Clean, Dry Air in a Paint Shop is Critical

By - admin on February 4, 2016 in Auto Paint

If you’ve already made the move to waterborne coatings, then you know the importance of this equation: Air + Clean + Dry = stellar paint jobs, higher production and happy customers.

Clean air doesn’t necessarily need to cost more than a built-in swimming pool. Upgrading, or simply maintaining a three- or five-stage filtration system, along with a correctly sized piston compressor, can be enough.

When shopping for clean air, keep these key points in mind:

1. Is your current compressor the right fit for your shop? So many shops over-estimate their compressor needs and buy too much. Rotary screw compressors are primarily meant for continuous operations, otherwise they can unnecessarily overwork themselves in a small shop and meltdown. Take an inventory of your exact air needs used throughout a typical day and do your homework. A piston compressor just may do the trick and, they’re cheaper to maintain. Ask your compressor sales rep or tech for advice. You can also have them conduct an air audit to determine exactly how much air you’re using and how much you need.

2. When it comes to choosing a dryer, don’t skimp. Whether you’re running a high-volume solvent or waterborne shop, single pot units won’t do the job. There are a number of quality three- and five-stage units that will sufficiently dry your booth air and keep your paint jobs pristine. SATA, DeVilbiss® and RTI are solid choices.

3. An important item that is often overlooked is quality hoses. All hoses have a tendency to breakdown over a period of time due in large part to the many booth cycles of heat, not to mention being repeatedly run over by cars. Again, do your homework and shop around. DeVilbiss® and Flexzilla® are two quality hoses that come to mind.

Taking these extras measure will ensure better quality paint jobs and increase productivity.

If you have any questions, visit Martin Auto Color today and we’ll be glad to answer all your questions.

Martin Auto Color

618 San Fernando Road

San Fernando, CA  91340

Ph: (818) 365-3727