What's up guys, just wondering if I could get abit of information off you all... I'm leaving the forces in 12 months and was wondering how do I get into spraying? Where do I start? How do I go about practicing in my spare time?
Regarding practicing in your spare time, do you have access to all the equipment you'd need, compressor, sprayguns, PPE, consumables etc.?
As Kemppifrog says, I'm sure there's a careers advisor you could talk to who'd point you in the right direction and might even be able so sort out some funding towards it.
Failing that you either teach yourself or try and get a job in a bodyshop to gain some experience. It's a massive learning curve and to get the work you'll need to be very good and very confident.
Good luck with it Dan, a year will soon fly by!
You might find a course, local college or something. Should be a good way to find out about different paints & kit etc. At home, it costs a bit to get kitted out especially if yr going to use 2k. And there's neighbours to consider, the fumes really stink, and travel.
To keep costs down you could start off with a small gun and comp and maybe avoid 2k. Do read the stuff about 2k btw.
if you want to learn how to paint properly, using all the latest methods for modern paint systems the best place in the UK and maybe the world is Thatcham Motor Insurance Repair Research centre in Thatcham is the place to go.
They do everything from panel beating, prep, paint, all the PAS 125 training and certification etc etc!
when i was there, there were several "students" from USA and other far away lands that had been sent by the companies they work for to be taught by the best!
The thing you have to remember with painting is the industry is having to evolve to modern needs and environmental constraints etc its something that you need to keep learning to stay with it, as an example, a painter that was taught using cellulose paints and old technology spray guns cant apply the same methods to painting with modern UHS 2k paints and HVLP guns, they are entirely different animals
I wish oh wish I could go to Thatcham, like said it is the best and only 20/25 miles from me, the cost is a big factor for indaviduals, you could easily spend 5k in 6 months and then you have to set yourself up.