Painter / Sandblaster in Ridgeville, South Carolina at Carolina Heavy Steel

Job Summary

The Painter/Sandblaster is responsible for preparing and coating steel surfaces according to job specifications and quality standards. Duties may include abrasive blasting, cleaning, masking, mixing coatings, and applying industrial paint using spray equipment, rollers, or brushes.

Job Description

• Prepare steel surfaces by abrasive blasting, cleaning, sanding, or grinding.
• Operate blasting and painting equipment safely.
• Mix and apply primers, paints, and protective coatings according to specifications.
• Mask and protect surfaces that should not be coated.
• Check surface preparation and coating quality throughout the process.
• Monitor coating thickness, coverage, and appearance.
• Clean and maintain spray guns, blasting equipment, hoses, and related tools.
• Handle coatings and blasting materials according to safety requirements.
• Follow all company safety procedures and wear required PPE, including respiratory protection when required.

Tier Qualifications

Painter/Sandblaster I

• Entry-level industrial painting or sandblasting experience preferred.
• Basic understanding of surface preparation and workplace safety.
• Able to assist with blasting, cleaning, masking, and painting under supervision.
• Willing to learn equipment operation and coating requirements.

Painter/Sandblaster II

• Previous industrial painting and abrasive blasting experience.
• Able to prepare surfaces and apply common coatings with limited supervision.
• Familiar with spray equipment, coating mixtures, and basic quality checks.
• Demonstrates consistent coating quality and productivity.

Painter/Sandblaster III

• Advanced industrial painting and abrasive blasting experience, preferably with structural or heavy steel.
• Strong knowledge of surface preparation standards, coating systems, and application methods.
• Able to set up equipment, apply specialized coatings, and identify or correct coating problems independently.
• Consistently produces high-quality work and may assist in training less-experienced employees.

Pay is determined based on the candidate’s experience and demonstrated level of expertise.

General Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Industrial painting, abrasive blasting, or coating experience preferred.
• Basic knowledge of surface preparation and industrial coating methods.
• Ability to operate blasting, painting, and air-compressor equipment at the appropriate skill level.
• Ability to follow coating instructions, product data sheets, and safety data sheets.
• Ability to mix coatings according to manufacturer and job specifications.
• Ability to recognize basic surface-preparation and coating defects.
• Ability to use wet-film or dry-film thickness gauges, based on position level.
• Ability to distinguish colors and identify differences in coating coverage and appearance.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Willingness to work overtime or different shifts when required.
• Ability to follow all company safety rules and wear required PPE.
• Ability to safely wear respiratory protection when required, subject to applicable medical-clearance and fit-testing requirements.

Experience by Tier

• Painter/Sandblaster I: Entry-level experience or previous exposure to industrial painting or blasting preferred.
• Painter/Sandblaster II: Approximately 2–4 years of relevant industrial painting and abrasive blasting experience preferred.
• Painter/Sandblaster III: Approximately 5 or more years of advanced industrial coating and abrasive blasting experience preferred.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and hands-on experience may be considered.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and climb throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to hold, control, and operate blasting hoses, spray guns, and related equipment.
• Ability to work in confined or elevated areas when required.
• Ability to work while wearing protective clothing and respiratory equipment.
• Visual ability sufficient to inspect surface preparation, coating coverage, and finished work.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a steel fabrication, paint, or blasting environment.
• Regular exposure to dust, fumes, paint vapors, noise, varying temperatures, and moving equipment.
• Required PPE may include respiratory protection, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection, gloves, protective clothing, steel-toed boots, and a blasting hood.

Pay is determined based on the candidate’s experience and demonstrated level of expertise.