To correctly apply clear coat to the bodywork of a car, it is necessary to have a series of tools, equipment and products that enable this application to be carried out with maximum convenience, efficiency and quality guarantees, to achieve an excellent final result.
The car clear coat or lacquer is only applied when painting in its two-layer system and is optional to improve resistance when the part is coated with paint. These are the tools necessary for application of the clear coat:
Precision scale
Essential for weighing the clear coat, hardener and/or solvent thinner and to obtain the perfect dosage of each component. These scales may or may not be associated with control software (used in the various stages of car refinishing). There are scales with a display on the base or a display on a pedestal, and with different weighing capacity (usually between 7 and 35 kg).
Stirrer
For the perfect mixing and homogenization of the various components in the coating phase. Stirrers can be metallic (with a specific ruler) or plastic, with or without holes.
Applicator gun
The spray gun, besides facilitating the application of the clear coat, also facilitates the correct reproduction of the original finish of the car’s bodywork. There are different types according to their transfer rate, the most recommended being high transfer/hybrid type “RP”. For lacquer application, we recommend 1.2 ⌀ or 1.4 ⌀ nozzles.
Pressure gauge
The pressure gauge is used to control the inlet air pressure to the spray gun in order to adjust it to the manufacturer’s instructions, according to the type of gun used, and to compensate for the pressure loss caused by the inner section and the length of the hose. Spray guns are available with pressure measurement in bar, psi or both scales, analogue or digital, and with a quick connection thread.
Hoses
The main function of the hose is to channel the compressed air from the maintenance unit to the spray gun. They can be classified according to their inner diameter (generally 6 and 9 mm), whether they are spiral or flexible and continuous, or according to their power outlet (traditional quick or safety). There are also anti-static guns and guns with an air heater to reduce humidity.
Compressed air installation
The applicator gun, pressure gauge and hose require the installation of compressed air in order to be used. This equipment generates and supplies a constant air flow in optimal conditions (no impurities, no humidity, etc.). There are a number of variants, such as the screw type, recommended for the paint and body shop, and the piston type. They are distinguished according to the power, the capacity of the pressure tank and the flow rate capable of supplying the compressor. They may or may not integrate a dryer to remove the water produced by condensation.
Booth
The booth enables application in ideal environmental conditions and facilitates subsequent drying. It can be powered by diesel or gas and may or may not have a drying function. There are several types of booth on the market with varying dimensions, power, lighting, and air supply and extraction capacity. They are also available with partially or fully grated and filtered floors and may include carbon filters that trap organic vapors (VOCs).
Spray gun washer
Although there are painters who prefer to carry out this process manually, the spray gun washer facilitates a more efficient washing of the gun and the painting tools, to speed up and deepen manual cleaning. You can find washers on the market that are specific for solvent or water-based products. They can be composed with or without tray integration and extraction for manual washing, and with automatic washing compartment lid retention systems to avoid accidents.
Infrared
These infrared lamps are used to speed up the drying process if the booth is not equipped with a drying system. The most recommended and effective are short wave ones, but there are also medium and long wave options.
These are the 9 tools necessary for the application of clear coat, helping you to achieve an optimal final result, providing convenience when working and helping you to reduce time.
