, tools, and equipment to support an efficient workflow.
• Assist Auto Painters with vehicle staging, material preparation, and movement of vehicles through the refinishing process.
• Follow OEM repair procedures, shop quality standards, and production schedules to ensure timely completion of repairs.
• Safely handle sanding equipment, power tools, primers, solvents, and related materials while complying with all environmental and safety regulations.
• Perform final cleaning and tack-off procedures before vehicles are transferred into the paint booth.

Qualifications Required

• Previous experience as a Paint Prep Technician, Auto Body Prep Technician, or in an automotive collision repair environment preferred.
• Knowledge of automotive surface preparation techniques, sanding methods, masking procedures, and primer application.
• Familiarity with OEM repair procedures and automotive refinishing processes.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to producing paint-ready surfaces.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment while maintaining quality standards.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform hands-on work in a shop environment.

Salary: $18.00–$25.00 per hour, depending on experience.

This role involves standing for extended periods, sanding and preparing vehicle surfaces, operating pneumatic and power tools, and working around automotive paints, primers, solvents, and related materials. The environment can be noisy and fast-paced, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Physical Demands

• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing, using virtual meeting and communication tools such as email, Google Meet, and Slack.
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive movements throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, if required.
• Ability to use hand tools, power sanders, and masking equipment for extended periods.