Finishing Solutions

Industrial Finishing Expertise

Articles & Case Studies

This collection of articles, case studies and videos provides the knowledge you need to move beyond finishing challenges. Check them all out or select the topic that interests you the most.

Applications

The Art of Wood Finishing

It takes a commitment to craftsmanship to bring the repeatable finish quality expected of today's woodworkers. Fortunately, there are four easy ways to improve the challenging wood finishing process.

Demo Proves Pivotal in Move to Automation

Realistic test shows flocking team how to solve overspray, pot life and process control problems.

Using Electrostatics to Spray Waterborne Paint

Explore why and how manufacturers can benefit from using electrostatic equipment to spray waterborne material.

Finishing Solutions for Backlit Displays

Get the precision needed to ensure the icon on the display is vividly illuminated.

What is Paint Degradation?

Paint degradation affects manufacturers who use metallics for high quality surface finishes. As metallic paint circulates, it can get so damaged that it must be discarded.

Finishing Solutions for Automotive Components

Get the flexibility to apply primers, base coats, and top coats with a single system.

Can I Use Paint Sprayers to Disinfect or Sanitize Surfaces?

Industrial finishing experts answer questions about using airless and/or electrostatic paint spray guns to disinfectant, sanitize or deodorize surfaces.

Finishing Solutions for Wood Products and Furniture

Easily manage frequent color changes, while reducing material waste.

Finishing Solutions for Non-Destructive Testing

Use the right equipment for even and complete coverage for non-destructive testing applications.

Finishing Solutions for Cookware

Cookware products need to be sprayed with a number of high performance coatings to meet the needs of professional and home chefs.

Finishing Solutions for Aerospace and Defense

Using automation to paint aircraft ensures a controlled processes and reduction in operator related errors.

Finishing Solutions for Glass Coatings

Easily coat glass bottles, inside or out, with one easy-to-use system.

Finishing Solutions for Wheel and Rim Manufacturers

Easily apply spray finishes that vary from luxurious metallic chrome for sports cars to matte black for off-road vehicles.

Finishing Solutions for Electronics

Apply an even and uniform coating on electronic devices for a beautiful appearance.

Finishing Solutions for Cylinders and Tanks

Quickly change colors or spray different types of material on the same system.

Finishing Solutions for Agriculture and Construction Equipment Manufacturing

Get a durable, fine finish paint coating with Graco's Finishing equipment.

Finishing Solutions for Industrial Components

Use less paint, spend less on disposal costs and shorten color change time.

Finishing Solutions for Mold Release

Make sure your mold release agent is applied evenly so the foam part can be easily removed from the mold.

Finishing Solutions for Footwear & Apparel

Plural component proportioners can make sure your shoe is released from the mold without defects.

Finishing Solutions for Cosmetics

Create the perfect look for your packaging appearance and reduce costs with a single system.
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Automation

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Explained

What’s a PLC and why should I care? This video explains what a Programmable Logic Controller is and how it can help you save money.

How to Make Your Factory Paint Mix Room Industry 4.0 Ready

Advanced control and interconnectivity are key components to making factory paint mixing rooms Industry 4.0 ready.

Automotive Tier 1 Supplier Accomplishes More with Less Equipment

ProMix PD enables paint line to do the work of eight robots with only four.

Demo Proves Pivotal in Move to Automation

Realistic test shows flocking team how to solve overspray, pot life and process control problems.

Manufacturer Cuts Paint Defects in Half

Robotic paint line upgrades electrostatic sprayers for better finish quality, less downtime and more material savings.

Guitar Maker Improves Pass Rate by 90 Percent

Proven presets put painting robots back in spray booth.

Manufacturer Improves Cleanliness, Cuts Downtime in Robotic Paint Booths

New air cap needs less cleaning and delivers more transfer efficiency with rotary bell atomizer.

Robotic Paint Line Improves Reliability with New Electrostatic Gun Standard

Graco automatic air spray gun extinguishes issues with Ransburg models.

Air Cap Upgrade Saves Over $16,000 in Annual Paint Costs

Rotary bell atomizer maximizes efficiency of factory paint line.

