CAREERS

Location: West Michigan - Grand Rapids
Company: HQ Paint Company
Job Type: Full-Time

HQ Paint Company

HQ Paint Company is seeking an experienced Paint & Stain Matching Specialist to join our internal operations team. This is a skilled, hands-on position focused primarily on professional paint color matching, custom stain matching, tinting, and coatings preparation, while also supporting the day-to-day operations of our store and finishing lab.

Previous professional experience in paint and/or stain matching is required. Candidates should have a strong understanding of color, coatings, tinting systems, and the process of developing accurate, repeatable matches. Professional references and examples of previous matching work will be requested as part of the hiring process.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who takes pride in the technical side of the coatings industry and enjoys producing precise, high-quality work.

Key Responsibilities

• Paint Color Matching – Accurately formulate, tint, adjust, and reproduce custom paint colors using professional tinting and color-matching equipment.
• Custom Stain Matching – Develop stain matches based on customer samples, wood species, substrates, and desired finish appearance.
• Formula Development & Documentation – Create accurate, repeatable formulas and maintain detailed records to ensure future consistency.
• Sample Preparation – Prepare professional drawdowns, spray-outs, stain samples, and other customer approval samples as required.
• Quality Control – Evaluate color, undertone, opacity, sheen, application, and overall appearance before releasing completed matches.
• Coatings Preparation – Mix, tint, reduce, catalyze, and prepare coating products according to manufacturer specifications and internal procedures.
• Customer & Team Support – Communicate with customers and HQ team members to understand project requirements, substrates, application methods, and desired results.
• Lab & Equipment Management – Maintain a clean, organized, and professional matching area while properly caring for tinting, mixing, and application equipment.
• Inventory Support – Monitor tinting supplies, stains, colorants, bases, and other materials needed for daily matching operations.
• Internal Operations Support – Assist with receiving, order preparation, inventory organization, and other store operations when needed.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Previous professional paint and/or stain matching experience is required.
• Demonstrated ability to produce accurate and repeatable custom color matches.
• Strong understanding of color theory, undertones, pigments, tinting, and color adjustment.
• Experience working with professional paint, stain, coatings, and color-matching equipment.
• Understanding of how wood species, substrates, preparation, application method, and topcoat systems can affect final color and appearance.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and documentation.
• Ability to troubleshoot difficult matches and make controlled formula adjustments.
• Ability to manage multiple matching projects while maintaining accuracy and quality.
• Strong communication skills and a professional, solutions-oriented approach.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team-focused environment.

Experience & References

Because this is a specialized technical position, candidates must be able to demonstrate previous experience in paint color matching, stain matching, or professional coatings formulation.

Qualified applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Professional references who can speak to their coatings and matching experience.
• Examples or a portfolio of previous paint, stain, or custom color-matching work when available.
• A summary of the coatings, tinting systems, equipment, and product lines they have previously worked with.

A practical skills assessment may be included as part of the interview process.

Why Join HQ Paint Company?

HQ Paint Company is an independent coatings distributor serving professional painters, cabinetmakers, wood finishers, manufacturers, and other finishing professionals.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Benefits package available following Company Review and eligibility requirements.
• A specialized role where your technical experience and craftsmanship are valued.
• Opportunities to expand your knowledge of professional and industrial coating systems.
• A growing, team-oriented environment focused on quality, technical expertise, and customer service.
• The opportunity to work with premium professional and industrial coatings and finishing products.

Apply Today

HQ Paint Company is now accepting applications for an Internal Operations – Paint & Stain Matching Specialist.

If you have professional experience in paint and stain matching and take pride in producing accurate, consistent, and high-quality finishes, we would like to hear from you.

Previous matching experience and professional references are required.