Surface Coating Technician in Delaware Career Overview

As a Surface Coating Technician, you play a vital role in various manufacturing processes, focusing on applying protective and decorative coatings to a wide range of surfaces. Your expertise ensures that products meet specific specifications, enhancing their durability and aesthetic appeal.

Key aspects of your role include:

  • Working with Coating Materials: You handle various types of coatings, such as paints, sealants, and varnishes, using different application methods like spraying, brushing, or roller application.

  • Preparation of Surfaces: Before applying coatings, you assess and prepare surfaces, which may involve cleaning, sanding, or priming to ensure proper adhesion and finish quality.

  • Quality Control: You monitor the application process to maintain consistency and quality standards. This involves regular inspections and adjustments to techniques and materials as needed.

  • Collaboration with Teams: You often work closely with other technicians, engineers, and production staff to ensure that coating processes align with overall production goals.

  • Adherence to Safety Protocols: Safety is a primary concern in your work environment. You follow industry regulations and safety guidelines to protect yourself and your coworkers from potential hazards associated with chemical exposure and equipment operation.

The importance of your role extends beyond aesthetic enhancements; effective surface coatings protect products from environmental factors, thereby extending their life span and functionality. This contribution is crucial across industries, including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and construction. By ensuring high-quality surface finishes, you help maintain the integrity and performance of various products, reinforcing their marketability and effectiveness.

Surface Coating Technician Salary in Delaware

Annual Median: $45,560
Hourly Median: $21.9

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Surface Coating Technician in Delaware

To become a Surface Coating Technician, you will typically need to pursue specific educational qualifications and training programs designed to provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success in the field. The following college degree programs are particularly relevant:

  • Chemical Technology: This program focuses on the application of chemistry and technical principles to develop and improve chemical processes, including those used in surface coating.

  • Chemistry: A degree in chemistry will provide you with a strong understanding of chemical substances, their properties, reactions, and interactions, which is essential for formulating coatings.

  • Coating Technology: This specialized program covers the materials and processes involved in coating applications, equipping you with industry-relevant knowledge and practical skills.

  • Materials Engineering: As a materials engineer, you will study the characteristics and performance of materials, including coatings, enabling you to select and optimize materials for specific applications.

  • Polymer Chemistry: This field focuses on the study of polymers and their behavior, which is essential for developing coatings that meet various performance criteria.

In addition to obtaining a degree in one of these areas, you may benefit from hands-on training or internships that provide practical experience in surface coating techniques and processes.

Best Schools to become a Surface Coating Technician in Delaware 2024

#1Harris County

San Jacinto Community College

Pasadena, TX

In-State Tuition:$3,240
Out-of-State Tuition:$5,040
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:32%
Total Enrollment:30,593
#2Brevard County

Eastern Florida State College

Melbourne, FL

In-State Tuition:$2,048
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,399
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:51%
Total Enrollment:13,114
#3Brazoria County

Brazosport College

Lake Jackson, TX

In-State Tuition:$2,629
Out-of-State Tuition:$4,063
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:37%
Total Enrollment:4,044
#4Harris County

Lee College

Baytown, TX

In-State Tuition:$3,132
Out-of-State Tuition:$3,552
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:40%
Total Enrollment:7,807
#5Alachua County

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL

In-State Tuition:$4,477
Out-of-State Tuition:$25,694
Admission Rate:23%
Graduation Rate:90%
Total Enrollment:55,211
#6Alameda County

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

In-State Tuition:$11,564
Out-of-State Tuition:$41,636
Admission Rate:11%
Graduation Rate:94%
Total Enrollment:45,307
Surface Coating Technician Job Description:
  • Set up, operate, or tend spraying or rolling machines to coat or paint any of a wide variety of products, including glassware, cloth, ceramics, metal, plastic, paper, or wood, with lacquer, silver, copper, rubber, varnish, glaze, enamel, oil, or rust-proofing materials.
  • Includes painters of transportation vehicles such as painters in auto body repair facilities.

Surface Coating Technician Required Skills and Competencies in Delaware

  • Attention to Detail: You need to closely monitor the coating process to ensure uniform application and to catch any defects early.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with a variety of coating materials, tools, and techniques is essential. This includes knowledge of spray equipment, mixing procedures, and application methods.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: You must be able to identify issues that arise during the coating process and implement effective solutions quickly.

  • Mathematical Skills: Basic arithmetic skills are necessary for measuring and mixing coating materials accurately.

  • Safety Awareness: Understanding safety protocols and regulations is critical to maintaining a safe working environment and handling hazardous materials.

  • Physical Stamina: You should be prepared for a physically demanding job, which may require standing for long periods and lifting heavy equipment or materials.

  • Time Management: You must effectively prioritize tasks and manage your time to meet deadlines while maintaining quality standards.

  • Communication Skills: Strong communication abilities are important for collaborating with team members and reporting any issues to supervisors.

  • Quality Control Knowledge: Understanding quality assurance processes allows you to evaluate coatings for compliance with specifications and standards.

  • Adaptability: You should be able to adjust to new techniques, materials, and technologies as the industry evolves.

Job Duties for Surface Coating Technicians

  • Dispose of hazardous waste in an appropriate manner.

