How Much Does Electrostatic Painting Cost?
Last Updated: January 21, 2022
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What is Electrostatic Painting? #
Electrostatic spray painting is a process in which a spray gun tip is electrostatically charged; making the paint charged electrically; thereby allowing the paint to be attracted to a grounded surface. This process wastes almost no paint through normal air flow, wind, or dripping. This is because the paint particles are actually attracted to the surface you are painting like a magnet. However, in order for the process to work the object you are painting has to be grounded.
Electrostatic spraying assures an even coat with minimal effort. It can even make spraying cylindrical objects like poles a breeze. Once a portion of the surface has been coated then the paint is no longer attracted to that particular area. Thus, uneven layers and drips are eliminated.
There is almost no limit to what you can paint with an electrostatic spray gun. Even objects that cannot normally be grounded (such as wood) can be sprayed electrostatically. You can put the object you need to spray in between the spray gun and a grounded object or you can prime the nongrounded object with a conductive primer.
Electrostatic Spray Painting Prices #
You need to take several factors into consideration when determining what an object will cost to paint with this system. The prep work required is the same as painting with traditional methods. The surface must be clean, dry, and lightly sanded to ensure adhesion. A particularly intricate piece (with small crevices) will require more preparation as electrostatic spraying will leave clusters of paint around small openings. The paint tends to be more attracted to inside corners than flat surfaces or outside corners. In addition to the sprayer, the entire area around the spraying operation must be grounded. This will prevent electrostatic buildup that could lead to electric shock or a fire.
A traditional painter will usually charge $30-$40 per hour. This cost does not reflect the materials needed. Due to the higher cost of the equipment and the added labor of safety around the electrostatic spray gun, you can expect to pay anywhere from $55-$70 per hour for a professional electrostatic sprayer. On the bright side, materials for electrostatic painting will typically be 30-40% cheaper, sometimes even 50% cheaper than traditional methods. Anything that can fit inside a spray booth can usually be painted within a day, depending on thickness of coats. If you are painting a car or a boat then it may take several coats.
