Industrial Painter – Structural Steel

About the role

The Industrial Painter is responsible for preparing and applying industrial primer coatings to structural steel components in accordance with project specifications, quality standards, and production schedules. This position works within a structural steel fabrication environment and is responsible for proper surface preparation, coating application, inspection, material handling, and maintenance of coating equipment. The ideal candidate understands industrial coating processes, can safely operate spray equipment, and takes pride in producing consistent, high-quality finished steel.

This position is performed primarily in an industrial structural steel fabrication and coating environment. Employees may be exposed to varying temperatures, noise, dust, fumes, coatings, solvents, moving equipment, overhead cranes, and large fabricated steel components. Required PPE may include safety glasses, steel-toed boots, gloves, hearing protection, protective clothing, fall protection, and respiratory protection depending on the task and coating being applied.

Responsibilities

• Prepare structural steel members and fabricated components for primer application.
• Inspect steel surfaces prior to coating to ensure they are clean and properly prepared.
• Remove dirt, oil, grease, loose scale, weld spatter, dust, and other contaminants as required.
• Mask or protect surfaces that are not to receive primer.
• Mix and prepare primers according to manufacturer requirements and project specifications.
• Verify proper mixing ratios, induction times, thinning requirements, and pot life when applicable.
• Apply industrial primers using airless spray equipment and other approved application methods.
• Maintain proper spray patterns, gun distance, overlap, and application techniques to achieve uniform coverage.
• Monitor and achieve required wet-film and dry-film thicknesses.
• Identify and correct coating defects such as runs, sags, misses, excessive buildup, overspray, or inadequate coverage.
• Touch up damaged or missed areas as required.
• Properly coat structural steel assemblies, beams, columns, braces, plates, and miscellaneous fabricated steel.
• Read and follow shop paperwork, coating specifications, product data sheets, and production instructions.
• Verify correct primer type and coating requirements before beginning work.
• Coordinate with production, material handling, and quality personnel to maintain workflow through the coating area.
• Properly identify and stage completed material for movement to the next production or shipping operation.