No PLC Programming Required for Electrostatic Rotary Bell Atomization

Chemists easily adjust paint spray patterns and run waterborne electrostatics with ProBell.

Piggable Pumps Keep Up with Automated Paint Line Demands

Endura-Flo continues running through frequent color changes, when other pumps leak in automotive paint kitchen.

Upgrade Advances Paint Line Production and Innovation

New rotary bell atomizer air caps reduce downtime for cleaning and extend uptime for production.

Finishing Solutions for Backlit Displays

Get the precision needed to ensure the icon on the display is vividly illuminated.

Finishing Solutions for Automotive Components

Get the flexibility to apply primers, base coats, and top coats with a single system.

A Smart Manufacturing Solution for Precise Fluid Specs

PLC network easily communicates with bar code scanning equipment to provide out-of-the-box automation for heavy equipment manufacturer.

Paint Kitchen Automation Cleans Up Inefficient Mess

Heavy-duty lift truck paint line moves forward with automation and remote paint room monitoring.

3 Steps to Reduce VOCs in Paint Lines

To minimize VOCs, manufacturing companies are looking for ways to reduce paint and solvent waste with more efficient equipment and automated processes.

Finishing Solutions for Wood Products and Furniture

Easily manage frequent color changes, while reducing material waste.

5 Reasons to Say Yes to Automated Paint Lines and Robots

Investing in automation and robotic technology is the focus for many industrial factories. Automating your paint line can streamline your operation, improve quality of output and maximize your production.

Why Automation or Painting Robots for Liquid Finishing?

Asking the right questions sets the stage for a successful move from manual to automated processes. Graco’s senior product manager for automation answers common questions about automating liquid finishing operations.

Why You Should Automate Your Paint Booth

Easy-to-integrate automation technology can significantly improve manufacturing profitability. It’s no wonder smart manufacturers are making the switch to automated paint booths.

Finishing Solutions for Non-Destructive Testing

Use the right equipment for even and complete coverage for non-destructive testing applications.

Finishing Solutions for Cookware

Cookware products need to be sprayed with a number of high performance coatings to meet the needs of professional and home chefs.

Finishing Solutions for Aerospace and Defense

Using automation to paint aircraft ensures a controlled processes and reduction in operator related errors.

Finishing Solutions for Glass Coatings

Easily coat glass bottles, inside or out, with one easy-to-use system.

Finishing Solutions for Wheel and Rim Manufacturers

Easily apply spray finishes that vary from luxurious metallic chrome for sports cars to matte black for off-road vehicles.

Finishing Solutions for Electronics

Apply an even and uniform coating on electronic devices for a beautiful appearance.

Finishing Solutions for Cylinders and Tanks

Quickly change colors or spray different types of material on the same system.

Finishing Solutions for Agriculture and Construction Equipment Manufacturing

Get a durable, fine finish paint coating with Graco's Finishing equipment.

Finishing Solutions for Industrial Components

Use less paint, spend less on disposal costs and shorten color change time.

Finishing Solutions for Mold Release

Make sure your mold release agent is applied evenly so the foam part can be easily removed from the mold.

Finishing Solutions for Footwear & Apparel

Plural component proportioners can make sure your shoe is released from the mold without defects.

Finishing Solutions for Cosmetics

Create the perfect look for your packaging appearance and reduce costs with a single system.

Trying something new? Don’t miss out on the R&D tax credit

Many manufacturers are eligible, but only 1 in 20 claim it. You may be surprised about what qualifies as research and development.

Finishing Solutions for Aluminum Extrusions & Panels

Paint automation can improve quality and decrease cost.

Automating Your Paint Line: What Parts Should You Consider

These guidelines can help you determine the best parts and processes to automate in your manufacturing painting line.

Automating Your Paint Line: How to Know When You’re Ready

Have you ever wondered if automation might be the right choice for your paint line? Determine if automation is a good fit for your plant.

Automated Rotary Bell Controls Improve Plant Efficiency

Manual control panels not only look outdated, they cause inefficiencies not conducive to fast-paced manufacturing.

