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Custom Automotive Paint Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Custom Automotive Paint information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a custom automotive paint technician?

To thrive as a Custom Automotive Paint Technician, you need expertise in surface preparation, color matching, and paint application, often supported by vocational training or certification in auto body repair. Familiarity with spray booths, paint mixing systems, and tools like HVLP spray guns is essential. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills help you deliver high-quality, visually appealing finishes. These skills are crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction, maintaining safety standards, and producing durable, professional-grade custom paintwork.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in custom automotive paint roles, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in custom automotive paint often encounter challenges such as matching complex colors, meeting client expectations for unique finishes, and working with different vehicle surfaces. Managing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, in-depth knowledge of paint materials, and excellent communication with clients and team members. Staying updated on the latest techniques and using high-quality equipment can also help ensure a smooth workflow and consistent results.

What is custom automotive paint?

Custom automotive paint refers to specialized painting techniques and finishes applied to vehicles to create unique, personalized appearances. Unlike standard factory paint jobs, custom automotive paint may involve custom colors, airbrushing, graphics, metallic or pearlescent finishes, and intricate designs. This process can enhance the visual appeal of a vehicle, express the owner's personality, or restore classic cars to their original glory. Custom paint jobs require skilled professionals, specialized equipment, and high-quality materials to achieve the desired look and durability.

What is the difference between Custom Automotive Paint vs Auto Body Technician?

AspectCustom Automotive PaintAuto Body Technician
CredentialsPaint certification, spray painting skillsBody repair, welding, painting certifications
Work EnvironmentPaint booths, auto shopsRepair bays, body shops
Industry UsageCustom paint jobs, detailingCollision repair, dent removal

Custom Automotive Paint focuses on applying specialized, often artistic paint finishes to vehicles, emphasizing aesthetics and unique designs. Auto Body Technicians handle a broader range of repairs, including dent removal, frame straightening, and paint application. While both roles involve painting, Custom Automotive Paint specialists concentrate on decorative finishes, whereas Auto Body Technicians perform comprehensive vehicle repairs.

What job categories do people searching Custom Automotive Paint jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Custom Automotive Paint jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Custom Automotive Paint job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Automotive - Industrial Spray Painter

Express Employment

Virginia Beach, VA

$22/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Automotive & Industrial Spray Painter

Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Evaluation Hire (Temp-to-Hire)

This Is NOT Your Average Painter Position

Before you apply, please understand this is not a residential or commercial house painting job.

We are looking for experienced automotive or industrial spray painters who understand finish quality, paint preparation, color matching, and professional spray application. If your experience is limited to painting houses, this position will not be the right fit.

All qualified candidates will complete a hands-on paint test during the interview process to demonstrate their skill level. This is a true working interview where your ability to prepare, spray, and produce a quality finish will be evaluated.

What You'll Do
  • Prepare surfaces by sanding, cleaning, masking, and priming
  • Mix and match paints to meet exact color specifications
  • Apply coatings using professional spray equipment
  • Paint metal, plastic, wood, and composite materials
  • Inspect finished products for quality, consistency, and appearance
  • Maintain paint equipment and a clean, organized work area
  • Follow all safety procedures while working with paints, solvents, and chemicals
What We're Looking For

Required Experience:

  • Automotive, industrial, manufacturing, or body shop painting experience
  • Experience operating spray guns and paint equipment
  • Strong understanding of surface preparation and finish work
  • Ability to produce high-quality cosmetic finishes
  • Attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship

Preferred Experience:

  • Automotive dealerships
  • Collision/body shops
  • Industrial manufacturing
  • Paint booth environments
  • Custom finishing or sign manufacturing
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Stand for extended periods
  • Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment
  • Ability to wear required PPE, including a respirator
  • Must be able to pass a respirator fit test
Schedule
  • Monday–Friday
  • First Shift
  • Overtime opportunities available, including Saturdays as needed
Why You'll Love This Opportunity

This is an opportunity to put your professional painting skills to work on custom, high-quality products—not repetitive production or residential work. You'll work alongside a team that values craftsmanship, offers regular overtime, and provides a path to long-term employment for top performers.

Please Note

This position is intended for experienced automotive or industrial painters. Residential painting experience alone does not meet the qualifications for this role. Candidates should expect to complete a paint skills test during the interview process as part of the hiring decision.


Express Employment Professionals is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.
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About Express Employment Professionals

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Express Employment Professionals, based in Oklahoma City, OK, USA, operates in the staffing industry and is renowned for providing robust and reliable staffing solutions. Their official website - expresspros.com - details their variety of services, which include temporary and full-time staffing, human resources services, and professional search. The company was established in 1983 with the aim of helping as many people as possible to find good jobs, and since then, it has grown exponentially, expanding its reach to various domains within the job market.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Oklahoma City, OK, US

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