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Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. It is easy to miss out on key factors that lead to contamination when it comes to refinishing a vehicle.
What is contamination? It is a visible defect caused by particles landing on the surface of the refinishing material. Some of the causes of contamination are: improper surface cleaning, dirty air hose, too much air flow in a paint booth, and spray equipment that is not clean. Another cause is a paint suit that has particles like metal shavings or dirt attached to it.
Cleaning out the paint booth regularly to reduce the number of particles that can be sent airborne during the refinishing process. Making sure that the filters are not clogged and restricting airflow to ensure proper airflow in the booth. The vehicle should be blown off and cleaned with the recommended cleaner, and wiped with a tack cloth before refinishing to gather contaminants off the surface. Air hoses can collect dirt and other materials over time, and should be cleaned prior to, or covered during the refinishing process. Check that the spray gun being used is clean. A dirty air hose can spray contaminants through the fluid tip or air cap onto the refinishing surface.
These are just a few examples on how contamination can occur and how to prevent it. Always follow standard operating procedures and keep the work area clean to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.
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Article validated in 2025