Auto body shops can turn out perfect paint jobs because they use professional-quality tools. Many auto repair enthusiasts carry out repair projects at home but fail to reach the standards set by professionals, because they do not have the same resources. A high-quality paint job is difficult to achieve in outside conditions with aerosol paints, but sourcing and using the same tools that professional sprayers use can help to improve results.
Random Orbital Sanders
Good preparation is the key to any successful paint job. Random orbital sanders, usually powered by compressed air, are used to perfect repairs. Abrasive discs are stuck to the sander's pad; when the lever is pressed, the mechanism of the sander moves the pad in oscillating circles so that old paint edges on auto-body panels are feathered out to a completely flat finish. The auto body panels are subsequently primed and rubbed down before painting begins.
Spray Guns
Modern body shops use high volume, low-pressure (HVLP) spray guns. The guns, with adapted chambers that promote the smooth flow of paint, are precision-engineered to make color application as accurate as possible. HVLP spray guns are air-powered and must be plugged into an air line before use. Each spray gun has a number of different controls to adjust the fan width of paint and restrict the amount of material being released. Most manufacturers have different guns that can be used for applying water-based paints, primers and clear coats.
Fluid Nozzle and Air Caps
Fluid nozzles and air caps are fitted to spray guns to establish greater control over paint products. The fluid nozzles are engineered to a specific size and allow the paint to pass through to the air cap at a predetermined viscosity. The more the paint is thinned, the faster it will flow through the nozzle. Once the paint reaches the air cap, it is atomized to create a fine mist that eases application. All paint products are supplied with technical data sheets that offer recommendations of the correct-sized fluid nozzle and air cap.
Machine Polishers
Home-project paint sprayers often believe that the painting process is the final stage of the job, but most vehicles are improved by a machine polisher once the topcoat is dry. Blemishes in the paintwork, such as grit or small runs, are sanded out with a piece of abrasive clay bar. A tiny amount of cutting compound is smeared over the dulled paintwork, and the machine polisher oscillates to restore the shine.
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