Advanced Automotive Painting & Surface Finishing Program
The SKM Level 3 (Automotive Refinishing) program provides advanced training in automotive spray painting, surface preparation, color matching, and refinishing techniques required in professional 4S Body & Paint (B&P) workshops.
This qualification equips students with the technical expertise to deliver OEM-standard finishes, repair paint defects, and perform high-quality refinishing work using modern tools, paint systems, and spray booth technology.
Training follows a highly practical structure with 20% theory + 80% hands-on experience, ensuring students master real-world refinishing techniques.
Program Overview
This program focuses on advanced refinishing competencies, including:
✔ Automotive surface repair & preparation
✔ Color matching & paint formulation
✔ Spray painting techniques
✔ Paint booth operation
✔ Clear coat finishing & defect correction
✔ Safety handling of chemicals & equipment
Students train using actual vehicles, professional-grade tools, and high-quality paint systems used in 4S workshops.
What You Will Learn
1. Surface Preparation & Repair
Students learn how to prepare vehicle surfaces for refinishing:
- Surface sanding, feather edging & leveling
- Filler and putty application
- Primer surfacing & sealing
- Rust removal & corrosion prevention
- Repairing scratches, dents & minor damages
- Masking techniques for panels & full-body jobs
2. Color Matching & Paint Technology
Color accuracy is crucial in automotive refinishing. Students learn:
- Automotive paint types (solid, metallic, pearl, matte)
- Digital & manual color matching techniques
- Mixing formulas using modern paint mixing systems
- Tinting to correct color variation
- Understanding OEM paint codes & repair standards
- Paint system components (primer, basecoat, clearcoat)
3. Spray Painting Techniques
Students master various spray painting applications:
- Spray gun setup & calibration
- Basecoat application
- Clear coat application
- Spot repair (smart repair)
- Blending to match existing paint
- Full panel & full vehicle respray
- Techniques to achieve smooth & high-gloss finishes
4. Paint Booth Operation
Training includes professional use of spray booths:
- Airflow & ventilation control
- Temperature & humidity management
- Baking & curing processes
- Contamination control
- Safe booth operation protocols
5. Paint Defects – Identification & Correction
Students learn to identify and rectify common defects:
- Orange peel
- Runs & sags
- Overspray
- Dust nibs
- Fish eyes
- Cloudiness / color mismatch
Correction methods include sanding, polishing, compounding & rework.
6. Safety, Chemical Handling & Workshop Compliance
Safety is essential in refinishing due to chemical exposure:
- Proper use of PPE
- Safe handling of paints, solvents & chemicals
- Fire and ventilation safety
- Environmental compliance
- Disposal of hazardous materials
- 5S workshop organization
Why Choose This Program?
- Hands-on training using real spray booths & paint systems
- High-demand specialization in Body & Paint departments
- Industry-standard curriculum aligned with 4S workshop requirements
- Strong career progression from painter → specialist → supervisor → B&P manager
- Opportunity to work with premium-grade materials and equipment
- Internship placement in professional Body & Paint workshops
Career Opportunities
Graduates of SKM Level 3 (Automotive Refinishing) can pursue roles such as:
- Automotive Painter / Spray Painter
- Refinishing Technician
- Color Matching Specialist
- Paint Correction Specialist
- Spray Booth Technician
- Body & Paint Foreman / Supervisor
- Quality Control Inspector (Paint)
- Refinishing Trainer or Consultant
- Premium Car Coating / Paint Studio Specialist
Who Should Enroll?
Ideal for individuals who:
✔ Enjoy hands-on craftsmanship and artistic finishing
✔ Have an interest in vehicle appearance and refinishing
✔ Want a stable, well-paid automotive career
✔ Aim to grow into specialist or supervisory positions in B&P workshops
Program Duration
18 months