Pinstriping Possibilities
Your techs don’t need the artistic skills of Picasso to repair or create pinstriping patterns. With a small investment in tools and supplies, they can accent customers’ vehicles — and your bottom line.
Ending The Blending Debate
The issue isn’t about whether or not you should blend — make it a standard operating policy and just do it! The issue is about blending correctly, meeting vehicle owners expectations and getting paid by insurers.
Stuck On Plastics: Adhesion Problems
Ever had a flaky experience when refinishing plastic parts? You’re not alone. To help prevent further adhesion problems, consider these common-sense cures — used by a pro whose history with plastics is long and sordid.
The Science of Paint
Funky flakes and effect pigments aren’t new, but it wasn’t until OEMs determined they were lucrative that they showed up on production vehicles. Now we’ve got rainbow, holograph and even glass-chip effects.
Waste Not, Want Not
Utilizing a computerized paint-management system decreases paint waste, reduces repair costs and increases profits.
Buying Power: Downdraft Spraybooths
Thinking about purchasing a new downdraft spraybooth or prep station? If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.
The Powder Paint Project
To create a cleaner, greener automotive paint, the Big Three are collaborating to put powder coatings on cars – and to send solvent clearcoats the way of dinosaurs.
Peak Performance: Maintaining the Equipment in Your Paint Shop
The investment in a state-of-the-art paint department can be mind boggling.
Among the Elite
Name: Elite Auto Painting and Body Repair Location: Modesto, Calif. Owner: Moises Martinez Established: 1994 Square Footage: 18,000 Number of Employees: 16 Repair Volume: 120 to 140 vehicles per month Average Repair Ticket: $2,100 Making good decisions has become a habit for Moises Martinez. Start with the 34-year-old’s decision to open his own shop after
Why Weld Plastics?
It’s not unheard of for someone to ask, “Why even bother with plastic welding?” The answer: It can be a cost-effective repair method for many plastics that you’d normally throw out.