Spray Painter in South Croydon

A well-established bespoke joinery manufacturer is looking for an experienced Spray Painter / Spray Finishing Technician to join its production team. This is a skilled, hands-on role responsible for delivering high-quality spray finishes across a range of bespoke joinery and furniture components. The role combines traditional spray finishing skills with the operation and monitoring of automated spray finishing equipment.

You will work closely with the Spray Shop Manager and wider production team, taking responsibility for paint preparation, spray application, colour consistency, quality control and the efficient running of the spray finishing process.

The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge of spray finishing and coating systems, excellent attention to detail and experience working within a professional joinery, furniture or cabinetry environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Spray Finishing
  • Apply primers, sealers, base coats, lacquers and specialist coatings.
  • Use conventional, HVLP and air-assisted airless spray equipment.
  • Produce high-quality finishes on MDF, solid timber, veneers, laminates and other substrates.
  • Maintain consistent colour, sheen and finish quality.
  • Monitor coating thickness, flash-off times, curing and drying processes.
  • Carry out polishing and finishing work where required.
  • Identify and rectify spray-finishing defects.
• Automated Spray Line
  • Operate and monitor automated spray finishing equipment.
  • Set up production runs and adjust machine settings as required.
  • Monitor application quality and make adjustments to maintain consistent results.
  • Carry out routine operational checks and basic preventative maintenance.
  • Identify potential improvements to increase productivity and reduce downtime.
  • Report technical faults and assist external engineers with servicing and repairs.
• Paint Preparation & Colour Control
  • Accurately mix paints, coatings, catalysts, hardeners and thinners in accordance with technical specifications.
  • Carry out colour matching and maintain colour consistency across production.
  • Monitor paint and coating stock levels.
  • Minimise material waste through efficient preparation and application.
  • Ensure coatings are stored and handled safely and correctly.
• Quality Control
  • Inspect components before, during and after spraying.
  • Identify defects such as runs, contamination, sinkage, orange peel and colour inconsistencies.
  • Rectify finishing defects where required.
  • Ensure completed work meets the required quality standards before release.
  • Investigate recurring quality issues and contribute to corrective actions.
• Equipment & Maintenance
  • Set up, clean and maintain spray guns, pumps, pressure pots and associated equipment.
  • Keep spray booths, drying areas and automated equipment clean and operational.
  • Carry out daily equipment checks.
  • Report faults and maintenance requirements promptly.
  • Support planned maintenance activities.
• Production & Teamwork
  • Work closely with the preparation team to ensure components are ready for spraying.
  • Prioritise workloads in line with production schedules.
  • Maintain accurate production records and component traceability.
  • Work collaboratively with production and workshop teams.
  • Share technical knowledge and support the development of less experienced colleagues.
  • Contribute ideas to improve spray finishing processes, productivity and quality.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Spray Painter, Spray Finisher or similar within joinery, furniture, cabinetry or a related manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of professional spray-finishing techniques.
• Experience with MDF, solid timber, veneers and other joinery substrates.
• Knowledge of polyurethane, acrylic, water-based and specialist coating systems.
• Experience using conventional, HVLP and/or air-assisted airless spray systems.
• Experience operating automated spray lines or industrial finishing equipment would be highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of colour matching and coating technology.
• Good mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot spray equipment.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work to production deadlines without compromising quality.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Reliable, organised and proactive approach to work.

The successful candidate will be technically minded, quality focused and hands-on, with a genuine pride in producing exceptional finishes. You should be comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment and able to balance quality, productivity and efficiency. Experience within high-end bespoke joinery, furniture manufacturing or cabinetry would be particularly advantageous.