Soft-Touch Paint Gaining Market Share

Soft touch paint creates a high-end appearance with lower cost materials. Learn about some considerations for adding soft touch to your paint line.
Previous Slide

Case Studies & Success Stories

Low Shear BPR Saves Color, Satisfies Top Management

Major automotive company solves paint shear problem and meets manufacturing color specifications with Graco’s low shear back pressure regulator

New Air Assist Spray Guns Keep Cabinet Maker on Cutting Edge

Cabinet maker sees improvements in ease of use, air use, maintenance, and finish quality during PerformAA field trial.

Painters Prove Pivotal in Waterborne Electrostatic Gun Design

Factory feedback strengthens durability of externally charged paint spray gun.

Annual Energy Savings Exceeds $15,000

Manufacturer also cuts compressed air consumption by 66 percent with Graco’s radial piston agitator.

Woodshop Improves Quality and Productivity while Reducing Material and Solvent Use

Employees prefer air-assisted spray guns. Customers notice smoother finish.

Paint Efficiency Audit Shows Huge Savings

Cabinet manufacturer meets production goals with ProMix PD2K Dual Panel Acid Catalyst.

Tier 1 Automotive Supplier Speeds Up Production

New air caps on rotary bell atomizers help increase transfer efficiency by 15 percent.

Automotive Tier 1 Supplier Accomplishes More with Less Equipment

ProMix PD enables paint line to do the work of eight robots with only four.

Demo Proves Pivotal in Move to Automation

Realistic test shows flocking team how to solve overspray, pot life and process control problems.

Paint Integrity Remains Critical to Aerospace Industry

Tier 1 aircraft manufacturer finds a way to keep material on-ratio throughout induction time and application onto fuselages and cockpits.

Equipment Upgrade Eliminates Downtime and Waste

Electric supply pump adds 90 minutes to production. Electrostatic paint sprayer saves 200 gallons.

Manufacturer Cuts Paint Defects in Half

Robotic paint line upgrades electrostatic sprayers for better finish quality, less downtime and more material savings.

Guitar Maker Improves Pass Rate by 90 Percent

Proven presets put painting robots back in spray booth.

Manufacturer Improves Cleanliness, Cuts Downtime in Robotic Paint Booths

New air cap needs less cleaning and delivers more transfer efficiency with rotary bell atomizer.

Furniture Company Better Manages Tough Acid Catalyst Application

Mix-on-demand wood finishing system handles harsh varnish with zero off-ratio rejects.

Robotic Paint Line Improves Reliability with New Electrostatic Gun Standard

Graco automatic air spray gun extinguishes issues with Ransburg models.

Air Cap Upgrade Saves Over $16,000 in Annual Paint Costs

Rotary bell atomizer maximizes efficiency of factory paint line.

Closed Loop Flow Control Reduces Material Usage By Up to 40%

ProControl 1KE Plus brings more efficient spraying to commercial vehicle component finishing facility.

Machine Shop Learns Not All Electrostatic Gun Brands are Equal

Graco paint spray gun provides provides the durability, quality and service needed after frustration with cheaper brand.

No PLC Programming Required for Electrostatic Rotary Bell Atomization

Chemists easily adjust paint spray patterns and run waterborne electrostatics with ProBell.
Previous Slide

Cost Reduction

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Explained

What’s a PLC and why should I care? This video explains what a Programmable Logic Controller is and how it can help you save money.

How to Choose the Right Paint Mixing Machine

Using electronic proportioning systems can save time and money but how do you choose the right machine?

Annual Energy Savings Exceeds $15,000

Manufacturer also cuts compressed air consumption by 66 percent with Graco’s radial piston agitator.

Paint Efficiency Audit Shows Huge Savings

Cabinet manufacturer meets production goals with ProMix PD2K Dual Panel Acid Catalyst.

5 Most Common Paint Mixing Room Challenges

Industrial paint kitchens enable safe storing and mixing of paint and other coatings. They also bring some challenges. We explain how to tackle them.

Manufacturer Cuts Paint Defects in Half

Robotic paint line upgrades electrostatic sprayers for better finish quality, less downtime and more material savings.

How to Lower Compressed Air Costs in Your Factory’s Paint Mix Room

More efficient agitator motors and pumps can cut energy bills – and improve the environment.

