Learning the best techniques for preventing overspray can take a fair amount of trial and error. So if you’re just starting your career in the automotive painting industry or want to improve your paintwork finish, here are a few practical tips to remember when trying to minimise the effects of overspray on your work:
Use high-quality masking products
Automotive professionals should choose high quality, specialist masking products intended for the specific paint application being used. For example, specialist blending tapes can be used if the application calls for blended edges and a seamless finish between new and old paintwork. Using masking tapes and films with protective features will provide the necessary protection for any areas that aren’t being painted and help you achieve the desired finish without needing to retouch areas accidentally affected by overspray.
Adjust the spray gun to the correct settings
If the CFM is set too high on your spray gun, this could produce an excess of paint flow and create overspray on adjacent panels. Therefore, it’s worth testing the paint on a piece of cardboard to find out if the CFM settings need to be lowered or increased. A lower CFM means the pressure is lower, while a higher setting will give you a high-pressure application.
Master your technique
Your painting technique can also affect the level of overspray. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to learn and practice the best painting techniques to prevent it from becoming an issue. Pay attention to the angle and distance of the paint gun nozzle since this must be spot-on for the paint job at hand, whether you’re working on the entire car body or spot repairs. Both factors can have a big impact on the distance that your paint travels, while it’s also important to maintain a consistent distance from the target area.”
Mastering the art of preventing overspray is essential for elevating your craftsmanship and delivering excellent results. By following the techniques and precautions outlined here, you can overcome the main challenges that arise with car paint overspray. One of the best ways to prevent overspray is to use quality masking products. JTAPE offers a diverse range of masking products suited to many different repair jobs in the automotive industry, from spot repairs to paint blending. Discover our full range of products today.
— Chris Jevons, Commercial Director at JTAPE
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