Automotive Refinishing Pollution Prevention Outreach Program
This page last reviewed March 11, 2011
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The Spray Technique Analysis and Research (STAR®) Program is dedicated to improving the
overall efficiency of manual spray coatings operations by enhancing the
techniques of spray technicians around the country. Benefits of the
STAR® Program, developed by the Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC),
include reduced material consumption and cost; reduced over spray and
emissions; reduced health risks; and improved finish quality.
Using a "train the trainer" approach, the IWRC has established a STAR®
training network that now has a total of 34 instructors in 15 states
working to improve the efficiency of manual spray coating operations.
Ten of these states have training schools including Iowa, California,
Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island
and Texas.
Our first STAR trainees, Jorge Ortiz and Jim Knorr at the San Diego Skills
Center
During the
"pre-training" data collection period, students are video taped while
applying coatins as they would normally, without having been given any
instruction on spray technique. Over spray, amount of paint used, VOC
emissions and transfer efficiency (the amount of material hitting the
target compared to the amount of material sprayed) are calculated to
obtain pre-training data. Trainers then introduce STAR® techniques and
demonstrate the use of new equipment, including the Laser Touch®
targeting device. Students are provided individualized hands-on
training and classroom training, with a typical teacher to student
ratio of one to three. Students are then given the opportunity to
practice incorporating STAR® techniques into their spraying habits, and
to become familiar with the use of the Laser Touch®.
After the STAR® training is completed, "post-training" data is gathered from coatings applied to parts identical to those sprayed by the students during the pre-training and practice periods. From the post-training data, VOC emissions and transfer efficiency are then calculated and compared to pre-training results. The result of each trainee is entered into a database, and annual reduction in VOC emissions and increased savings are calculated.
Contact Ms. Nancy Adams for additional information regarding the Automotive Refinishing Pollution Prevention Outreach Program
