EPA & Techinal Tips | Filtration & Waterborne Paints

 

Filtration & Waterborne Paints

Over a decade ago, California began passing laws to transition the collision repair industry away from solvent-based paints to waterborne paints to reduce ground level ozone. California’s regulations are being replicated across the U.S. and paint manufacturers, in turn, are expanding their waterborne paint product offering, meaning auto body shops will need to transition to waterborne paint.

Many articles have been written discussing the conversion to waterborne paint; unanimously all focus on air flow. When sprayed, waterborne paints begin to evaporate, creating a layer of humid air just above the refinished surface. Increased air flow disturbs this water vapor layer to complete the curing process. In fact, one major waterborne paint manufacturer concluded, "the most important variable in the drying process is simply air velocity."

Increased air velocity necessitates increased attention to spray booth maintenance. However, all of the efforts to keep the work area clean will become useless if your spray booth is not fitted with proper filters. Viskon-Aire offers two products specially designed for a high air flow, waterborne paint environment – the T-700/G* and Series 55.

Viskon-Aire’s T-700/G* is the industry’s premium down draft diffusion intake filter. The T-700/G* provides optimal balance between pressure drop and dust holding capacity, meaning the T-700/G* has a long operating life combined with low energy and maintenance costs. An enhanced tackifier traps paint damaging dust particles, and a temperature resistant scrim adds support and serves as the final filtration barrier. So when air flow is increased, the T-700/G* will ensure a dust-free, error-free finish.

In a cross draft environment, Viskon-Aire’s Series 55 is the waterborne filter of choice. Introduced over 20 years ago, it is still the standard by which all others are measured. Other manufacturers call their products "Series 55," but their filters lack the quality, durability and performance of a Viskon-Aire Series 55. The key differentiator is Viskon-Aire’s proprietary, "Never Dry" PBT-32™ tackifier. PBT-32™ will always retain its adhesive properties ensuring trapped dust will never unload. Competitors’ tackifiers dry over time, releasing once trapped dust to ruin an otherwise perfect finish. Converting to waterborne is a serious undertaking. Air flow is critical when going waterborne and Viskon-Aire’s spray booth filters should be a key component to every transition plan.

For assistance, please see:
Viskon-Aire’s Booth Selection Guide under the Paint Booth Resource tab at www.viskon-aire.com (viskon-aire.com/pdfs/Viskon-AireBoothGuide-2011-v2.pdf).

Article courtesy of Viskon-Aire – Air Filtration Products