Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Automotive Paint Prep Technician (Prepper) to join our collision repair team. This position is responsible for properly preparing vehicles and individual panels for the refinishing process.
The Paint Prep Technician plays a critical role in the final quality of every repair. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, efficient, and understands the importance of proper sanding, masking, surface preparation, and cleanliness in achieving a high-quality automotive finish.
Responsibilities
- Prepare vehicles and body panels for automotive refinishing.
- Sand repaired and replacement panels using appropriate sanding techniques and grit progression.
- Featheredge repaired areas and prepare surfaces for primer, sealer, basecoat, and clearcoat.
- Apply and properly sand primer and primer-surfacer as required.
- Identify pinholes, scratches, sanding marks, imperfections, and other surface issues before the vehicle enters the paint booth.
- Mask vehicles accurately to protect glass, trim, moldings, wheels, interiors, and adjacent panels from overspray.
- Properly clean and degrease surfaces before refinishing.
- Remove dust and contaminants prior to paint application.
- Assist with disassembly and reassembly of minor components when necessary for proper refinishing.
- Prepare blend panels according to painter and manufacturer requirements.
- Communicate any bodywork or surface-quality concerns to the painter or body technician before proceeding.
- Work closely with painters, body technicians, estimators, and production management to maintain an efficient workflow.
- Maintain an organized and clean prep station and surrounding work areas.
- Properly maintain sanding equipment, tools, vacuum systems, and other prep equipment.
- Follow repair orders, shop procedures, and manufacturer requirements.
- Follow all OSHA, environmental, hazardous-material, and shop safety procedures.
- Meet production expectations while maintaining a high standard of workmanship.
- Perform a final inspection of all prepared surfaces before releasing the vehicle to the painter.
Qualifications
- Previous automotive paint preparation or collision repair experience preferred.
- Knowledge of automotive sanding, masking, priming, and surface-preparation techniques.
- Understanding of proper sandpaper grit progression and refinishing procedures.
- Ability to identify surface imperfections that could affect final paint quality.
- Familiarity with automotive refinishing products and materials.
- Experience working with luxury, exotic, or high-end vehicles is a plus.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced body shop environment.
- Dependable, organized, and able to follow established processes.
- Ability to communicate and work effectively with painters and other members of the production team.
- Valid driver's license preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods.
- Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and work around all areas of a vehicle.
- Ability to perform repetitive sanding and preparation work.
- Ability to lift and carry automotive parts, tools, equipment, and materials as required.
- Ability to safely wear respirators and other required personal protective equipment.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for a Paint Prep Technician who understands that an exceptional paint job starts with exceptional preparation. The right candidate takes pride in sending properly prepared vehicles to the paint booth and understands that shortcuts during the prep process directly affect the quality of the finished product.
We value someone who can work efficiently without sacrificing attention to detail and who takes responsibility for ensuring every vehicle is properly sanded, masked, cleaned, and ready for the painter.
Position: Automotive Paint Prep Technician / Prepper
Department: Collision Repair / Paint Department
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience: Automotive paint preparation or collision repair experience preferred
Pay: $24.00 - $26.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
