Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • MATERIALS
  • TECHNOLOGIES
  • RESOURCES
  • EVENTS
  • DIRECTORIES
  • EMAGAZINE
  • CONTACT
  • SIGN UP!
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • NEWS
  • Latest News
  • Market Trends & Reports
  • Price Alerts
  • Subscribe to eNewsletters
  • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
  • Weekly Featured Article
  • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
  • Product News
  • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
  • Additives
  • Resins/Polymers
  • Pigments
  • Equipment
  • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
  • Adhesives
  • Architectural Coatings
  • FINISHING
  • Industrial Coatings
  • Nanotechnology
  • Powder Coatings
  • Solventborne
  • Special Purpose Coatings
  • Sustainability
  • UV Coatings
  • Waterborne
  • FINISHING
  • Finishing News
  • Finishing Technologies
  • Finishing Equipment
  • Finishing Today
  • RESOURCES
  • Columns
  • Blogs
  • Coatings Supplier Handbook
  • Podcasts and Videos
  • PCI Store
  • Classifieds
  • eBooks
  • Sponsor Insights
  • White Papers
  • COATLE Word Game
  • Columns
  • Ask Joe Powder
  • Did you know?
  • Distribution Dive
  • Focus on Canada
  • Formulating With Mike
  • Innovation Insights
  • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
  • Powder Coating Perspectives
  • Target the Market
  • TiO2 Insider
  • Blogs
  • Editor's Viewpoint
  • Industry Insights
  • Podcasts and Videos
  • COAT-IT! Podcast
  • Videos/PCI TV
  • EVENTS
  • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
  • Paint and Coatings Academy
  • Webinars
  • Calendar of Events
  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • DIRECTORIES
  • Buyer's Guide
  • Equipment Directory
  • Materials Directory
  • EMAGAZINE
  • Current Issue
  • eMagazine Archive
  • China Issue Archive
  • Editorial Advisory Board
  • CONTACT
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to eMagazine
  • Subscribe to eNewsletters
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • Market Trends & Reports
    • Price Alerts
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
    • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
    • Weekly Featured Article
    • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
    • Product News
    • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
    • Additives
    • Resins/Polymers
    • Pigments
    • Equipment
    • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
    • Adhesives
    • Architectural Coatings
    • FINISHING
      • Finishing News
      • Finishing Technologies
      • Finishing Equipment
      • Finishing Today
    • Industrial Coatings
    • Nanotechnology
    • Powder Coatings
    • Solventborne
    • Special Purpose Coatings
    • Sustainability
    • UV Coatings
    • Waterborne
  • RESOURCES
    • Columns
      • Ask Joe Powder
      • Did you know?
      • Distribution Dive
      • Focus on Canada
      • Formulating With Mike
      • Innovation Insights
      • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
      • Powder Coating Perspectives
      • Target the Market
      • TiO2 Insider
    • Blogs
      • Editor's Viewpoint
      • Industry Insights
    • Coatings Supplier Handbook
    • Podcasts and Videos
      • COAT-IT! Podcast
      • Videos/PCI TV
    • PCI Store
    • Classifieds
    • eBooks
    • Sponsor Insights
    • White Papers
    • COATLE Word Game
  • EVENTS
    • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
    • Paint and Coatings Academy
    • Webinars
    • Calendar of Events
    • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • DIRECTORIES
    • Buyer's Guide
    • Equipment Directory
    • Materials Directory
  • EMAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • eMagazine Archive
    • China Issue Archive
    • Editorial Advisory Board
  • CONTACT
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Subscribe to eMagazine
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
  • SIGN UP!

What is Static? And Why Is It a Problem?

industry insights static solutions
August 4, 2020

What is Static?

Static is the invisible enemy of the perfect paint finish. You may be surprised to learn how many everyday, profit-draining problems static causes.

 

Why Is It a Problem?

Most people appreciate that static charge is a major cause of paint fill contamination. Dirt and dust are attracted by static, however, several other problems can also be caused by static, including non-consistent laydown of metallics, blending/color matching problems, uneven application of material, dark edges and patchiness.

Even the best painters in the cleanest booths can’t escape the problems that static can cause. Static rarely causes problems that cannot be fixed, although the problems must be overcome using extra time and materials, which decreases productivity.

 

Where Does Static Come From?

Many everyday processes within a body shop can cause static buildup, including sanding, panel wiping, tacking, blowing off, masking and even the application of materials. The final preparation process of tacking is one of the highest generators of static electricity. All these procedures incorporate some type of contact and separation with the panel, whether it is physical contact or air contact.

