Ep 14. Bridge Painter

Mike Rowe heads to the Sunshine State for this episode of Dirty Jobs, where he meets Phil, a bridge painter with 20 years of experience. Phil explains that the job is not only demanding physically, but mentally as well. To paint a bridge that is hundreds of feet in the air, one must not only conquer their fear of heights, but also be meticulously precise in their work in order to protect the structure from the harsh Florida climate.

After meeting Phil, Mike is given a crash course in bridge painting. He learns that the crew must first pressure wash the bridge to remove any rust, dirt, or debris. The crew must then sand the steel in order to create a surface that the paint will adhere to. Finally, the paint is applied in several coats, taking great care to ensure that there are no drips or missed spots.

Mike is then introduced to the rest of the bridge painting crew, and dives right into the work. He dons a harness and hardhat, and is hoisted up in a cherry picker to join the crew high above the water. Mike finds the work to be both exhilarating and exhausting, and quickly learns that it requires more skill than he had anticipated.

Mike spends the day working alongside the crew, learning about the intricacies and challenges of the job. He begins to appreciate the importance of the work the painters do, and the skill and dedication required to do it well.

Throughout the episode, Mike also takes the time to explore some of the unique sights and sounds of Florida. He visits an alligator farm, and learns about the complex and dangerous work of wrangling these powerful creatures. He also goes fishing for invasive species, and learns about the impact these fish have on the local ecosystem.

As the day winds down, Mike reflects on what he has learned about the world of bridge painting. He notes that the job is often overlooked, but is essential to ensuring that bridges remain safe and functional for years to come. He expresses his gratitude to the painters who do this difficult and demanding work every day, and to the crew who welcomed him onto their team for the day.

Overall, this episode of Dirty Jobs is an entertaining, informative, and at times heartwarming look into a unique profession that is often taken for granted. Through his work with the bridge painting crew, Mike showcases the skill and dedication required to work in this field, and how important their work is to ensuring that our infrastructure remains safe and functional.