Painting and coating machine operators set up and run machines that coat or paint products.

Painting and coating machine operators control, clean, and maintain their machines. These machines apply coatings and paints to a wide variety of products, such as:

• Food
• Vehicles
• Paper
• Glassware
• Mirrors
• Fabric

Operators mix solutions, coatings, and paints. They select and load materials into machines. They monitor the machines and make adjustments to regulate speed, temperature, and air circulation. They also control the flow and thickness of the coating or paint. Operators perform test runs to make sure that everything is set up properly.

Painting and coating machine operators remove products from the machines and take them to drying or storage areas. They test and measure the thickness and quality of the coating to be sure that requirements are met. In some cases they prepare and apply stencils and decals. Operators record data about the products.

Some tasks require painters to use paintbrushes instead of paint sprayers. For example, certain areas cannot be reached with spray guns. Some lettering or designs require hand painting or stenciling.

Painters and coating machine operators maintain their equipment and work areas. They take apart sprayers and power equipment to clean and maintain them. They clean their hand tools using solvents, wire brushes, and cloths. They clean their work areas to control dust that can settle on fresh paint.