ARTIFICIAL VERSUS NATURAL MEANS OF DRYING PAINT

The author describes a process for drying coats of paint and varnish more rapidly than is possible with natural means, by adding heat and moisture simultaneously to the air surrounding the siccative coatings, through the employment of mechanical devices. The use of a fan and conditioning equipment to produce air circulation allows the process to be adapted readily to modern factory-schedules.

Atmospheric conditions suitable for drying are discussed at some length as being a composite of sensible temperatures and relative degrees of humidity, and several humidifying devices are described and illustrated. Color control of paint by this means of drying is mentioned, examples being given, and numerous photographs showing installations of artificial drying equipment in use at various automobile plants are presented.