Surface Preparation for Nitro Paint Course
Online 300-hour course in surface preparation for nitro paint. 6 modules covering ISO 8501-1 (preparation grades of steel), ISO 8503-1 (roughness of blast-cleaned surfaces) and advanced Excel (process sheets). Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Surface Preparation for Nitro Paint Course — studying from New Zealand
Vehicle restoration and classic engine work in New Zealand is supported by an active enthusiast community and a well-established network of specialist workshops, particularly around the main centres. Historic vehicle registration and compliance fall under the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand promotes preservation of historic vehicles. Restoration professionals often combine fabrication, engineering and heritage conservation skills.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$1,470 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is restoration engineering recognised by a professional body in New Zealand?
There is no specific statutory register for classic vehicle or heritage restoration engineers in New Zealand. Heritage matters can involve Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and vehicle roadworthiness is governed by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so their value depends on the employer or client.
Where do classic restoration specialists work in New Zealand?
Work is found in independent restoration workshops, classic car dealers, museums, and specialist fabrication businesses, many clustered around the main centres. Clients and employers usually judge by workmanship and a portfolio of completed restorations. A private qualification may complement that evidence but is rarely a deciding factor on its own.
Can I study this while running or working in a workshop here?
Yes. The course is fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home in New Zealand without a student visa. Specialist courses total 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. An assigned technical tutor supports you, and fees can be paid in instalments.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Describe the composition and behaviour of nitrocellulose paint.
Diagnose the substrate before preparation.
Strip down to bare metal safely.
Apply primers and fillers compatible with nitro.
Control the application environment and prevent defects.
Apply safety measures against flammable solvents.
Carry out a preparation project for nitro paint.
Who it's for
- Surface preparer wishing to specialise in Surface Preparation for Nitro Paint.
- Classic vehicle painter wishing to specialise in Surface Preparation for Nitro Paint.
- Classic vehicle restorer wishing to specialise in Surface Preparation for Nitro Paint.
- Paint booth technician wishing to specialise in Surface Preparation for Nitro Paint.
- Prevention technician in paint areas wishing to specialise in Surface Preparation for Nitro Paint.
- Finish quality manager wishing to specialise in Surface Preparation for Nitro Paint.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter paint workshops.
What you'll work with
- ISO 8501-1 (preparation grades of steel)
- ISO 8503-1 (roughness of blast-cleaned surfaces)
- ISO 2409 (adhesion)
- Real Decreto 117/2003 (VOCs from solvent use)
- Real Decreto 681/2003 (explosive atmospheres)
- Directiva 2004/42/CE (VOCs in paints)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1History of nitro lacquer in automotive use1.2Composition: nitrocellulose, plasticisers and resins1.3Specific solvents and thinners1.4Physical drying by evaporation1.5Advantages and limitations compared with other systems1.6VOC restrictions and current availability1.7Flammability risks1.8Safe storage of products1.9Personal protective equipment1.10Practical: preparing a nitro test sample
2.1Identifying existing layers2.2Solvent test on old paintwork2.3Incompatibilities with modern primers2.4Detecting rust beneath paint2.5Measuring total film thickness2.6Old fillers and their behaviour2.7Deciding whether to strip or sand2.8Preparation plan2.9Recording initial condition2.10Workshop: layer compatibility test
3.1Chemical stripping and its risks3.2Gentle blasting: soda and plastic3.3Controlled mechanical sanding3.4Treating residual rust3.5Degreasing and anti-silicone cleaning3.6Phosphating and conversion treatment3.7Maximum time before priming3.8Protecting treated surfaces3.9Roughness control3.10Practical: stripping a bonnet to bare metal
4.1Primers compatible with nitro4.2Sanding and fill primers4.3Fine spot putties4.4Sanding guide and flatness4.5Sealer before colour4.6Flash-off and recoat times4.7Shrinkage and sinking of primers4.8Final wet sanding4.9Cleaning prior to application4.10Laboratory: primer system on a test panel
5.1Temperature and humidity in the booth5.2Moisture blushing5.3Retarders and their use5.4Orange peel and viscosity5.5Blistering and trapped solvent5.6Cracking caused by incompatible primers5.7Dust and nib control5.8Inspection under raking light5.9Film thickness measurement before colour5.10Case study: diagnosing blushing in nitro lacquer
6.1Selecting the component6.2Substrate diagnosis6.3Preparation plan6.4Stripping and treatment6.5Primer application6.6Sanding and flatness control6.7Validation colour test6.8Process documentation6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is advanced Excel (process sheets), Elcometer ElcoMaster (measurement recording), Standowin iQ, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for stripping to bare metal, applying primers and fillers, and controlling humidity and temperature in the booth. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe the composition and behaviour of nitrocellulose paint.
Diagnose the substrate before preparation.
Strip down to bare metal safely.
Apply primers and fillers compatible with nitro.
Control the application environment and prevent defects.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses advanced Excel (process sheets), Elcometer ElcoMaster (measurement recording) and Standowin iQ. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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