Air Cap Upgrade Saves Over $16,000 in Annual Paint Costs

Rotary bell atomizer maximizes efficiency of factory paint line.

Closed Loop Flow Control Reduces Material Usage By Up to 40%

ProControl 1KE Plus brings more efficient spraying to commercial vehicle component finishing facility.

Manufacturer Saves Hundreds of Automotive Interior Parts

Adhesive usage down 20 percent after ProControl 1KE Plus brings quality control to flocking.

Automotive Finisher Finds Right Pump for the Job

Faster flushing and color changes achieved with high pressure diaphragm pump.

Architectural Profiles Maker Reduces Costs and Increases Quality

To deliver more paint on aluminum extrusions and less in booth filters, manufacturer uses ProBell Rotary Applicators with electrostatics.

Manufacturer Saves $500,000 with Rotary Bell Atomizers

Replacing Nordson RA20 with ProBell increases paint line speed and decreases solvent use. Bell applicator technology pays for itself within a year.

Cabinetmaker Decreases Compressed Air Use and Cuts Costs

Radial piston agitator motor uses less air, makes less noise and requires no maintenance.

5 Ways to Reduce Unplanned Downtime

Looking for ways to stop unplanned downtime? Follow our simple tips, and downtime should not be a problem.

How to Calculate Total Cost of Ownership

When looking at the total cost of ownership, be sure to calculate energy costs, maintenance, and repair fees

Agitator Motor Supported Locally – Without Hidden Costs

Graco radial piston agitators backed by quality guarantee and A+ Service.

Soft-Touch Paint Gaining Market Share

Soft touch paint creates a high-end appearance with lower cost materials. Learn about some considerations for adding soft touch to your paint line.
Previous Slide

Equipment Selection

How to Choose the Right Paint Mixing Machine

Using electronic proportioning systems can save time and money but how do you choose the right machine?

Automotive Tier 1 Supplier Accomplishes More with Less Equipment

ProMix PD enables paint line to do the work of eight robots with only four.

Equipment Upgrade Eliminates Downtime and Waste

Electric supply pump adds 90 minutes to production. Electrostatic paint sprayer saves 200 gallons.

Furniture Company Better Manages Tough Acid Catalyst Application

Mix-on-demand wood finishing system handles harsh varnish with zero off-ratio rejects.

Using Electrostatics to Spray Waterborne Paint

Explore why and how manufacturers can benefit from using electrostatic equipment to spray waterborne material.

Closed Loop Flow Control Reduces Material Usage By Up to 40%

ProControl 1KE Plus brings more efficient spraying to commercial vehicle component finishing facility.

Compressed Air Use Decreases 80%

Cabinetry maker saves energy costs and improves reliability with Graco radial piston agitator air motor.

Same-day Shipping Helps Wood Cabinetry Maker Meet Customer Demand

Timely delivery of spray guns helps cabinetmaker speed up wood finishing without sacrificing fine finish quality.

Automotive Paint Line Handles High Pressure with New Pump Lower

No maintenance required means no downtime during rapid production.

Large Capacity Pump Strengthens Auto Assembly Line

Air motor icing and leaky lowers in the paint kitchen were cutting productivity at a large automotive plant – until they tried a new pump package.

Automotive Finisher Finds Right Pump for the Job

Faster flushing and color changes achieved with high pressure diaphragm pump.

Applicator Technology

When choosing the right liquid spray technology, it helps to understand the differences between air spray, air assist, electrostatic and rotary bell applicators.

4 Reasons Why You Need a Rotary Bell Atomizer

Automated finishing equipment increases quality and production, while reducing costs, and safety risks

Can I Use Paint Sprayers to Disinfect or Sanitize Surfaces?

Industrial finishing experts answer questions about using airless and/or electrostatic paint spray guns to disinfectant, sanitize or deodorize surfaces.

How Electrostatic Guns can Benefit your Facility

Get the full benefit of electrostatic guns by following these simple tips

Why Product Demos are Important

Finishing demonstrations are a great way to help you feel confident in your next purchase.

Passive vs. Active Surge Suppressors

Also called “surge tanks,” surge suppressors remove pressure pulsations from paint lines. How do they work? What's the difference between passive and active surge tanks?

