Advise for someone wanting to be a auto painter

[efkidd525]

i would like to go to school for auto painting but i dont know if school is the correct path to go on. someone who is in the painting field help me out? what should i do or where should i go?

[*JamReX*]

i would like to go to school for auto painting but i dont know if school is the correct path to go on. someone who is in the painting field help me out? what should i do or where should i go?

Going to school is always a good choice. You cant go wrong with it, I will admit that no matter how many certifications you have painting is something you get better at only with time. Try to enroll in a technical school, and keep some spare time to maybe work at a smaller shop and get your feet wet as far as prepping and stuff. Smaller shops with older guys are your best bet. Good Luck man. The industry definitely needs more dedicated painters.

[bisscrac]

^^ very well put

[REY]

you can also take a job as a helper. alot of places will take you and train you at the same time. Yeah, the pay would suck, but you got to see that you are being trained at the same time for free. I know about 4-5 people that have done this and now they are either excellent painters for local shops or own their own business.......no school, just straight experience.....

But, School is good also....

[ibidu1]

Painters dont make a lot of money, and your lungs will take a toll. Just some things to consider

[REY]

Painters dont make a lot of money, and your lungs will take a toll. Just some things to consider

Um, that is an inaccurate statement... In this economy, I personally know painters making 75-100k this year working normal hours.
I also know several self employed independents that make 60-70KL take home after all is paid...
Sure, there are suckers out there that make peanuts but they dont account for "all" painters..

[efkidd525]

thanks for all the advise. i will be going to custom fabrication and painting shops soon see if any of them are willing to help a young eager man to start his carrer

[*JamReX*]

Painters dont make a lot of money, and your lungs will take a toll. Just some things to consider

i nominate this for dumbest comment. Ever.

thanks for all the advise. i will be going to custom fabrication and painting shops soon see if any of them are willing to help a young eager man to start his carrer

Yea that would be a good start.. but dont even underestimate the power of education. Certifications dont mean much, but the shit you learn will sometimes keep you from making simpel mistakes. In school simple mistakes get you a lower grade.. in the car business simple mistakes cost you money.