 

How Can You Remove Static?

The only way to remove static effectively throughout the painting process is to use ionized air. As the static forms in a positive and negative charge, it’s important to use a tool that can produce positive and negative ions to neutralize the charge. Positive will neutralize the negative, whereas negative will neutralize the positive.

 

Eliminating the Problems of Static

Here are the three biggest issues that static causes:

1. Dust & Dirt Inclusions: The smallest particles of dirt and dust within a paint job can incur costly rework, through additional labor and paint cost.

Panels that are statically charged from an electromagnetic field attract any airborne particles from the surrounding area. A contaminated paint job requires time-consuming nibbing and polishing.

Once the static is neutralized, dirt and dust in the atmosphere is no longer attracted to the panel and simply flows out through the booth’s exhaust filter.

 

2. Uneven Paint Coverage: Differences in positive and negative static charge on a surface prevent the paint film from applying evenly, no matter how good the application technique.

Painters use their skill to overcome the problems of uneven paint application, however, this often results in overloading the surface, which can incur further problems, such as runs and sinkage.

A grill is a perfect example of how static does not allow perfect paint flow and often prevents coverage in all corners of the grill. Removing the static prior to painting will allow the paint to flow evenly across all areas.

 

3. Metallic Laydown: Metallic particles in paint react to static charge in the same way as iron fillings behave when a magnet is placed underneath.

The higher the charge, the more upright the metallic will be forced to sit, which distorts the levels of light reflected from those particles. This can result in dark edges, patchiness and halos; any area that shows an inconsistency between light and dark can be caused by metallics being distorted by static. It is imperative that all substrates on a vehicle have zero static charge before painting to bring uniformity to every job.

 

Stat Guns

By using a Stat Gun on every job, between every substrate, you can reduce dirt and dust; eliminate dark edges, blending issues, color matching issues and material transfer; and improve metallic laydown – all while increasing throughput and increasing profitability by reducing turnaround times and rework.

Visit www.stat-gun.com for more information.

What is Static?

Static is the invisible enemy of the perfect paint finish. You may be surprised to learn how many everyday, profit-draining problems static causes.

 

Why Is It a Problem?

Most people appreciate that static charge is a major cause of paint fill contamination. Dirt and dust are attracted by static, however, several other problems can also be caused by static, including non-consistent laydown of metallics, blending/color matching problems, uneven application of material, dark edges and patchiness.

Even the best painters in the cleanest booths can’t escape the problems that static can cause. Static rarely causes problems that cannot be fixed, although the problems must be overcome using extra time and materials, which decreases productivity.

 

Where Does Static Come From?

Many everyday processes within a body shop can cause static buildup, including sanding, panel wiping, tacking, blowing off, masking and even the application of materials. The final preparation process of tacking is one of the highest generators of static electricity. All these procedures incorporate some type of contact and separation with the panel, whether it is physical contact or air contact.

 

How Can You Remove Static?

The only way to remove static effectively throughout the painting process is to use ionized air. As the static forms in a positive and negative charge, it’s important to use a tool that can produce positive and negative ions to neutralize the charge. Positive will neutralize the negative, whereas negative will neutralize the positive.

 

Eliminating the Problems of Static

Here are the three biggest issues that static causes:

1. Dust & Dirt Inclusions: The smallest particles of dirt and dust within a paint job can incur costly rework, through additional labor and paint cost.

Panels that are statically charged from an electromagnetic field attract any airborne particles from the surrounding area. A contaminated paint job requires time-consuming nibbing and polishing.

Once the static is neutralized, dirt and dust in the atmosphere is no longer attracted to the panel and simply flows out through the booth’s exhaust filter.

 

2. Uneven Paint Coverage: Differences in positive and negative static charge on a surface prevent the paint film from applying evenly, no matter how good the application technique.

Painters use their skill to overcome the problems of uneven paint application, however, this often results in overloading the surface, which can incur further problems, such as runs and sinkage.

A grill is a perfect example of how static does not allow perfect paint flow and often prevents coverage in all corners of the grill. Removing the static prior to painting will allow the paint to flow evenly across all areas.

 

3. Metallic Laydown: Metallic particles in paint react to static charge in the same way as iron fillings behave when a magnet is placed underneath.

The higher the charge, the more upright the metallic will be forced to sit, which distorts the levels of light reflected from those particles. This can result in dark edges, patchiness and halos; any area that shows an inconsistency between light and dark can be caused by metallics being distorted by static. It is imperative that all substrates on a vehicle have zero static charge before painting to bring uniformity to every job.

