UV Primers
Ultraviolet (UV) primer might be pricey, but consider the advantages and you might be sold on this amazing technology.
Why You Should Replace Hand Sanding with Power Sanding
Power sanders are much faster than hand sanding, and fast is the name of the game in collision repair. So stop hand sanding and learn to love the “bomb.”
Waterborne Paint Conversion for Body Shops
Waterborne paint is the wave of the future for body shops. As environmental regulations become stricter for collision repairers, many are looking to waterborne paint to help their body shops go green. But converting to waterborne isn’t as simple as switching out paint cans. Spraybooths, spray guns and gun cleaning equipment often must be updated.
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.
Featheredge, Prime and Block is Not a Body Procedure
The EPA’s new 6H Rule proves that Featheredge, Prime and Block (FPB) is a paint procedure, not a body procedure. Here’s how the 6H Rule applies to FPB and what the possible penalties are for failing to comply.
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: No Raw Deal Here
Refinishing raw, unprimed bumper covers is more involved than refinishing primed ones. You can do a quality job by following certain steps, but you need to charge for the additional labor.
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.
A History of Automotive Finishes
Waterborne paint took many years to develop. Let’s take a look back at the very first refinish coatings and the events that occurred to lead to its development. Part 1 of a 3-part series.
Helping Paint Techs Cope with Waterborne Conversion
I’ve been spraying waterborne for three years now, and I can tell you the biggest key to success is attitude. Take a positive approach and you’ll be successful.
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.
