Spray Shop Prepper in Croydon

A well-established bespoke joinery manufacturer is looking for an experienced Spray Shop Prepper to join its production team. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing MDF, solid timber, veneered panels and other joinery components to a high standard before they move through to the spray finishing process. This is a hands-on role where attention to detail is essential. You will be responsible for sanding, filling, repairing imperfections and ensuring surfaces are properly prepared to achieve a high-quality final finish. The ideal candidate will have previous experience within a joinery, woodworking, furniture or spray finishing environment and take genuine pride in producing excellent workmanship.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare MDF, solid timber, veneered panels and other components for spray finishing.
• Carry out hand and machine sanding to achieve smooth, consistent surfaces.
• Fill and repair dents, chips, machining marks, joints and other imperfections.
• Inspect components carefully and identify defects before they reach the spray booth.
• Ensure surfaces are correctly prepared and ready for primer and topcoat application.
• Work to production schedules and daily priorities while maintaining quality.
• Work closely with spray painters and production colleagues to ensure components are ready for finishing.
• Correctly label and handle components throughout the production process.
• Operate sanding and preparation equipment safely and effectively.
• Maintain tools and equipment in good working condition.
• Report any manufacturing defects, quality issues or damaged equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe preparation area.
• Minimise waste through careful preparation and handling of materials.
• Follow all company Health & Safety procedures and PPE requirements.
• Contribute to maintaining consistently high standards of finish quality.
• Support the wider production team during busy periods.

Requirements

• Previous experience as a Spray Shop Prepper, Wood Prepper, Furniture Prepper, Joinery Prepper or similar.
• Experience preparing MDF, timber and veneered components for spray finishing.
• Strong knowledge of sanding and surface preparation techniques.
• Experience using hand-held and powered sanding equipment.
• Good understanding of wood fillers, repair compounds and surface preparation materials.
• Strong eye for detail and ability to identify imperfections.
• Ability to work efficiently to production deadlines without compromising quality.
• Good understanding of timber and manufactured board products.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a wider production team.
• Good communication skills.
• Reliable, organised and committed to producing high-quality work.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be quality-focused, reliable and hands-on, with a strong work ethic and genuine pride in their workmanship. You should be comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and able to maintain a high standard of preparation even when working to tight production deadlines. Experience within bespoke joinery, furniture manufacturing, cabinetry or high-end spray finishing would be highly advantageous.