The changing weather conditions can make Autumn and Winter a tricky time for bodyshops. Craig Bourke gives his advice on how to deal with these challenges
Let’s talk about possible changes that can affect bodyshops in the Autumn/Winter in the UK
Autumn/Winter in the UK can be a challenging period for painters, thanks to the seasonal extremes that we experience often having a major impact on a painter’s working day. Fortunately, there are a few things that we can incorporate day-to-day to make it far less challenging. This article will highlight some of the things we can put in place.
The majority of the products that we use tend to refer to 20°c as the optimal temperature, (or as I call it “the magic number”) on technical data sheets (TDS). Deviating from this recommendation can have an impact on various things from the spray viscosity, to drying times in-between coats. This in turn may have a detrimental impact on the quality and consistency of your work.
Why do I need to regulate the temperature of products?
Products are like porridge!
If paint/products are kept at a different temperature to that recommended on the TDS this may lead to some issues that need to be dealt with. If we think of this in terms of Goldilocks’ porridge – “just right” – not too hot, not too cold. We need to have this mindset with the paint and materials we use and think about where we are storing them.
One issue that can occur if products are not stored at the recommended temperature is that you may encounter difficulties when mixing them with other products. The product’s manufacturer will recommend what temperature to store their product at. They will also give you mixing ratios to follow when mixing the product with things such as thinners. However, this ratio will only work if the original product has been stored at the recommended temperature in the first place. Deviation from this temperature will throw mixing ratios off-balance meaning that the viscosity (thickness) of the product will not be ideal. Too viscus (thick) and you will work harder to achieve that nice glass-like finish. Not viscus enough (too thin) and paint runs could be a common sight.
What can we do in the bodyshop?
It is advised that paint and products are stored in a temperature-controlled mixing room to regulate temperature throughout the seasons. Explosion-proof heaters and a well-insulated room can help maintain a temperature-controlled environment for the storage of your paint.
How are drying times affected by colder temperatures?
In general paint dries slower in colder temperatures. Here, we will mainly be discussing water-based paint which is affected the most. This is due to the slow evaporation time of the water. The warmer the temperature, the faster the evaporation of water. However, we must try to resist the temptation of raising the booth temperature whilst spraying as this could result in skinning over the basecoat. Also, doing this may have a negative impact on your booth running costs, and the environment. Instead, it is better to have a consistent, controlled temperature and good air movement by use of blowers.
What can we do in the bodyshop?
Technology has advanced massively over the years. Heated airline systems are becoming more commonplace in the refinishing industry.
These systems produce warm air through the airline as you are spraying or when using air blowers for drying paint. They offer speed, control and efficiency whilst producing optimal results and getting the full potential out of your products. In light of the current energy crisis there has never been a better time to look at cost-saving options such as this.
One thing that is often overlooked is the importance of a filter change in your booth. As I mentioned above, air circulation helps massively to dry paint. Delaying filter changes could mean less air movement, which in turn can lead to slower than needed drying times.
Also, make sure seals on your booth doors are in good serviceable condition to help maintain and regulate the temperature inside the booth.
I think one thing that we will all agree on is that the rise in energy prices could mean that this winter could be one of the most challenging and costly that most of us have ever seen. Being smart about the implementing some of the above could help reduce this and soften the blow.
