Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to match and make up colours for surfaces which have previously been coated or polished, or for new work which must match existing work or specified sample.

Application of the unit 

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan and prepare work

1.1. Work instructions are used to determine job requirements, including design, colour, finish process and quality

1.2. OHS requirements, including personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work

1.3. Colour matching aids and colouring materials are accessed and readied for use

1.4. Types of colouring materials are identified and prepared for colouring task

1.5. Tools, equipment and accessories are identified and checked for safe and effective operation

2. Match colours

2.1. Surfaces are cleaned and prepared to enable accurate colour matching

2.2. Characteristics of the surface and the impact of these on colouring are taken into account

2.3. Techniques for colour application are identified and selected according to workplace practices

2.4. Properties of colouring agents are assessed in relation to the specific circumstances

2.5. Colour matching techniques are applied to identify most likely fits in terms of product, colour and application techniques

2.6. Colour matching outcomes are confirmed through trials of proposed products, colours and application techniques

2.7. Colour matching formulae are recorded to enterprise or industry standards

3. Make up colours

3.1. Product quantities are identified from client demand or accurate assessment of coating/colouring requirement

3.2. Colouring additives are calculated from manufacturer specifications

3.3. Colouring additives are accurately measured and blended with the base product

4. Apply colours

4.1. Colour solution is applied in accordance with selected application techniques and workplace procedures

4.2. Colour application is constantly checked against sample colour

4.3. Surface is inspected for faults in applied colour film and defects are rectified

4.4. Coloured or matched up surface is sealed with finishing material in accordance with job specification and workplace procedures

5. Clean up

5.1. Colouring materials are stored and labelled ready for next process

5.2. Waste and unwanted material is disposed of safely and in accordance with relevant environmental regulations

5.3. Unused materials are sealed and stored

5.4. Tools and equipment are cleaned, maintained and stored

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• collect, organise and understand information related to colour matching processes, products and techniques, work orders, plans, and safety procedures
• communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with site supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
• plan and organise activities, including the preparation and layout of the worksite and the obtaining of equipment and materials to avoid any backtracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
• work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
• use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area, calculate colouring ratios and estimate material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate colour matching problems, avoid re-working and wastage
• use the limited workplace technology related to colour matching aids, tools, equipment, calculators and measuring devices

Required knowledge 

• the types, characteristics and degradation patterns of coatings and stains
• the properties of coated and stained surface materials and the impact of these on colouring
• the types, characteristics, uses and limitations of colouring agents
• the types, uses and limitations of matching aids
• product catalogues and other information systems
• material safety management systems and related safety requirements

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical Aspects of Evidence 

• Locate, interpret and apply information relevant to the colour matching equipment
• Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:

• minimise the risk of injury to self and others
• prevent damage to goods, equipment and products
• maintain required production output and product quality

• Accurately colour match using pigments and/or stains on a minimum of five occasions
• Record colour formulae for production situations
• Work effectively with others

Resource Implications 

Safe work area, sample colouring requirements, colouring agents, base coating products, mixing and testing equipment and cleaning equipment and materials.

Method of Assessment 

Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.

Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge.

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other relevant units of competency.

Context of Assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Unit context 

• OHS requirements may include legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous substances and dangerous goods codes and local safe operating procedures
• Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements
• Work requires individuals to demonstrate some discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the accurate matching of colours

Tools and equipment may include :

• mixing pots
• brushes
• spray equipment and mechanical mixer/vibrator
• colour rubber
• colour wad

Materials may include :

• spirit-based stains
• pigments
• lacquers
• oil varnish
• two-part polyurethane
• methylated spirits
• lacquer thinners
• mineral turpentine and polish

Colouring agents may include :

• pigments
• dyes
• stains
• universal tinters and toning lacquer

Properties of colouring agents may include but not be limited to :

• colour
• specific gravity
• staining power
• refractive power
• texture
• durability
• opacity
• spreading power
• toxicity and oil absorptive power

Personal protective equipment 

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices

Information and procedures 

• Manufacturer specifications and operational procedures
• Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
• Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

Unit sector 

Furniture Finishing

Competency field 

Co-requisite units