Paint Systems and Shop tips
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Ok, so I’ve been looking into buying a shop, so I’ve been looking around my area for a fairly nice sized shop, but I have a couple questions about a couple things. First of all, is a paint system, I’m sure there is many variables and many different prices on them from brands and quality. I’m just looking for a ball park or (top of the head estimate) on some some of you may use and different types, what are the different options with them etc. the other one is a paint booth, I don’t pump out 10-15 cars a week, at least not yet, so I don’t need a top of the line booth, just one that does the job and is efficient. I was looking at Autobody tool arts booth but i don’t know if they are over priced compared to other brands. I’m either looking at a semi down draft or side down draft. I know I maybe getting over my head with many of these things but again I’m just looking for opinions and some suggestions. So hopefully I can really jump start my dream, or see at least where I’m at :lol1 . Thanks
There are probably plenty of others who’ve been down this path but here are some things that I’ve learnt:
[u]Paint systems[/u]
The biggest problem with many companies systems is the duplication. One rack of tinters for 2K, one for basecoat and another for commercial finishes means huge initial outlay and ongoing inventory cost. Then things like hardeners – a whole range of hardeners for each different product that you have.
I started with two racks of PPG (2K/Cobra and Dulon) and still had to buy in Deltron when I needed it. Then I switched to Dupont. Now I have one rack of tinters which I can use for every different paint that I might want – acrylic (lacquer and enamel), economy basecoat, premium basecoat, 2K (single stage), primer tinting and even a vinyl paint. I can use common hardeners for Single Stage and (most) clears. At maximum stock levels my inventory cost has gone down by nearly $30,000. That’s a lot of money to free up when you’re just a small business, not to mention the space freed up.
So, first thing I’d recommend is to have a close look at any systems that you’re considering and see what kind of benefits they offer across the range. Also look at the local distributor – can they offer you the service and pricing that you need?
Bear in mind that most paint companies will extend warranties if you use their complete system. This can help if you happen to have a product failure. There are conditions, of course.
Also important is the colour support that the paint company offers. The bigger companies have much better colour support than the smaller ones, simply because they have the resources to develop the formulae and variants that you need to get a good match.
Some paint companies will supply a complete system on consignment and you just pay for refills. They generally will only do this for big shops, though. So, you’ll probably have to buy your system. Buying new is expensive. Tell your supplier and your paint company rep that you are in the market for a system. They will usually know of shops that are closing down and the system can be purchased at a heavily discounted price. You may have to wait a little while but it’s usually worth it. Lots of other equipment may also be had the same way.
[u]Booth[/u]
A quick look at those booths you mentioned and I’m amazed that booths are so cheap there. Even so, work out what you think you can afford and buy the best design booth you can. A lot of the fancy features you can forego but, if you can afford a side downdraft then go for it in preference to a semi downdraft.
Make a list of the features that you want/need and try to have a look at some booths from different manufacturers. Sometimes there can be a huge difference in price for things that you don’t necessarily want/need.
[u]Shop[/u]
This is where it gets interesting. My trade customer base is car dealers and they are the world’s laziest creature. So I’m stuck with a shop that isn’t ideal and that I have to pay ridiculous rent for, simply because I’d lose those customers if I moved too far away. Consider your customer base and try to choose a location that is convenient for them but offers reasonable costs for you.
Shop layout. My shop is full of compromises, good size but wrong shape so I can’t make good use of the space. Wet weather is a nightmare because we have to move cars through the rain to get from one side of the shop to the other. Look carefully at the size and shape of any shop that you are considering. Do some scale sketches to see if a good flow of vehicles can be achieved without one process impinging on another. For example you don’t want prep directly outside the door of your booth.
Some, maybe all of the above you probably already know. If there is one thing that you didn’t or hadn’t considered then I hope I’ve helped.
I’ve set up a few shops here in South Florida alot of the decissons to be made do depend on where you are. Paint: What jobbers do you have near by that could supply you? What brands do they carry? What paints are exceptable were you are? What are you gonig to need now and in the future? WB or solvent, BC/CC, SS, tinted primer/sealers. Shop: Before you sign a lease or deed you have to check with county and city laws, zoning, and permitting. Don’t assume that a previous mechanic shop can be licensed for paint. What kinda power will your compressor require? If it’s gona be 3phase try and find a shop with it already in. It’s very expensive to run 3phase into your building and you are limited to compressor size if you don’t have 3phase. If there is a septic system it will need to be tested, another fee. Booth: Size, type, and style all need to fit your needs. Are you doing cars now but invisions semi trucks in your future? Do you need it heated? Is it far enough room from the roof for fire codes? How many fire sepression tanks will you need for booth size? Will your stack go straight up or out and up? Bent stacks need more nozzles for the sepression system, more cost. Sorry to ramble on but all of these questions hit me at one time or another. If I would have known some of the questions to ask I could have saved alot of time. Hope this helps you.
Ok, that’s a lot more information on the paint systems that I didn’t even think about, most of what I would need would be bc/cc, don’t really do much ss, and in my area it’s mostly PPG, and another store that I don’t really deal with offers BASF , but other than that, I don’t have any other brands around. I will talk to my usual jobber and see what he says and what he can off just to get some ideas and some prices. As for booths I’m looking at different options , and will look in my price range when I finally find a shop suitable for my needs.
[quote=”strawberry” post=30957]I’ve set up a few shops here in South Florida alot of the decissons to be made do depend on where you are. Paint: What jobbers do you have near by that could supply you? What brands do they carry? What paints are exceptable were you are? What are you gonig to need now and in the future? WB or solvent, BC/CC, SS, tinted primer/sealers. Shop: Before you sign a lease or deed you have to check with county and city laws, zoning, and permitting. Don’t assume that a previous mechanic shop can be licensed for paint. What kinda power will your compressor require? If it’s gona be 3phase try and find a shop with it already in. It’s very expensive to run 3phase into your building and you are limited to compressor size if you don’t have 3phase. If there is a septic system it will need to be tested, another fee. Booth: Size, type, and style all need to fit your needs. Are you doing cars now but invisions semi trucks in your future? Do you need it heated? Is it far enough room from the roof for fire codes? How many fire sepression tanks will you need for booth size? Will your stack go straight up or out and up? Bent stacks need more nozzles for the sepression system, more cost. Sorry to ramble on but all of these questions hit me at one time or another. If I would have known some of the questions to ask I could have saved alot of time. Hope this helps you.[/quote]
Thanks that’s a lot of helpful questions, I still use solvent and so far only bc/cc, as Ohio hasn’t been restricted to WB yet, and jobbers only sell waterborne to dealer ships who have the whole system, and I will have to check the zoning and laws before I do sign any papers, and the electrical part to, as I don’t want to have a weak compressor that won’t suit my ar needs. For booth, maybe semis no, but bigger trucks yes, so I do have a mind a larger sized booth, and heated also well if I can fit it in my price, and for the stack I should have enough room for a shop that I’m looking at now, but as time goes on more info and more questions will be asked, but you’re not rambling it’s a lot of help and good info that I would need.
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