Top Three Gas Catalytic Myths Busted

Whether you’ve read about gas catalytic drying or perhaps you saw a few units at events, such as NACE and SEMA, you’ve probably heard a few things about catalytic drying, some of which might not be true. Gas Catalytic drying was originally created in Italy close to two decades ago and it’s popularity has grown quite a bit in the U.S. Each year, the auto industry has become increasingly more competitive between body shops, so cycle time and throughput are important now more than ever. Fortunately, one of the easiest ways to stay ahead in a challenging market is to lower the paint booth bake cycle times.

Gas catalytic drying is the fastest and most cost-effective option out there. However, there are a few myths about it still going around. It’s understandable to research every perspective before making a purchase for your shop. Most people are cautiously skeptical when buying into new technologies or large ticket equipment purchases.

Gas catalytic drying can turn a six-vehicle-a-day operation into an eight-vehicle-a-day operation or more. It’s used all across Europe and the most successful shops have even reported saving up to $1,500 in natural gas per month– on top of an already cheaper electric bill in comparison to some of the other options.

So, what are the myths surrounding gas catalytic drying?

Myth # 1: Gas Catalytic Drying Is Slower Than Electric Infrared Drying

The average paint booth bake cycle for electric infrared drying is 65 – 90 minutes. In comparison, gas catalytic drying can dry and cure paint in 16 – 30 minutes. This is because of the different wavelengths produced can cure materials in minutes. You also save the time required to heat an entire paint booth since catalytic drying focuses only on the materials being cured, not the air in the booth.

Myth # 2: Gas Catalytic Drying Offers Less Control Than Electric Infrared Drying

Electric Infrared drying creates a short wavelength using electricity and tungsten bulbs. Short wavelengths pierce through the paint and into the metal– drying and curing paint from the inside out while also heating the panels beneath. This, in turn, creates an uneven drying process.

Gas catalytic drying uses propane, methane, or a propane / butane mix to create a flame-less heat. It does this by having the gas interact with a catalyst inside an blowing the heat out over the vehicle. The heat is distributed through a medium wavelength and is equally distributed throughout the paint– without passing through and heating the metal. This results in a finer finish with fewer flaws.

While electric infrared dryers are turned on multiple times a day (increasing demand charges), gas catalytic drying only needs to be turned on once in the morning to achieve the same results.

Myth # 3: Gas Catalytic Dryers Aren’t As Safe And Don’t Last As Long As Electric Infrared Dryers

It’s important to emphasize gas catalytic dryers are very safe. There is no burning, fire, and so on. The heat is created through an exothermic reaction to create a “flame-less heat.” In comparison to electric infrared dryers, there won’t be any potential fires (since electricity can create fire as we all know).

As for the lifespan of a gas catalytic drying system, they can last indefinitely depending on the manufacturer. Where with electric infrared dryers, you’d find yourself changing out bulbs and repairing a lot of parts– gas catalytic dryers have very few moving parts, don’t need any bulbs replaced, and can last an immeasurable amount of time with little maintenance in comparison.

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!