 

Stat Guns

By using a Stat Gun on every job, between every substrate, you can reduce dirt and dust; eliminate dark edges, blending issues, color matching issues and material transfer; and improve metallic laydown – all while increasing throughput and increasing profitability by reducing turnaround times and rework.

Visit www.stat-gun.com for more information.

KEYWORDS: static control

Share This Story

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Blog Topics

Editor's Viewpoint

Journey to Sustainability

Industry Insights

Recent Comments

clearly and in detail

Broken Planet Stargazing Hoodie

Can we apply form the out of USA...

Education for Kids

The team at window film brooklyn is...

Manage My Account
  • eMagazine
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

The Coatings Minute: Print Returns with PCI’s New Showcase Issue

The Coatings Minute: Print Returns with PCI’s New Showcase Issue

The Coatings Minute: Your Inside Look at PCInnovations

The Coatings Minute: Your Inside Look at PCInnovations

CTT Registration Now Open

CTT Registration Now Open

The Coatings Minute: Why Industry News Matters More Than Ever

The Coatings Minute: Why Industry News Matters More Than Ever

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the PCI audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of PCI or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Modern arapartment complex painted in bright colors.
    Sponsored byEPS - Engineered Polymer Solutions

    Architectural Polymers Leading the Way in Coatings Innovation

  • paint sprayer in a workshop
    Sponsored byallnex

    Enabling Performance and Compliance: allnex Introduces a New Line of VOC Exempt Solvent-Borne Resins

Popular Stories

BASF SE Logo

BASF Reportedly Eyes Exit from Coatings

No. 7 BASF Coatings

BASF Comments on Potential Sale of Coatings Business

Modern arapartment complex painted in bright colors.

Architectural Polymers Leading the Way in Coatings Innovation



PCI Buyers Guide

Submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) to suppliers of your choice with details on what you need with a click of a button

Start your RFP

Browse our Buyers Guide for manufacturers and distributors of all types of coatings products and much more!

Find Suppliers

Events

September 3, 2025

Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit

The Coatings Trends & Technologies (CTT) Summit is an annual conference for both liquid and powder coatings formulators and manufacturers to discuss innovations in coatings technology. This event combines high-quality technical presentations, a resource-rich exhibit hall, and dedicated networking opportunities to connect scientific minds, foster innovation, and cultivate game-changing new ideas!

January 1, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Longest-running laboratory experiment

What is the longest-running laboratory experiment?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

CTT Summit Short Courses (Live 9/3/25)

Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit is expanding its offerings with four short courses. These short courses will offer an extensive day of interactive learning.

See More Products
pci  webinar april 2025

PCI CASE EBOOK
×

Keep the info flowing with our eNewsletters!

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey & Sample
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Youtube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • Market Trends & Reports
    • Price Alerts
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
    • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
    • Weekly Featured Article
    • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
    • Product News
    • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
    • Additives
    • Resins/Polymers
    • Pigments
    • Equipment
    • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
    • Adhesives
    • Architectural Coatings
    • FINISHING
      • Finishing News
      • Finishing Technologies
      • Finishing Equipment
      • Finishing Today
    • Industrial Coatings
    • Nanotechnology
    • Powder Coatings
    • Solventborne
    • Special Purpose Coatings
    • Sustainability
    • UV Coatings
    • Waterborne
  • RESOURCES
    • Columns
      • Ask Joe Powder
      • Did you know?
      • Distribution Dive
      • Focus on Canada
      • Formulating With Mike
      • Innovation Insights
      • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
      • Powder Coating Perspectives
      • Target the Market
      • TiO2 Insider
    • Blogs
      • Editor's Viewpoint
      • Industry Insights
    • Coatings Supplier Handbook
    • Podcasts and Videos
      • COAT-IT! Podcast
      • Videos/PCI TV
    • PCI Store
    • Classifieds
    • eBooks
    • Sponsor Insights
    • White Papers
    • COATLE Word Game
  • EVENTS
    • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
    • Paint and Coatings Academy
    • Webinars
    • Calendar of Events
    • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • DIRECTORIES
    • Buyer's Guide
    • Equipment Directory
    • Materials Directory
  • EMAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • eMagazine Archive
    • China Issue Archive
    • Editorial Advisory Board
  • CONTACT
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Subscribe to eMagazine
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
  • SIGN UP!