Andrea Taylor, director and owner of Solaire Pty Ltd was prompted to research and write about how to choose the right spray tanning equipment for your salon. After travelling Australia providing education and advice to salons, she noticed there was a common problem amongst most salons – spray tanning equipment failing during busy salon periods. These equipment malfunctions frequently occurred in HVLP machines which are made in China as apposed to the equipment made in the US.
Here, read about her findings and her tips on how to maintain and look after your spray tanning equipment.
USA
Apollo Sprayers International, Inc. were more than happy to take my call and were an endless source of information and advice. Apollo has been manufacturing nothing but HVLP spray equipment since 1966. Apollo is known worldwide as a premium manufacturer of industrial HVLP spray technology. Ever since the UV sunless industry discovered HVLP, Apollo has been serving this market with a full range of premium sprayers that they have specially designed for the UV sunless market.
Apollo Sprayers present four HVLPsun Systems and two HVLPsun Mist Applicators. HVLPsun Tanning Systems serve the tanning industry with a full range of tanning opportunities, from mobile technicians spraying on-site to the most exclusive salons, hotels, cruise ships and spas.
Superbly engineered, the HVLPsun Tanning Systems and Mist Applicators put perfect control in the technician’s hands. HVLPsun motors produce a high volume of air (CFM) at a very low pressure (PSI). The Mist Applicators have all high-grade stainless steel fluid parts and a specially designed nozzle to atomize tanning solution into tiny perfect particles in a precision-controlled spray fan. Tanning solution is applied gently, in a fine layer, which maximises skin and DHA adhesion for an absolutely flawless end result.
Quality and Safety
A key focus in the design of every Apollo product is that they must be extremely safe and comfortable for the user. Today’s Apollo turbine systems meet the toughest environmental codes worldwide, and are significant for their rugged construction, comfortable operation and reliable results. Fail rate of Apollo HVLP systems are less than one per cent. What’s more, each unit and spray gun is fully tested prior to shipping.
China
The three manufactures I contacted from China were not prepared to discuss the issue other than to advise that you can buy most pieces of equipment for around the $50US mark and that they made what someone asked for and that they could copy anything.
When asked about the manufacturing process not one plant was purpose-built for building spray tan equipment; it was simply an add-on product for companies and all parts that were sourced were plastic. There was no research or end-user trials. There was also no available fail rate or quality data.
I spoke with a couple of importers of these machines who indicated that the machines were inexpensive and they regularly had to replace the machines or the machines just didn’t work when they arrived to them. Nearly every story was the same: inexpensive, unpredictable and unreliable.
So when is each piece of equipment suitable and when is it not?
Made in China – 550watt – HVLP
Inexpensive equipment from China does have its place, but not in a salon or a professional business. The inexpensive HVLP 550 (commonly known as the piggy) is a great cost-effective machine for those who only want to do a bit of at-home tanning. They’re light-weight, easy-to-set-up, easy-to-use, small-to-store and can last when used intermittently. The piggy also has a reputation of being more reliable than the 700 watt machine. The HVLP 550 can be purchased for around the $200 – $300 mark.
Made in China – 700watt machines
The 700 watt HVLP machine is notoriously unreliable and at this point I would not recommend this machine to anybody. My reasons are simple. The 700 watt machine is not necessary for at-home use and it’s not good enough for a salon. I have seen some of these machines advertised for around $700 – $800 mark, which is severely over-priced as these machines cost around the $50US mark to buy direct from China.
Mobile, Start-Up Business and Low Volume Salons
For a small amount of extra money around the $400 mark, you can purchase an Apollo MiniMist 1000 watt, USA-made machine with a good quality spray gun. The hose has metal quick connectors and is made of tough flex material, designed to last when subjected to heat. The gun is molded resin and has a specially manufactured stainless-steel nozzle and needle to create an ultra-fine mist. This is a great little start-off machine and can always be kept as a spare or back-up when you have built up your business to require an even more robust machine. Consider the Mobile-Mist for added mobility and storage. It provides the same fine performance as the Mini-Mist housed in a rolling suitcase.
Professional Tanning
The Apollo Sun-Mist and Whisper-Mist takes UV Sunless Tanning to the professional level. A high performance, rugged system, it can be used equally well at home, in a client’s home, or in a high-volume salon. The Sun-Mist offers excellence in HVLP sunless tanning. It has a variable speed control, provides hushed performance, as well as the ability to contour and shade. The The HVLPsun T5020 Mist Applicator comes complete with a (250cc) cup. All parts that handle solution are manufactured from marine grade stainless steel. Clean up and maintenance is super-easy and its exclusive-designed nozzle provides maximum atomization with minimal overspray.
Servicing, Equipment and Guns
Every spray tanner will tell you your equipment will only perform well if you care for it. Spray machines and mist applicators need regular care attention to ensure they last as long as possible.
Spray Machines
Cleaning is imperative: Spray machines won’t work properly or last long if they are clogged up with spray solution, hair or anything else that may float around your salon.
Daily care: The spray machine needs to be wiped over at the end of the day with a warm damp cloth. Remove any spray solution visible to the eye. This includes the hoses, connectors and so on. Mist applicators should also be thoroughly rinsed with water.
Weekly care: Remove the filters in the machine and rinse under warm to hot water, and allow to dry before replacing. It’s a good idea to have spare filters to replace the one you have washed. Check over the machine looking for any areas of wear and tear, and check connectors and hoses.
Yearly care – A service check is a good idea before the busy time of the spray tan year commences. Check with your distributor for your local technician.
Spray Guns
Cleaning is imperative: I have never seen a mist applicator malfunction that has been well cared for. Personally, I have had my mist applicator for over four years. There are two basic rules to follow.
1. Never allow your gun to sit around with spray solution in it. At the end of a day discard the spray solution and rinse the mist applicator with warm water until clear. Ideally, the spray gun cleaner should be run through the mist applicator to coat the metal pin and protect it from oxidization.
2. Weekly care: strip the gun all the way down, clean it thoroughly. Again, gun cleaner is better than just warm water as it coats the parts of the gun helping to prevent build-up of spray solution. Lubricate the guns, check parts and replace anything that is worn.
In deciding which piece of equipment is right for you, seriously think about the purpose for which you are going to use it, not only now but in the future. Look for reliability and support from your supplier. The last thing you want is equipment failure at a critical time. Purchase the best piece of equipment that you can possibly afford now. This saves money down the track repurchasing equipment. Invest in a training course and learn how to service your equipment and gun.
Contact: Andrea Taylor at Solaire (03) 5245 8367.