Vehicle Paint Preparation & Finishing Technician

We are looking for an experienced specialist in the restoration, preservation and finishing of modern and vintage vehicles.

The position requires expert judgement when reviving ageing paintwork and preserving delicate, original materials without unnecessarily removing the vehicle’s character or patina.

Main Responsibilities

• Assessing, restoring and reviving original, faded or previously repaired classic-car paintwork.
• Machine and hand polishing, paint correction and final finishing; safely removing oxidation, overspray, swirl marks, sanding marks and other defects.
• Correcting orange peel, fisheyes, dust inclusions and localised imperfections using methods suited to older, thin or delicate paint systems.
• Sanding, masking, priming and surface preparation; matching and blending aged, faded, discontinued or non-standard colours.
• Preserving original paint and patina where appropriate, and finishing freshly painted or restored vehicles to a high standard.
• Restoring and preserving wooden dashboards, veneers, door cappings and trim through careful stripping, sanding, staining, coating and protection.
• Cleaning and preserving chrome, nickel, brass, copper and stainless-steel components using non-aggressive techniques; identifying items requiring external replating. Replating itself is not part of this role.
• Detailing delicate paint, leather, fabrics, wood and metalwork; carrying out minor localised repairs to fabrics, carpets, headliners and trim.
• Preparing vehicles for delivery, exhibitions, shows or concours events; inspecting finished paint, wood, trim and metalwork.
• Carefully dismantling and refitting badges, mouldings, lights and delicate components; recording labour, materials and progress; managing stock and keeping work areas organised.

Required Experience

• Minimum 10 years of hands-on experience in classic-vehicle paint restoration, repair, correction or refinishing.
• Proven experience with classic, vintage or pre-war vehicles and strong knowledge of original and aged paint finishes.
• Advanced polishing, paint-matching and blending skills, including the judgement to preserve, revive, locally repair or fully refinish a surface.
• Practical experience preserving automotive wood, veneer, chrome, nickel and other delicate period materials.
• Exceptional attention to detail, independent planning ability and careful handling of rare, valuable or irreplaceable components.

Preference will be given to candidates who have worked in, managed or operated a classic-car restoration, specialist paint or detailing workshop. Concours, exhibition or private-collection preparation experience is a strong advantage.