By Challener, Cynthia
Publication: JCT CoatingsTech
Date: Thursday, April 1 2004

Paint application technology depends on the type of coating and the nature of the substrate. The major types of coatings--liquid, powder, UV-curable--are all applied using different methods. Choice of technique can also be determined by the specific application. Architectural coatings are applied differently than industrial and automotive finishes. Liquid coatings can be applied with brushes, using spray technology, or via continuous methods such as roll, curtain, and air knife technology. The application of powder coatings is typically done via electrostatic spray technology. UV-cured coatings, which can be solvent-free, water-based formulations, or powder materials, can be applied in a variety of ways. No matter what the coating type or the application methodology, transfer efficiency and uniformity remain the critical parameters that continue to be addressed by research and development efforts.

Spray systems are one of the most prevalent technologies for applying paint to various substrates. There are three major types of spray systems--those that are air driven, those that are airless, and those that rely on electrostatic interactions to attract the coating to the surface. Liquid paint sprayed via air spray or high volume low pressure (HVLP) techniques can be found in automotive, refinish, wood, and general industrial applications. Airless systems are typically used by painting contractors for residential repair, new construction, maintenance, and institutional applications. Both liquid and powder coatings can be applied using electrostatic techniques. Manual and automatic electrostatic systems are used by the metal finishing, custom coating, and OEM markets including automotive, appliance, lawn and garden, and general metals.

The key issue for manufacturers of paint application equipment is the need to meet customer demands for increased efficiencies in the paint application process. "Suppliers need to bring to the market products that allow users of paint application equipment to do more with less time, effort, or expense," says Larry Robertson, general manager with Azimuth Spray Systems, LLC.