Paint Process Part 2

Are you wasting paint? Raw material costs have a heavy effect on the bottom line of any manufacturer. In our last issue, we discussed two of four simple ways (correct spray tip size and fluid pressure settings) to help improve the efficiency of your paint process. In this issue, we will discuss using proper Spray Technique and Spray Gun Extensions.

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There are many techniques to applying a coating to a shed. Ultimately, if the finished product is acceptable then you have accomplished the finishing goal. However, that does not mean you were “efficient”. What if you could get that same acceptable appearance but use less paint and take less time??

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There are five basic principles to applying coatings to a shed with an airless or airassisted airless sprayer. Following these principles will allow you to use less paint, reduce your painting time per shed, and get a better finish. The five principles for applying your coatings are proper distance from the part, correct speed of spraying, 50% overlap of your spray pattern, bending your knees, and using a Spray Gun Extension.

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Distance: Spray tips are designed to give their best performance roughly 12” from the part. When held too close you will get too heavy a finish, when held too far away the majority of your coating will not make it on to the shed. Proper gun distance from the shed will result in the best available finish.
Speed: There is not one set speed to properly apply coatings to a shed-each painter will spray at different speeds according to their experience/training. Moving too fast, the painter will not get enough coating on and will have to repeat the process to get the required appearance. Moving too slowly will result in excess coating being applied, and the chance for paint runs happening that will need to be fixed. Incorrect painting speed will cost you time and/or paint. You want to find the right speed for applying an even coat at 12” from the part with the proper tip size. It can take some practice but it can have a significant effect on your efficiency.
50% Overlap—Most sheds are painted with a vertical spray pattern (painting up and down). After the painter makes their first pass, move over roughly 50% from the previously painted surface to make your next pass. By overlapping, you will achieve a more even coat. If you do not overlap then you are susceptible to getting light spots or even stripes in your finish. These can require additional coats to fix. If you are using a Semi-Transparent coating the 50% overlap is critical to getting a consistent look. 50% overlap is also key when using a coating designed for 1 coat coverage.
Bend your knees: To maintain 12” from the surface at all times the painter should be bending their knees. We see painters standing stiff and just moving their arms. This will cause your coating to be heavy directly in front of the HOW EFFICIENT IS MY PAINT PROCESS? PART 2 painter and light above and below them. By bending their knees, the painter will produce a much more uniform coating on the shed.
Spray Gun Extension. The last aspect to achieving an efficient, acceptable paint job is using a Spray Gun Extension (wand). This is a very effective tool that we unfortunately do not see enough shops utilizing. Spray Gun Extensions come in different lengths. The most common lengths are 10” and 12” (extensions are available from 6”-144”). The extension attaches to your gun where your tip guard normally attaches, with your tip and guard attaching to the end of the extension. This allows your painter to insure the gun/tip are pointed directly at the building when they are reaching up to spray high points on the walls/gables or down to spray the lower portions. They can also reduce the amount of time needed on a ladder (and increase safety) because you can now spray from the ground. When you do not use an extension there is a tendency to try to reach portions of the building from too far away, causing paint to go into the air and not on the part.

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Applying the above five principles will give you the opportunity to increase your painting profitability. Please reach out to your local Pittsburgh Paints Tru-Industrial Specialist to further discuss painting tips.

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We hope that you will find this information useful and it will help to improve the efficiency of your paint process and ultimately improve your profits. If you would like to subscribe/unsubscribe or view older issues please contact us at sheds@pittsburghpaints.com.