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The Science of Overspray & Professional Claim Management

When paint projects or industrial activities go wrong, the resulting airborne contaminants—known as overspray—can travel for miles. Since 1982, Nationwide Overspray has been the industry authority in remediating these complex claims.

As an ISO 9001:2015 Certified company, we have processed over 400,000 claims, refining our techniques to ensure that vehicle values are preserved and liabilities are resolved within 24 hours.

What is Overspray and How Does it Occur?

Overspray is any airborne foreign contaminant that misses its intended target. It is a non-water-soluble material that can settle on vehicles, boats, and buildings, seriously degrading the surface finish.

The Mechanics of a "Drift" Event

Overspray events are rarely the result of a single error. They are usually caused by a combination of environmental and technical factors:

  • Wind Speed: Even light gusts can carry paint mist miles away from a job site.
  • Elevation: The higher the project (e.g., water towers, bridges), the further the drift potential.
  • Temperature: High heat can cause paint to “dry” mid-air, creating hard “sandpaper” dots on surfaces.
  • Application Errors: Improper spray-head distance, improper angles, or triggering the sprayer off-target.

Common Types of Contaminants We Remediate

  • Epoxy: The most common commercial overspray. It creates a rough, sandpaper-like texture that is often invisible to the eye but damaging to the touch.
  • Urethane Foam: Used in roof insulation; it hardens quickly and is one of the most difficult substances to remove safely.
  • Latex Paint: A water-based binder that, if allowed to dry, requires specialized non-aggressive removal.
  • Chemical Fallout & Iron Dust: Airborne particles from rail facilities, industrial plants, or volcanic ash.
  • Vandalism: Most commonly spray paint, which requires professional “softening” agents for safe removal.
  • Road Spray: Asphalt, tar, and concrete debris kicked up from roadway environments.

The Nationwide Management Process

We take a proactive approach to claim management, protecting both the insurer and the claimant.

1. Rapid Response & Setup

Upon contacting us, please have your Claim Number, location, and estimated unit count ready. We dispatch a certified team to set production expectations and coordinate with claimants based on their specific needs.

2. Liability Determination

We don’t guess—we verify. Using IR Spectrography (sample analysis) and wind/direction records, we help determine the exact source and party responsible for the occurrence.

3. Pre-Cleaning Inspection

To prevent fraudulent claims, we document all pre-existing damage—such as rock chips, swirl marks, or oxidation—and obtain claimant initials before work begins.

4. Restoration

Our process is manufacturer-approved and dealership-recommended.

Gentle Restoration vs. Conventional Repair

Our process is manufacturer-approved and dealership-recommended.

Nationwide Hand Process

Conventional Body Shop Method

Frequently Asked Questions

If left untreated, industrial fallout and epoxy can bond to the surface, leading to oxidation and finish degradation. However, professional hand removal can safely restore the surface to its previous condition without damaging the clear coat.

We specialize in cleaning most smooth and semi-smooth plastic trim. While some textured moldings or convertible tops can be “uncleanable” if the damage is severe, we document these as settlement items to simplify the claim.

We help adjusters establish a reserve by verifying “cleanability” on a sample unit, determining a per-vehicle price, and multiplying it by the total floor plan list. This provides an accurate, predictable cost for the entire claim.