A day with…
Sarah, Automotive Painter at Garage M. Losch Bereldange
Sarah first came into contact with Losch Luxembourg in 2022 as part of our Azubi Discovery Day. After getting an initial insight into the different professions, she decided to train as an automotive painter. Today, she works independently in the paint shop and particularly appreciates the precision involved in the job and the visible results of her work.
"Automotive painting requires passion. The result shows whether someone genuinely enjoys their profession."
How did you join Losch Luxembourg?
While I was at school, I took part in the Azubi Discovery Day at Garage M. Losch Bereldange, where different school classes could visit Losch and discover different professions.
Originally, I was more interested in vehicle wrapping. However, I was advised to learn automotive painting first so that I could properly understand the materials and the fundamentals.
Once I started working in the paint shop, I quickly came to really enjoy the profession.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
It depends a lot on the part or vehicle I am working on.
With new parts, I first check that everything is in order. Then I sand and clean the part and prepare it for painting.
Older or damaged parts may require additional steps depending on their condition, such as filling, priming or repairing. After that come painting, drying and applying the clear coat. At the end, we also polish some of our own work and check the final result.
How much of your work actually consists of painting?
Less than many people think.
The actual painting may account for only around 20% of the job. A large part of the work is preparation and finishing: inspecting, repairing, sanding, masking, cleaning and making sure the part is properly prepared before it is painted.
What was the hardest thing to learn at the beginning?
Filling and sanding in particular.
It takes time to develop the right feel for whether a surface is really even or whether there is still an imperfection somewhere.
The same applies to clear coat: with experience, you learn how much to apply. Too little does not look good, but too much can also cause problems.
Which skills are important in this profession?
You need to be able to stay calm, even when something does not go as planned.
You also need to work accurately while still being efficient. It is always a balance between precision and speed.
With experience, you develop your own way of working and a better feel for the different steps involved.
How important is technology in automotive painting today?
Technology plays an important role.
For colour mixing, for example, we use computer assistance. You enter the colour code and can choose between different shades. The system then shows which colours and quantities are required.
Even so, experience is still needed to choose the right shade and judge how much material is actually necessary.
Is the job varied?
Yes, because every vehicle and every part is different.
I especially enjoy it when we get to work with different colours rather than only white, black or grey. Red, yellow, green or other more distinctive colours make the work more interesting.
We also work on different brands and models, so there is always something new.
Is there a job you are particularly proud of?
One job that particularly stayed with me was a ceramic coating on a beige Audi Q8 or SQ8.
The result turned out really well and the vehicle had a great shine afterwards. Moments like that are rewarding because you can immediately see what you have achieved with your work.
How does teamwork work?
Everyone generally works on their own assignments.
But if I get stuck or have a question, I can always ask someone in the team. My colleagues are very helpful.
During my training, my work was naturally checked more often. Today, I work very independently and ask for support when I need it.
What was it like entering this profession as a young woman?
At the beginning, I thought about it a lot and was a little worried that it might be more difficult.
But in reality, it felt completely normal from the start. My colleagues were helpful and I never felt that I was not accepted because I am a woman.
It showed me that you should not let those concerns discourage you.
Are there any misconceptions about your profession?
Many people think an automotive painter simply receives a part and paints it.
In reality, there is much more to the job. Preparation makes up a large part of the work.
And of course, you may get dirty from time to time - that is not something you should be afraid of.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy working in the paint booth and I enjoy painting.
But I also like the preparation work, such as masking, because it requires a lot of precision.
In general, I like being able to see at the end of the day what I have done and how a vehicle or part has changed.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn this profession?
At the beginning, many things are new and can seem difficult.
But if you are motivated and keep at it, you become more confident over time. The results improve and you develop your own way of working. You also need passion for the profession. If you are not motivated, it eventually shows in your work.
If you enjoy your profession and are genuinely interested in it, you will keep developing as well.
For me, it is a great profession, especially because you can directly see what you have created at the end.