Panel Dryers

About Panel Dryers

Panel dryers are essential pieces of equipment in the automotive refinishing and bodywork industries, designed to dramatically accelerate the drying and curing process of paint, primers, adhesives, and filler materials. These specialised tools use either forced air or infrared technology to apply controlled heat to vehicle panels, significantly reducing workshop turnaround times and improving productivity. Whether you're running a professional body shop or carrying out restoration work, panel dryers help achieve professional results whilst maximising efficiency.

The range of panel dryers available includes air-operated blower models that use compressed air to generate powerful heat output, and infrared dryers that emit short wave radiation to penetrate and cure coatings from within. Air dryers are typically more portable and ideal for quick flash-off work between coats, whilst infrared panel dryers offer deeper, more thorough curing for final topcoats and clear lacquers. Both technologies offer significant advantages over traditional air-drying methods, reducing dust contamination risks and allowing painters to work continuously without lengthy waiting periods between stages.

Modern panel dryers feature adjustable temperature settings, variable heat output, and safety features such as thermal cut-outs and stable mounting systems. From compact handheld air dryers perfect for spot repairs to professional-grade infrared units capable of drying entire panels simultaneously, these tools have become indispensable in any workshop focused on delivering quality paintwork efficiently.

Jargon Buster

• Short Wave Infrared: A type of infrared radiation that penetrates deeper into paint layers, curing from the inside out rather than just surface drying. This technology ensures more thorough and even curing of modern water-based and solvent-based coatings.
• Flash-off Time: The period required for solvents to evaporate from a freshly applied coat of paint or primer before applying the next layer. Panel dryers can reduce flash-off time from hours to minutes.
• CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): A measurement of air volume flow used to specify the output of air-operated panel dryers. Higher CFM ratings indicate more powerful airflow for faster drying.
• Forced Air Drying: A drying method that uses heated air blown across the painted surface to accelerate solvent evaporation and speed up the curing process.
• Curing: The chemical process by which paint hardens and reaches its full durability. Panel dryers speed up this process by providing consistent, controlled heat.
• Timer Function: An automatic shut-off feature found on many infrared panel dryers that prevents overheating and allows operators to work on other tasks whilst panels dry safely.

Who Uses Panel Dryers?

• Professional vehicle body shop technicians and automotive spray painters
• Classic car restoration specialists and enthusiasts
• Commercial vehicle repair workshops
• Motorcycle repair and custom paint shops
• Smart repair technicians performing mobile paintwork services
• Industrial coating and refinishing professionals
• Marine repair specialists working on boat and yacht refinishing
• Collision repair centres and accident damage workshops
• DIY enthusiasts undertaking vehicle restoration projects
• Training colleges and apprenticeship programmes teaching automotive refinishing

How to Choose the Right Panel Dryers

When selecting a panel dryer for your workshop, first consider the type of technology that best suits your working methods. Air-operated panel dryers require a compressed air supply but offer excellent portability and are ideal for quick drying between coats. Infrared models, particularly short wave variants, provide superior curing performance for final finishes and are essential for professional results with modern paint systems.

The power output is crucial to your decision. For air dryers, consider the CFM rating and ensure your compressor can supply adequate air pressure (typically 6-8 bar). For infrared dryers, output is measured in watts – models ranging from 1000W to 3000W are common, with higher wattage units capable of drying larger panel areas more quickly. Always verify compatibility with UK 230V electrical supplies.

Coverage area and working distance determine how versatile the dryer will be. Check the recommended operating distance from the panel surface and the effective drying zone. Larger workshops handling complete respray jobs benefit from higher-powered units with wider coverage, whilst smaller operations or mobile technicians may prioritise compact, lightweight options.

Look for essential safety and control features including adjustable heat settings, built-in timers, thermal overload protection, and stable mounting or stand systems. Quality infrared dryers should include protective guards and clear safety markings. Models with digital displays and precise temperature control offer better consistency and prevent damage to sensitive substrates.

Consider the build quality and warranty offered. Professional-grade panel dryers represent a significant investment but deliver reliability and longevity. Reputable brands like Sealey offer robust construction designed for daily workshop use, with replacement parts availability and comprehensive after-sales support.

Popular Accessories

• Replacement heating elements and bulbs for infrared panel dryers
• Adjustable stands and mounting brackets for hands-free operation
• Extension leads rated for high-power electrical equipment
• Infrared thermometers for monitoring panel surface temperatures
• Paint thickness gauges to ensure proper coating application
• Workshop air compressors for air-operated dryer models
• Air line filters and regulators for clean, controlled air supply
• Protective covers for equipment storage
• Masking materials and heat-resistant tape for protecting surrounding areas
• Temperature data loggers for quality assurance documentation

Safety Information

Panel dryers generate significant heat and must be operated with appropriate safety precautions. Always maintain the manufacturer's recommended distance from painted surfaces to prevent scorching, blistering, or panel distortion. Never leave operating panel dryers unattended, even when using timer functions, and ensure adequate workshop ventilation to disperse fumes from accelerated paint curing.

When using infrared panel dryers, be aware that the heating elements become extremely hot and remain so for some time after switching off. Position equipment away from flammable materials, aerosol cans, and solvent containers. Ensure electrical equipment is properly earthed and connected to appropriate outlets – high-wattage infrared dryers may require dedicated circuits to prevent overloading.

Operators should wear appropriate PPE including heat-resistant gloves when adjusting equipment and eye protection when working near infrared sources. Follow HSE guidelines for working with heat-generating equipment and ensure workshop staff receive proper training in safe operation procedures. Always inspect equipment before use for damaged cables, cracked housings, or faulty switches, and remove from service immediately if defects are found.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between air dryers and infrared panel dryers?
Air dryers use heated compressed air blown across the surface to evaporate solvents and speed drying times, making them excellent for flash-off between coats. Infrared dryers emit radiant heat that penetrates the paint layers more deeply, curing from within for superior results on final coats. Infrared technology generally provides more thorough curing and is preferred for professional finish work, whilst air dryers offer greater portability and flexibility for various workshop tasks.

How much faster do panel dryers work compared to air drying?
Panel dryers can reduce drying times by 70-90% compared to ambient air drying. A coat that might take 30-60 minutes to flash off naturally can be ready for the next stage in just 5-10 minutes with forced air drying. Infrared dryers can fully cure topcoats in 15-30 minutes that would otherwise require several hours, dramatically improving workshop throughput and allowing same-day completion of repair work.

Can I use a panel dryer on plastic bumpers and trim?
Yes, but with caution. Plastic components require lower temperatures and greater working distances to prevent warping or melting. Always start with the lowest heat setting and maintain the maximum recommended distance. Many modern panel dryers feature adjustable temperature controls specifically for working with heat-sensitive substrates. Test on an inconspicuous area first and monitor the surface temperature carefully with an infrared thermometer.

What size compressor do I need for an air-operated panel dryer?
Air-operated panel dryers typically require a compressor capable of delivering 6-8 bar pressure with adequate CFM output. Check the specific requirements of your chosen model, but generally a workshop compressor of 50 litres or larger with a 2-3 HP motor will provide sufficient air supply for continuous operation. Ensure your air lines are properly sized and fitted with moisture traps to deliver clean, dry air.

Are panel dryers suitable for water-based paints?
Absolutely. Panel dryers are particularly beneficial when working with modern water-based automotive coatings, which can be slower to dry than traditional solvent-based systems. The controlled heat application accelerates water evaporation whilst allowing proper film formation. However, follow the paint manufacturer's guidelines regarding maximum drying temperatures, as excessive heat can affect the final finish quality of water-based products.