Electrocoat painting method using guarded tubular membrane electrode cells

A method of electrocoat painting using tubular guarded membrane electrode cells. An object-to-be-electrocoat painted, or counter-electrode, is positioned or moved into a paint bath. Electrical current flow is induced between the membrane electrode cells and the counter-electrodes through the tubular guard, with the tubular guard having openings of a type that particularly allow for the flow of electricity between the electrode cells and the counter-electrode for a substantially continuous flow of paint particles around the membrane electrode cells. After painting, the counter-electrode is removed from the paint bath. Flushing fluid may be passed through the membrane electrode cells.