Exploring 2025’s Paint Booth Industry Outlook: Trends, Challenges, & Opportunities

At the midpoint of 2025, one trend is undeniable in the paint booth industry: collision repair shops are becoming more data-driven and operationally strategic. Gone are the days of rough estimates and reactive maintenance. Today, shop owners want hard numbers, real-time tracking, and smarter tools to understand exactly how their booth operations impact their bottom line. 

Across conversations with shop owners and teams in the field, one thing is clear: the paint booth industry is shifting toward greater visibility, control, and cost awareness. From rising interest in booth tracking to smarter quoting strategies, these are the trends shaping the next phase of collision repair. 

[H2] Booth Efficiency Is No Longer Assumed, It’s Measured 

While paint and material tracking has been standard within large MSOs for years, detailed booth-level insights have only recently become accessible. With tools like Accudraft LIVE™,  shop owners can now monitor gas and electric usage, flash and bake cycles, idle time, and overall booth performance in real time. 

This isn’t about surveillance—it’s about strategy. Knowing exactly how and when a booth is used helps identify bottlenecks, reduce energy waste, and fine-tune scheduling for greater output. 

Smarter Systems Are Raising the Bar

In parallel with performance tracking, shops are embracing smarter booth control systems that allow deeper customization and energy efficiency. The LIVE™ control panel is a major development in this space. Instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all bake or flash cycle, shops can now program different modes based on the type of job, the paint system, and even the vehicle. 

Whether you’re spraying a high-end waterborne basecoat or a fast-drying clear on a standard panel, operators can: 

• Customize airflow for each paint line 
• Adjust flash times for different coatings 
• Set bake temperatures based on exact metal temp needs 
• Switch between eco, spray, flash, and bake modes dynamically 

This level of control means reduced energy waste, better compliance with manufacturer specs, and more consistent results, especially for shops juggling multiple clearcoat systems or OEM programs. 

Additionally, upgrades like ramp-up modes, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and direct-fire heating are helping shops reduce operating costs without compromising cycle times or finish quality. And with newer booths, features like LED lighting replace traditional fluorescent bulbs, reducing energy usage while maintaining high color accuracy during refinishing. 

Cost Awareness Drives Better Decision-Making

Some shop owners still estimate booth operating costs based on monthly utility bills or rough benchmarks. But those assumptions often miss the mark. Without visibility into filtration degradation, idle booth time, or unnecessary heat cycles, shops can underestimate their real costs—which adds up over time. 

We’ve seen growing interest in using booth data to break that cycle. By tracking booth activity down to door openings and airflow settings, shops are beginning to shift from reactive maintenance to proactive efficiency. 

Looking Ahead: Smarter Estimating & Cost Recovery

One of the most promising developments on the horizon is the ability to integrate booth usage data directly into estimating. While still in early discussions, the idea is gaining traction: if shops can measure energy and filter use per job, why not bill for it? 

The groundwork is already being laid. With Accudraft LIVE™ capturing every stage of the booth cycle, shops are closer than ever to reclaiming costs that have traditionally gone unquoted. 

Upgrade Your Workflow with Accudraft Paint Booths

The first half of 2025 has revealed a key theme: operational clarity is becoming a competitive edge. As booth tracking, smart controls, and energy-saving upgrades evolve, forward-thinking shops will have the tools to optimize performance, reduce waste, and make smarter business decisions.  

Accudraft is committed to supporting that shift by delivering technology that brings transparency to every corner of the booth. Contact us today to learn how our smart systems can help you track costs, boost efficiency, and stay ahead in 2025 and beyond.