SCRS Introduced Mixed Reality Painting Rental Program
Collision repair shops can now rent specialized painting simulators to train technicians and evaluate job applicants.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Job Search
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The Society of Collision Repair Specialists has launched a rental program for the Skillveri Chroma mixed reality spray painting simulator. This initiative allows shops to access professional training technology without the upfront costs of equipment ownership.
Why it matters
High material costs and extensive training requirements often create barriers for small businesses looking to onboard new staff. Providing flexible access to advanced simulation tools helps shops streamline their hiring and training processes.
The program offers rental periods ranging from two weeks to one year, with a two-week term priced at $1,000 and a one-month term at $1,750. Shops may also opt for remote training sessions at a fee of $700.
The players
Society of Collision Repair Specialists
This trade association represents the interests of the automotive collision repair industry through advocacy, education, and technical resources.
The details
The Skillveri Chroma system uses industry-grade HVLP refinish guns and a wireless headset to provide live performance guidance and evaluation. Rental kits include the headset, spray gun, screen casting gear, and transport materials, all managed via the SCRS member dashboard.
Timeline
The program was officially announced on October 12, 2026.
Welding and refinishing competitions are scheduled for November 2026.
Market Landscape
The move toward shared-access simulation technology mirrors a broader transition in the automotive trades toward digitized, on-demand training models. This strategy allows smaller repair facilities to remain competitive against larger franchises that own proprietary training infrastructure.
Repair shops can reduce the financial barrier of training new technicians by opting for rentals rather than full equipment purchases. Staff can now expect more consistent training experiences that mirror real-world refinishing tasks using high-grade HVLP equipment.
The takeaway
Adopting simulator-based training can significantly lower overhead by reducing the waste of physical painting materials during the learning phase. Businesses should evaluate their current turnover rates to determine if a short-term rental is more cost-effective than ongoing traditional training.
What happens next
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists will host welding and refinishing competitions at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November 2026.
Further reading
For more information on how shops are evolving their hiring practices, visit the Job Search section.
More information
To book equipment, visit the SCRS Skillveri rental booking portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BodyShop Business.
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