  • Hold or position spray guns to direct spray onto articles.

  • Spray prepared surfaces with specified amounts of primers and decorative or finish coatings.

Technologies and Skills Used by Surface Coating Technicians

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft Outlook

Inventory management software

  • Inventory control software
  • Inventory management systems

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Surface Coating Technician in Delaware

  • The demand for Surface Coating Technicians in Delaware is influenced by the state's diverse manufacturing sector, including industries such as aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods. These sectors require skilled technicians to ensure products meet quality standards and specifications.

  • Job growth for Surface Coating Technicians in Delaware is expected to align with national trends in manufacturing, where advancements in technology and increases in production capabilities drive the need for skilled craftsmen. The emphasis on quality assurance and environmental compliance further contribute to the demand for qualified technicians.

  • Geographically, areas with a concentrated presence of manufacturing operations can provide abundant opportunities. Key hotspots include cities like Wilmington, Newark, and Dover, where industries leverage surface coating technologies for a variety of applications.

  • Additionally, Delaware's strategic location along the Mid-Atlantic corridor enhances accessibility to major markets, encouraging growth in the manufacturing sector and creating opportunities for Surface Coating Technicians.

  • Emerging trends in environmentally friendly and advanced coating technologies may create niche opportunities for technicians who can adapt to evolving industry standards.

  • Networking through local industry associations and attending job fairs related to manufacturing can help you identify potential job openings and connect with employers in this field.

Top Related Careers to Surface Coating Technician 2024

Industrial Paint Applicator
Machinery Paint Specialist
Finish Spray Operator
Lacquer Application Expert

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Surface Coating Technician in Delaware

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
    Access regulations and safety guidelines for surface coating operations.
    OSHA website

  • American Coatings Association (ACA)
    Find industry news, professional development resources, and networking opportunities.
    American Coatings Association

  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
    Explore research and recommendations related to surface coating processes and worker safety.
    NIOSH website

  • Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC)
    Gain insights on protective coatings, training programs, and certifications relevant for surface coating technicians.
    SSPC website

  • Delaware Department of Labor
    Look for job resources, labor market information, and training programs available in Delaware.
    Delaware Department of Labor

  • Technical Schools and Community Colleges in Delaware
    Research programs offering courses in coating technology, industrial finishing, and related fields. Contact local institutions directly for more information.

  • Coating Research Institute
    Explore research publications and data regarding the latest advancements in coating technology.
    Coating Research Institute

  • LinkedIn Groups
    Join professional groups focused on surface coating technology and connect with industry peers for advice and shared experiences. Search for "Surface Coating Technician" or "Coatings Professionals" on LinkedIn.

  • Professional Certifications
    Investigate certification programs offered by ACA or SSPC that provide credentials relevant to the surface coating trade.

  • Trade Magazines and Journals
    Subscribe to magazines such as "Coatings World" and "Journal of Coatings Technology and Research" for industry updates and technical articles.

By utilizing these resources, you can enhance your understanding of the surface coating industry and further your career development as a Surface Coating Technician in Delaware.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Surface Coating Technician in Delaware

  • What does a Surface Coating Technician do?
    As a Surface Coating Technician, you are responsible for applying coatings to various surfaces to protect them from corrosion, wear, and other types of damage. This includes preparing surfaces, mixing materials, and ensuring safety standards are met during the application process.

  • What educational background is needed to become a Surface Coating Technician?
    A high school diploma or GED is typically required. However, completing a specialized training program in surface coating, industrial coatings, or a related field can enhance your job prospects. Some employers may prefer candidates with an associate degree.

  • Are there any certifications required for Surface Coating Technicians?
    While not always mandatory, obtaining certifications from recognized organizations, such as the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) or the Society for Protective Coatings (SPC), can improve your qualifications and job opportunities.

  • What skills are essential for a Surface Coating Technician?
    Key skills include attention to detail, manual dexterity, knowledge of coating materials and techniques, ability to operate spray equipment, and a strong understanding of safety regulations and practices.

  • What is the job outlook for Surface Coating Technicians in Delaware?
    The job outlook for Surface Coating Technicians reflects growth in manufacturing and automotive sectors. You can expect steady demand, as industries continue to prioritize protective coatings for their products.

  • What are the typical working conditions for Surface Coating Technicians?
    You will often work in industrial settings, which can involve exposure to hazardous materials and fumes. Safety gear, including masks and gloves, is essential to protect against health risks.

  • What is the salary range for Surface Coating Technicians in Delaware?
    Salary can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry. As of the latest data, you may expect to earn between $35,000 and $60,000 per year, with potential for higher wages based on skills and certifications.

  • What advancement opportunities are available for Surface Coating Technicians?
    You can advance to supervisory or management positions, specialize in a specific type of coating technology, or transition into related fields, such as quality control or research and development.

  • Is on-the-job training provided for Surface Coating Technicians?
    Yes, many employers offer on-the-job training. This helps you learn specific processes and equipment used in your particular work environment, ensuring you follow industry standards.

  • What types of industries employ Surface Coating Technicians?
    Surface Coating Technicians can find employment across various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and construction, where coatings are crucial for product durability and performance.