Finishing
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.
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Electrostatic Spray Gun Basics
How do electrostatic paint spray guns work? It’s basic science.
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.
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.
Compressed Air Use Decreases 80%
Cabinetry maker saves energy costs and improves reliability with Graco radial piston agitator air motor.
Annual Energy Savings Exceeds $15,000
Manufacturer also cuts compressed air consumption by 66 percent with Graco’s radial piston agitator.
Cabinetmaker Decreases Compressed Air Use and Cuts Costs
Radial piston agitator motor uses less air, makes less noise and requires no maintenance.
Manufacturer Overcomes Overspray
Less paint waste and downtime mean more savings and productivity with waterborne electrostatic system.
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.
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.
How Electrostatic Guns can Benefit your Facility
Get the full benefit of electrostatic guns by following these simple tips
Advantages of Spraying with Electrostatic Guns
Consider the benefits of switching to electrostatic technology before purchasing another gun
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.
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.
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.
Aircraft Painters Move Closer to Perfection
Aerospace air cap minimizes solvent pop and improves finish quality.
OEM Improves Throughput with New Electrostatic Paint Spray Gun Cap
Round spray air cap produces pattern ideal for cylindrical parts.
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.
Woodshop Improves Quality and Productivity while Reducing Material and Solvent Use
Employees prefer air-assisted spray guns. Customers notice smoother finish.
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.
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.
Automotive Finisher Finds Right Pump for the Job
Faster flushing and color changes achieved with high pressure diaphragm pump.
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.
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.
4 Reasons Why You Need a Rotary Bell Atomizer
Automated finishing equipment increases quality and production, while reducing costs, and safety risks
Rotary Bell Applicator Basics
How the bell applicator atomizes paint and coatings, achieving up to 95 percent transfer efficiency
Paint Kitchen Automation Cleans Up Inefficient Mess
Heavy-duty lift truck paint line moves forward with automation and remote paint room monitoring.
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.
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.
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. (Short answer is "No.")
Finishing Solutions for Wood Products and Furniture
Easily manage frequent color changes, while reducing material waste.
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.
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.
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.
Finishing Solutions for Automotive Components
Get the flexibility to apply primers, base coats, and top coats with a single system.
Why Product Demos are Important
Finishing demonstrations are a great way to help you feel confident in your next purchase.
Automotive Plant ‘Sets and Forgets’ Surge Suppressors
Maintenance-free pump accessory dampens paint circulation line pulsation.
5 Ways to Reduce Unplanned Downtime
Looking for ways to stop unplanned downtime? Follow our simple tips, and downtime should not be a problem.
Stay Grounded
When using electrostatic guns, it’s important to make sure everything within the painting system is grounded to avoid electrical hazards and increase transfer efficiency.
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.
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.
Truck Factory Paint Line Avoids Rejected Parts and Operator Error
Intrinsically safe barrier kit enables automation inside paint mix room’s hazardous area.
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.
Excessive Noise Can Be Expensive
Electric pumps can reduce noise levels in your manufacturing plant.
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.
Achieving Sustainable Paint Operations with Electric Paint Mixing Pumps
One of the easiest ways to reduce energy consumption is with the paint circulation pumps in your paint mix room. Learn about advances in mix room equipment.
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.
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
Transfer Efficiency Increases 30%
Paint line improves aluminum extrusion finishing, sending a lot less back to touch-up booth.
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.
Agitator Motor Supported Locally – Without Hidden Costs
Graco radial piston agitators backed by quality guarantee and A+ Service.
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.
Closed Loop Flow Control Adds Quality Assurance
Aluminum extruder expects ProControl 1KE Plus to pay for itself within a year.
Paint Line Speeds Up in Time for the Holidays
Ornament factory increases throughput and decreases waste by 30% with waterborne electrostatics.
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.
Automotive Paint Line Handles High Pressure with New Pump Lower
No maintenance required means no downtime during rapid production.
Creative Mixing Approach Eliminates $75,000 a Year in Bad Parts
Automotive parts manufacturer, short on space, gains precise and safe mixing with ProDispense. Fluid dispense system customization pays off in less than a year.
Paint Efficiency Audit Shows Huge Savings
Cabinet manufacturer meets production goals with ProMix PD2K Dual Panel Acid Catalyst.
Do you have an icing problem?
How to tell if you have an icing problem and what to do to fix it
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.
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?
Furniture Company Better Manages Tough Acid Catalyst Application
Mix-on-demand wood finishing system handles harsh varnish with zero off-ratio rejects.
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 Backlit Displays
Get the precision needed to ensure the icon on the display is vividly illuminated.
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.
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.
Take the Paint Efficiency Audit
Take the paint efficiency audit and assess your current equipment and processes.
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.
Cracking the Ergonomics Code
How your spray gun could be affecting your bottom line
How Different Materials Affect 2K Equipment
Selecting and configuring mixing equipment that is compatible with your material will save you time and money.
4 Signs Your Rotary Bell Needs Help
If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, it’s time to repair or replace a bell applicator on your paint line.
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.
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.
How a Rotary Bell Atomizer Works
See how the rotary bell atomizer operates during automated finishing.
5 Best Practices of Plural Component Equipment
How to properly use your plural component equipment to achieve its full potential
