Converting a Body Shop to Waterborne Paint: What to Expect
After eight years working with waterborne basecoats, I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly. Here’s a no-frills, firsthand account of my experience.
Tips for Metallic Paint Jobs
There will always be metallic colors that are virtually impossible to blend out nicely, and “tracking” will always be a concern. But there are steps painters can take to make these colors as painless as possible.
TECH FEATURE: The Case of the Murdered Paint Job
A horrible paint job. A miffed vehicle owner. An upset insurance company. We were out to crack the case. And everyone and everything were suspects.
Preparing a Body Shop for Waterborne Paint Conversion
Waterborne is better for the environment and has some unique and beneficial advantages. But it isn’t a switch that should be made on a whim.
Part 3 of a three-part series.
Equipment Needed for Waterborne Conversion
Transitioning to waterborne basecoats will require obtaining new equipment and retrofitting some existing equipment. Are you prepared? Part 2 of a three-part series on waterborne paint.
Take Pride in Paint Prep
Every botched job I see reminds me of the lack of pride some techs and painters have in their work. Having a plan and following your paint system’s handbook goes a long way toward avoiding such disasters.
Talking to Body Shops that Have Made Waterborne Conversion
A check in with body shops on their progress in transitioning to waterborne paint reveals no major problems…as long as paint manufacturers’ guidelines are strictly adhered to.
It’s a Dirty Job
Dirt happens in the paint process. But there are some things you can do to keep it to a minimum and deliver the highest quality paint job to your customer.
See the Light: The Importance of Good Lighting
Too many body shops work under poor lighting. But good lighting is absolutely
crucial if a shop wants to do quality work
in an efficient manner.
Chalk One Up for the Little Guy
My firsthand account of taking Progressive to small claims court over refinish time…and winning.
Make Way for Waterborne
The use of waterborne paint by body shops will soon be mandated in California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District. The technology is likely to reach everyone some day, so here’s what you need to know.
No Scuff ’n Shoot Here
The mindset that car refinishing is easy seems to be spreading throughout the industry. But there are no shortcuts to perfect paint jobs, and thorough prep work is essential to a lasting, quality repair.
