7 reasons to use an electrostatic spray gun

7 reasons to use an electrostatic spray gun

Electrostatic spray guns are becoming more and more widely used for professional paint applications. Similar in many ways to a conventional spray gun, an electrostatic gun provides an exceptionally professional finish with up to 90% transfer efficiency. Of course, an electrostatic gun may push the budget a little further than a regular spray gun but if your job calls for an outstanding finish then this could be the right choice for you. Here, we’ll look at how they work and outline seven reasons they could be the right choice for you..

What is an electrostatic spray gun?

Electrostatic spraying is a method of painting that uses a positively charged electron within the spray nozzle to positively charge the paint particles. The object being painted, meanwhile, is grounded or negatively charged.

The science behind this method states that positively charged atoms will attract negatively charged atoms and repel other positively charged atoms. In the spraying process, this has two benefits:

1. The positively charged paint particles repel each other which makes for a fine, even mist when spraying
2. The negatively charged object, attracts the positively charged paint creating a magnetic effect (meaning there’s very little overspray or wastage)

7 benefits to using an electrostatic spray gun

1. Much better conditions for the operator

In the world of industrial painting, the safety and comfort of the operator must be paramount. As well as adhering to COSHH regulations, it’s the duty of the employer to keep their workers and the work environment safe. Electrostatic spray guns effectively wrap the paint around the product being painted so there’s less overspray and a lowered risk of injury and inhalation.

2. Increased transfer efficiency

Electrostatic spray operators offer exceptionally good transfer efficiency of up to 90%. This makes for less wastage and a better finish.

3. Significantly increases quality and production

A conventional spray gun will paint the surface directly in front of the gun whereas an electrostatic gun will wrap the paint around the object. The finish will be smoother and the area coated will be larger. Due to the nature of the product, this process is especially well suited to tubular products.

4. Reduces overspray, air pollution and VOC emissions

Because the positively charged paint particles are attracted to the grounded (or negatively charged) object, there’s a magnetic effect meaning more paint ends up where it’s supposed to go and less is lost to overspray, air-quality is better and VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions are lowered.

5. Less outlay on paints

Right now, paint is in relatively short supply. The Covid pandemic is still having a knock-on effect and with demand high and raw materials low, you may find that you’re forking out more for your paint than ever before. An electrostatic spray gun will drastically reduce the amount of wastage. More of the paint will end up on its intended surface saving you on coating costs.

6. Reduced costs for the disposal of hazardous materials

Hazardous waste disposal costs can be high. The disposal process is often complicated and the amount of sites that offer this service is low, which means costs can easily spiral when you’re regularly disposing of hazardous waste. To put it simply, when more of the paint reaches its intended surface, there’s less to dispose of.

7. A more positive impact on the environment

VOCs may act as a greenhouse gas and contribute to climate change so the less VOCs we emit, the better the process is for the planet. By working with an electrostatic spray gun, your paint job will become more sustainable and you’ll be taking steps towards a greener future.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, seven valid reasons why you should use an electrostatic spray gun. Convinced? Check out our electrostatic spray gun range here Want to know more? Check out our video  or contact a member of our team who will be happy to help.