TS 12590

TS 12590 is a vocational standard for the painter for vehicles profession. It defines and classifies the occupation, identifies the basic and occupational characteristics expected from practitioners, and addresses the tools, equipment, measurement criteria, and evaluation principles used for this field of work. In practical terms, it frames the competence expected in automotive surface preparation and paint application roles.

What vehicle painting involves in technical terms

Vehicle painting is more than applying color to a body panel. General technical context includes surface cleaning, sanding, filling and correction, priming, color matching, spraying technique, and the drying or curing behavior of coating systems. This standard covers the profession itself and the characteristics expected of people performing it, while also including the tools and equipment used in the vocation. That makes it relevant both to the work process and to the competencies behind the process.

Classification and evaluation of competence

A key feature of the standard is that it separates the occupation into different levels and defines the basic and professional attributes required for each class. It also includes the measurement criteria for those attributes and how they are to be evaluated. In practice, this means the standard is concerned not only with knowledge, but also with the observable skills and work performance that affect finish quality, consistency, and suitability for the job. Seen in the context of occupational standards, it helps establish a common framework for skill level, task performance, and assessment.

• Occupation definition and classification
• Tools, equipment, and materials used in the trade
• Basic and professional characteristics
• Measurement criteria and evaluation principles
• A competency framework for different classes