"Infrared Curing" Questions & Answers

Q. My business is growing pretty fast, but why should I spend $1800-3500 on a curing unit when I don't have any serious problems with air drying or humidity?

A. Lucky you! Actually, since your shop is in the Southwest, you don't experience some of the climactic extremes some of the rest of us do. We don't know how much volume you're doing now, but in the future you've got a choice to make: Either increase your operation in terms of space and workforce (big bucks!) or automate your present refinishing setup with some curing equipment. Once you and your technicians (body and paint) become familiar with all the advantages of infrared curing, you may not have to expand your workforce as soon as you might think. Infrared does more than just cure topcoats. Smaller units are great for the shop floor for flash curing spot primer. Body filler will get a curing boost as well.

Q. We can handle the volume of business we're getting now. Our old but reliable heated, semi-downdraft booth has worked well for us. I've had very few complaints about delivery. So why should I look at curing equipment?

A. The old saying, "if it isn't broke, don't fix it", applies here. But you may be overlooking a detail that might enrich your business. There's a new breed of customer out there who enjoys owning a "perfect" car or truck. The incredible growth of detailing operations is ample evidence of that. Accordingly, there's an expansion in quick dent & ding repair that could expand your business and boost your bottom line. We assume your shop has an "old reliable" reputation for quality in your area, and we congratulate you for that. If, however, you were to be able to promise a customer his vehicle a day or two sooner than the next guy, the word would get around fast. Look at infrared drying as a means to meet the needs of the impatient customer who normally would go somewhere else for quicker delivery. Infrared curing can quickly out produce a drying oven, especially when it comes to spot repairs. Curing paint in a matter of minutes (instead of hours, or days) can open your shop up to a whole new range of customers. It's worth thinking about. Check the manufacturer directory here in Autobody Pro and ask for some infrared curing information. The manufacturer (or your jobber) can provide curing times for the paints you use. Give it a shot.

Q. Our summers are hot and humid. I was told I could remove paint "blush" with infrared. Is this true?

A. Sometimes. Wish we could promise you that it would always work, but it doesn't. You've got nothing to loose by trying, since you will definitely be repainting otherwise. Try short-wave infrared curing for 6-7 minutes at full bake. Be sure you get the recommended unit-to-panel distance right. Good luck.

Q. I'll be using some low VOC high solids paints in the near future. Are there any precautions to using IR on them?

A. Actually, high solids coatings require fewer precautions than the medium solids paints. It's necessary to allow conventional medium solids paints to flash off adequately before drying. Too quick an application of IR to medium solids paints, and you'd run the risk of skinning (hardening of the paint's surface), causing solvent entrapment and all the solvent popping that goes with it. Your high solids paint will stay open longer, allowing solvents to escape before the paint begins to harden. Bottom line: high solids paints can be zapped almost immediately. As always, check the manufacturer's specific recommendations about curing since there's always a chance for an oddball occurrence.