Spraying is when a liquid is blown or driven through the air in the form of tiny drops, and painting is when a coloured substance is spread over a surface and then left to dry, to leave a thin decorative or protective coating. 

Spray painters use spray guns to spray paint onto items that require painting, to change the colour or to repaint scratched or damaged paintwork. 

In the spray painting workshop, learners will learn the basics skills and theoretical framework of spray painting.

In grade 8, learners will learn the importance of workshop safety, basic flatting procedure and vehicle preparation.   This includes preparing items for spraying by removing any dirt, smoothing parts that are rough and removing old paint with sandpaper or with paint-removing chemicals.

In grade 9 and 10, learners will learn masking procedure, which is the covering of the area of the item not to be painted with paper or plastic in order to protect it.  They also learn which materials to use and the application of primer and top coats.

After school learners may do their apprenticeship through Merseta.  Merseta is the accredited Manufacturing Engineering and Related Services skills, education and training institute in South Africa. 

An apprenticeship requires 3 years practical and theoretical training in a body shop under the supervision of a qualified spray-painting artisan.  Once a year the apprentice has to undertake practical and theoretical examination supervised by a Merseta skills development facilitator.  Once all 3 levels has been passed, the apprentice will qualify as a spray-painter.

Career opportunities as a spray-painter includes:
- Automotive body repair shops 
- Garages 
- Specialist spray painting firms 
- Motor vehicle manufacturers 
- Manufacturing industry where articles are made and spray painted 

- Self employment
- Self-employment