Surface finisher

As a surface treatment worker you give metal and other materials the right finish and protection so they resist rust wear and weather. You work with everything from large steel structures and ships to machinery parts and industrial equipment. It is a craft where the finished result must both look good and be able to last for many years.

A typical day starts with preparing the surface. You remove rust, old paint and dirt often by sandblasting or grinding before you apply primer and topcoats. You mix paint and coating according to recipe measure layer thicknesses and ensure that temperature and humidity are right so the result is perfect.

• 01You learn to pre-treat surfaces by sandblasting, grinding, and degreasing.
• 02You learn to spray paint and apply coating evenly and in a controlled manner.
• 03You learn to choose the right paint and protection for the task.
• 04You learn to measure layer thickness and quality-assure your work.
• 05You learn to work safely with chemicals, respiratory protection, and extraction.

You start with a basic course at a vocational school, where you learn the basic craft. Then you find an apprenticeship in a company where you get paid throughout the education. The rest of the time you alternate between school stays and practice so you get both the theory and lots of experience in your hands.

As a fully trained surface treatment worker you can work at industrial varnish shops yards bridges and large facilities. You can specialise in for example corrosion protection or become a crew leader and manage larger tasks. With experience you can also further educate yourself or start for yourself.

“A good coat of paint is not decoration – it is what keeps the steel holding for twenty years.”