Aerospace Manufacturer Steps Out of Comfort Zone, Finds Better Electrostatic Gun

In side-by-side comparison, Graco electrostatic spray gun proves superior to one always used to paint commercial aircraft parts.

Automated Rotary Bell Controls Improve Plant Efficiency

Manual control panels not only look outdated, they cause inefficiencies not conducive to fast-paced manufacturing.

Previous Slide

Materials

Low Shear BPR Saves Color, Satisfies Top Management

Major automotive company solves paint shear problem and meets manufacturing color specifications with Graco’s low shear back pressure regulator

Painters Prove Pivotal in Waterborne Electrostatic Gun Design

Factory feedback strengthens durability of externally charged paint spray gun.

Woodshop Improves Quality and Productivity while Reducing Material and Solvent Use

Employees prefer air-assisted spray guns. Customers notice smoother finish.

Automotive Tier 1 Supplier Accomplishes More with Less Equipment

ProMix PD enables paint line to do the work of eight robots with only four.

Paint Integrity Remains Critical to Aerospace Industry

Tier 1 aircraft manufacturer finds a way to keep material on-ratio throughout induction time and application onto fuselages and cockpits.

What is Paint Shear?

Shear-induced paint degradation affects finishes like those on a shiny new car or truck. BPRs both cause and lessen paint shear. Videos explain.

Maintain Ratio Accuracy and Reduce Waste

Electronic proportioners have become popular in finishing operations because of their ability to maintain ratio accuracy and reduce waste.

Furniture Company Better Manages Tough Acid Catalyst Application

Mix-on-demand wood finishing system handles harsh varnish with zero off-ratio rejects.

Using Electrostatics to Spray Waterborne Paint

Explore why and how manufacturers can benefit from using electrostatic equipment to spray waterborne material.

Ratio Assurance Leads to Less Rework for Woodshop

Hand mixing conversion varnish led to off-ratio material and rework problems for an Amish cabinet and furniture maker.

Move from Hand Mixing to 3K Positive Displacement Saves $84,000

Equipment finisher expects new paint mixing equipment to pay for itself in less than two years. Customers notice quality improvements.

What is Paint Degradation?

Paint degradation affects manufacturers who use metallics for high quality surface finishes. As metallic paint circulates, it can get so damaged that it must be discarded.

No More Running Around: Wireless Start/Stop Switch Allows Control Inside Hazardous Area

Military vehicle finisher finds solution to small batch mixing.

Can I Use Paint Sprayers to Disinfect or Sanitize Surfaces?

Industrial finishing experts answer questions about using airless and/or electrostatic paint spray guns to disinfectant, sanitize or deodorize surfaces.

Manufacturer Overcomes Overspray

Less paint waste and downtime mean more savings and productivity with waterborne electrostatic system.

How Different Materials Affect 2K Equipment

Selecting and configuring mixing equipment that is compatible with your material will save you time and money.
Previous Slide

Performance

How to Attract Top Talent to Your Wood Shop

For years, the trades have battled poor optics with Millennials and Gen Z. Today's demands have made it worse in the wood industry. Three key strategies can help.

The Art of Wood Finishing

It takes a commitment to craftsmanship to bring the repeatable finish quality expected of today's woodworkers. Fortunately, there are four easy ways to improve the challenging wood finishing process.

Woodshop Improves Quality and Productivity while Reducing Material and Solvent Use

Employees prefer air-assisted spray guns. Customers notice smoother finish.

Paint Efficiency Audit Shows Huge Savings

Cabinet manufacturer meets production goals with ProMix PD2K Dual Panel Acid Catalyst.

Tier 1 Automotive Supplier Speeds Up Production

New air caps on rotary bell atomizers help increase transfer efficiency by 15 percent.

What is Paint Shear?

Shear-induced paint degradation affects finishes like those on a shiny new car or truck. BPRs both cause and lessen paint shear. Videos explain.

5 Most Common Paint Mixing Room Challenges

Industrial paint kitchens enable safe storing and mixing of paint and other coatings. They also bring some challenges. We explain how to tackle them.

