Description
Set up, operate, and monitor automated coating machines to apply paints, lacquers, varnishes, glazes, and other finishes to products such as metal, plastic, glass, paper, or wood. Adjust equipment for proper flow, coverage, and curing; verify quality against specifications; and perform routine maintenance and safe material handling.
- • Set up coating machines per job specifications and work instructions.
- • Observe gauges, sensors, and machine operation to detect defects or deviations and adjust as needed.
- • Determine coating flow, viscosity, and quality by visual checks and viscometers.
- • Weigh or measure paints, solvents, and chemicals before charging machines.
- • Mix and thin coatings to match color and viscosity requirements.
- • Fill hoppers, reservoirs, and supply tanks with coating materials.
- • Thread or feed parts through rollers, conveyors, spray booths, and dryers.
- • Turn dials, valves, and switches to regulate conveyor speed, temperature, air pressure, and spray flow.
- • Start and stop machines and lines using controls or HMIs.
- • Attach and align hoses, nozzles, and spray heads; adjust for proper atomization and pattern.
- • Operate auxiliary equipment such as washers, pretreatment units, ovens, and curing systems.
- • Adjust infrared ovens, heat lamps, and exhaust units to meet curing and drying requirements.
- • Load and unload racks, fixtures, or workpieces using hoists or other material-handling devices.
- • Examine, measure, or test coated samples for coverage, thickness, adhesion, and color.
- • Record production and process data in logs or electronic systems.
- • Monitor operations for flaws such as runs, fisheyes, blisters, or streaks, and correct root causes.
- • Clean, flush, and maintain pumps, lines, guns, and booths to prevent contamination.
- • Disassemble, clean, and reassemble sprayers and related equipment using approved solvents and tools.
- • Perform changeovers, filter changes, and line purges safely and efficiently.
- • Prepare surfaces by washing, degreasing, masking, or abrasive methods as required.
- • Dispose of waste coatings, filters, and solvents according to regulations.
- • Maintain a safe, organized work area and use required PPE.
- • Communicate issues and coordinate with maintenance or quality personnel.
- • Label, stage, and package finished parts per routing or customer requirements.
- • Verify lot numbers and maintain traceability of materials and mixes.
- • Calibrate and replace spray tips, needles, and pressure regulators as needed.
- • Conduct basic preventive maintenance and report equipment malfunctions.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
