Spies Hecker has launched Permasolid HS Speed Surfacer 5500 which it says has ultra-fast air-drying properties and can significantly speed up work processes.

"The surfacer is easy to apply, requires no flash off times and is ready for sanding after as little as 20 minutes air drying," says Kevin Welling, Training Academy Manager for Axalta Coating Systems. In addition to the short drying time at ambient temperatures, the surfacer, once dry, provides refinishers with a very smooth surface helping to deliver an optimal substrate for subsequent base coat application.

Permasolid HS Speed Surfacer 5500 is available in white, grey and black. It should be mixed with the special Permasolid Speed Surfacer Hardener 3550 in a ratio of 1:1 and can be reliably applied in two to four spray passes without intermediate flash-off. The surfacer not only offers very fast air drying, but can also be force dried.

Refinishers can use the surfacer for all common substrates. Kevin explains, "When applying it to metal, the area must first be prepared with the new Spies Hecker Priomat Reactive Pretreatment Wipes 4000, which means there is no need to apply primer with a spray gun. Simply by wiping the surface with the special pre-treatment wipes, refinishers achieve good adhesion and optimal corrosion protection."

Permasolid HS Speed Surfacer 5500 and the Priomat Reactive Pretreatment Wipes 4000 are ideal for use on small damage repairs, for Speed Repair and also for partial resprays. The system is of particular interest to bodyshops aiming for higher throughput and who want to avoid bottlenecks caused by surfacer drying times.

For even greater efficiency, particularly in terms of energy savings, Spies Hecker recommends using Permasolid HS Speed Surfacer 5500 in combination with Permasolid HS Speed Clear Coat 8800.