Machine Shop Learns Not All Electrostatic Gun Brands are Equal

Graco paint spray gun provides provides the durability, quality and service needed after frustration with cheaper brand.

Automotive Paint Line Handles High Pressure with New Pump Lower

No maintenance required means no downtime during rapid production.

Closed Loop Flow Control Adds Quality Assurance

Aluminum extruder expects ProControl 1KE Plus to pay for itself within a year.

Aircraft Painters Perfect Finish

Aerospace air cap minimizes solvent pop and improves finish quality.

Parts Finisher Improves Throughput

Round spray air cap produces pattern ideal for cylindrical parts.

4 Reasons Why You Need a Rotary Bell Atomizer

Automated finishing equipment increases quality and production, while reducing costs, and safety risks

Manufacturer Saves $500,000 with Rotary Bell Atomizers

Replacing Nordson RA20 with ProBell increases paint line speed and decreases solvent use. Bell applicator technology pays for itself within a year.

Dual Shaping Air Basics

Dual shaping air uses two rings of air passages to adjust paint spray patterns. With such flexibility, the same paint line can cover many sizes and contours - even sharp corners.

5 Best Practices of Plural Component Equipment

How to properly use your plural component equipment to achieve its full potential

Paint Kitchen Automation Cleans Up Inefficient Mess

Heavy-duty lift truck paint line moves forward with automation and remote paint room monitoring.

How Electrostatic Guns can Benefit your Facility

Get the full benefit of electrostatic guns by following these simple tips

Manufacturer Overcomes Overspray

Less paint waste and downtime mean more savings and productivity with waterborne electrostatic system.

Tips for Improving Transfer Efficiency

Transfer efficiency often depends on the spray applicator. Learn how to select the most efficient paint spray gun for your manufacturing application.

Previous Slide

Safety

Previous Slide

Technology

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Explained

What’s a PLC and why should I care? This video explains what a Programmable Logic Controller is and how it can help you save money.

Advantages of Spraying with Electrostatic Guns

Consider the benefits of switching to electrostatic technology before purchasing another gun

How to Make Your Factory Paint Mix Room Industry 4.0 Ready

Advanced control and interconnectivity are key components to making factory paint mixing rooms Industry 4.0 ready.

Selecting the Optimal Motor for Paint Circulation Pumps

Learn the advantages and disadvantages of motor types and which one is better for your finishing application.

How to Improve Operator Safety in the Paint Mixing Room

Improving operator safety is key for any paint line owner. There is an easy way to increase the safety in your paint mixing room.

5 Most Common Paint Mixing Room Challenges

Industrial paint kitchens enable safe storing and mixing of paint and other coatings. They also bring some challenges. We explain how to tackle them.

Conventional vs Electrostatic Spray Guns

Which is best for your finishing operation and budget? Seven factors can help you choose the right applicator to maximize spray performance.

No PLC Programming Required for Electrostatic Rotary Bell Atomization

Chemists easily adjust paint spray patterns and run waterborne electrostatics with ProBell.

Applicator Technology

When choosing the right liquid spray technology, it helps to understand the differences between air spray, air assist, electrostatic and rotary bell applicators.

A Smart Manufacturing Solution for Precise Fluid Specs

PLC network easily communicates with bar code scanning equipment to provide out-of-the-box automation for heavy equipment manufacturer.

5 Reasons Why You Should Switch to Plural Component Mixing Equipment

Hand-mixing may be sufficient, but it can quickly put a strain on everyday operations over time. Here are five reasons why plural proportioners can help your bottom line.

Electrostatic Spray Gun Basics

How do electrostatic paint spray guns work? It’s basic science.

Tips for Improving Transfer Efficiency

Transfer efficiency often depends on the spray applicator. Learn how to select the most efficient paint spray gun for your manufacturing application.

Why Product Demos are Important

Finishing demonstrations are a great way to help you feel confident in your next purchase.

Trying something new? Don’t miss out on the R&D tax credit

Many manufacturers are eligible, but only 1 in 20 claim it. You may be surprised about what qualifies as research and development.

How a Rotary Bell Atomizer Works

See how the rotary bell atomizer operates during automated finishing.
Previous Slide

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