Cure Car Paint

This blog will tell you the correct way to cure paint, which is a crucial step when you are repairing your vehicle’s paintwork. It is important to know that this also applies if your car has been repaired by a body shop or garage. You may not realise that the paint is cured when you pick it up.

Water, dirt, and even strong airflows can reduce the quality of paint finishes. You won’t achieve the glossy, gleaming look you expect.

InfraTech Infrared Solutions knows all about paint curing, and how to use it in the automotive industry. InfraTech, a supplier of infrared curing lamps for paint, has seen its products used by many car body shops and detailing companies. The company has worked with many big clients, including Formula One teams like Mercedes and McLaren. These curing lamps can be used in many industries, including aerospace, textiles, manufacturing, and maritime.

InfraTech provides some insights into paint curing and the various techniques you can employ to achieve the best possible solution.

What is Paint Curing?

There are two important timeframes to consider when applying a fresh coat of paint to any material.

Paint drying is a process that can take several hours. It involves the solvents in paint evaporating, causing the paint to change from a liquid into a solid. Even though paint may feel dry, the chemical reaction is not complete.

Paint Curing occurs when this final reaction chemical takes place. The paint coating is fully bonded to the base material when curing takes place. This complete solution, which is usually irreversible, provides the final chemical reaction.

Air Drying

The air drying technique is a simple and inexpensive way to cure paint. This involves exposing the paint to air with average humidity and temperatures. This technique may involve hot air drying, where an engineer uses the painting booth to circulate hot air back into the environment. It has been proven that a higher temperature accelerates the process, acting as a catalyst and ensuring the paint hardens quicker.

The drying process can consume a large amount of energy, which will affect your electricity costs and the impact on the environment. The efficiency and quality of the drying process can be affected by external factors, such as the air quality and temperature, the humidity and the boundary layers. This air drying method can take several hours and the vehicle must be kept clean and dry during this time.

Infrared Drying

Infratech is one of the most effective methods for paint cure. Infrared radiation is used as an energy source in this technique. Infrared lamp emits invisible rays which can reach scorching temperature, making this a viable option for curing paint.

The lamp does not require direct contact to the vehicle because of the way infrared waves travel. The lamp can be mounted at a distance, making it easier and safer.

It can only take a few moments to do the job. Infrared lights are extremely efficient and consume little energy. This means that garages, body shops and other businesses will save money and time. Infratech makes this one of its main selling points. The lamp can be used to cure paint while companies focus on other tasks.