A hands-on training program is best suited for those who want to work directly with an instructor. A hands-on training certificate program is offered by San Diego Continuing Education in San Diego. The training is held at the San Diego's Educational Cultural Complex. The program consists of 900 hours of coursework that involves paint refinishing, how to use spray paint equipment and standard auto detailing techniques. The program is designed so students can go at their own pace. Successful completion of the paint technician certificate program can be obtained within 9 to 12 months.
Also providing hands-on training is the Martin Senour Automotive Training Center. Training centers are available in many metropolitan cities across the U.S. These include Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia and Reno, Nevada. A broad selection of courses are provided that include color match and adjustment, scratch repair, plastic and fleet refinishing. Students will receive a painter certificate, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) certificate and environmental protection agency (EPA) 6H certification. Prospective students can enroll in courses online or by contacting a training center.
If your busy schedule and lifestyle doesn't allow you to travel to a campus, you can still learn how to become an auto painter through distance learning. An in-depth online program provided by Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes is available for free. The program covers a range of topics that include vehicle cleaning and preparation, paint blending, base coat application and refinishing. The courses demonstrate best practices on how to prep a vehicle for painting and paint finishing techniques. Courses are provided in video and interactive training formats.
You also can train to become an auto painter through an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship consist of on-the-job and classroom training. To become an apprentice, you would seek employment with an automotive paint shop that would be willing to sponsor you. The sponsoring company would train you by having you work alongside painting professionals. An apprenticeship usually consists of approximately 80 percent job training and 20 percent classroom training.