P2: Auto Body Shop Equipment

Evaluate equipment before purchase to find the best non-polluting equipment available in your price range. It is not always the most economical approach to purchase the cheapest or largest/fastest piece of equipment. Consider the full environmental costs of energy, product use and waste management when you make your equipment selection decisions.

Use water-based pressure washing systems instead of parts washers that use solvents.

Pressure washers clean vehicle parts with hot water and detergent at high pressures
Contact local wastewater authorities prior to purchase to see if any local regulations restrict high-pressure discharges to the sanitary sewer
Reduces solvent use and waste, which may need to be managed as hazardous waste

Use solvent test kits.

Solvent is replaced only when truly dirty
Saves the cost of solvent purchase and disposal

Add filter to solvent parts washer

Use less solvent

Use high flashpoint, non-hazardous solvent

Might not be considered hazardous waste

Have a variety of sprayer cup sizes to avoid over-mixing.

Allows for more complete use of materials
Smaller cups mean less solvent is required for cleaning

Use a wet sanding method or vacuum sander.

Reduces dust in the air and on cars
Improves working conditions for employees by reducing exposure to hazardous dusts

Use High Volume/Low Pressure (HVLP) paint guns

Reduces coating volume and costs
Reduce emissions to the air
Improves workplace health conditions
Reduce frequency for changing paint booth filters, due to less overspray

To calculate your potential savings, see HVLP spray gun cost savings calculator.

Consider a computerized paint mixing system.

Mix very small quantities of paint accurately
Careful paint management and the use of computerized equipment will allow for the mixing of paint in one-ounce increments
Minimizes coating costs
Minimizes coating wastes and waste disposal cost

Use an enclosed, automated spray gun cleaning unit.

Reduces solvent purchase and disposal costs
Reduces volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions
Reduces health risks (skin and inhalation) for employees and creates a better working environment

continue to Auto Body Shop Material Substitution