You’re probably familiar with Electric Infrared Drying, and you may have even heard of Gas Catalytic Drying. In the U.S., most auto-body shops depend on out-of-date paint drying processes– convection drying. And while the type of paint we’ve used has changed three separate times in the last 100 years, the drying process has not.

For most shops, time, effort, and efficiency are unnecessarily wasted. And, when it comes to running an auto-body shop, time is money. However, a state-of-the-art drying system can help drive more traffic into your shop daily– all while making you more cash in the process.

With the reconditioning industry changing every day, It’s understandable to be nervous about how these changes will impact for your shop. It’s even understandable to be skeptical of new, and revolutionary, paint processes. However, Gas Catalytic Drying is a technology that was created in Italy and is now commonly used all across Europe. So, while your competitors may be using Convection or even Electric Infrared Drying, One very impactful way to stay one step ahead is by having the fastest and most efficient drying system for your paint booths.

Since the reconditioning industry is changing as rapidly as it is, it’s necessary to keep up with the best paint drying processes. This is because reconditioning has made a huge impact on the automotive world over the last few years. So much so, that by 2020, it’s predicted to become a $700 billion industry. Which means you’ll want to stay ahead of the curve. With Gas Catalytic Drying, you can transform your 6 car a day operation into an 8–10 (or more) car a day operation with ease.

So, How Is Gas Catalytic Drying Different Than Electric Infrared Drying?

For auto-body shops, there are a few paint drying options out there, but not all of them work the same. Gas Catalytic Drying is the definitive fastest process, but saying that alone isn’t enough for you as a shop owner. You may be unsure about buying into a new idea, and you may even be worried about the reliability of a new system. However, below, we’ll break down the differences between Gas Catalytic Drying and Electric Infrared Drying– and what makes Gas Catalytic Drying the superior choice.

Gas Catalytic Drying vs. Electric Infrared Drying

While both technologies produce heat energy in the form of infrared wavelengths, the primary difference is in their respective lengths. Electric systems rely on a tungsten bulb in order to produce a short wavelength of Infrared energy (IR). Whereas Gas Catalytic systems produce a flame-less, medium wavelength of IR energy.

During the Electric Infrared Drying process, the IR energy passes directly through the paint. This means that the metal on the exterior of the vehicle is heated first and the paint is cured from the inside out. So, the process between priming, water base application, water-base drying, and clear coat drying can take anywhere between 65 and 90 minutes– and this is on top of the preparation time.

In comparison, Gas Catalytic Drying uses LP or methane gas to generate IR wavelengths (heat). It reaches and cures the paint without absorbing into the car’s metal or plastic panels underneath. Since the energy isn’t divided between the surface and interior, the medium wavelengths absorb evenly between the paint. And when all is said and done, the process we listed above will take anywhere between 16 and 30 minutes total. As a benefit, Gas Catalytic Drying is not only faster, but it actually produces a flatter finish with fewer flaws.

Gascat Dryers

Gascat Dryers provide you the best, fastest, and most efficient drying solutions out on the market. We believe that time is money. And with this advanced drying system, your business will reliably process more vehicles each and every day.

Let us help you save time and streamline your paint booth drying processes. Contact us today!