Careful attention must be...
Careful attention must be paid during the mixing process to ensure that today's paint accurately matches the shade of an original color during restorations.
Large collision repair shops might consider investing in a high-volume air-movement system to accelerate the water evaporation process. In certain instances, a portable unit can be used, which can reduce evaporation and cure times to as little as one hour. Solvent pops are no longer an issue with waterborne products, but if the water hasn't completely evaporated before the clearcoat is applied, the finish can crack.
HPP: How is waste handled when dealing with waterborne products?
RS: Waterborne product waste is much easier to handle. Each state will likely decide upon its own forms of disposal, and right now it seems that adding coagulate is the preferred method. A coagulate is poured into the excess paint, and it separates the residual color from the water. The water is then poured off and the color sludge is left to dry. Once solid, the nontoxic color block, as well as the water, can then be disposed of in accordance to local regulation.
HPP: Is waterborne paint more costly than a similar solvent-based product?
RS: Yes, the product itself is more expensive, but the shop must invest in air-quality, specific-equipment, and employee training when applying waterborne products, and that, too, will likely reflect in the overall cost of the repair. We're finding, however, that once a facility makes the necessary changes, its employees prefer the use of waterborne paints to solvent-based products.
Conclusion
Knowing how closely related Stazzoni is with PPG Industries, we felt that he was an excellent source to address our exterior finish questions. We learned that like color trends, paint technology continually changes, and with that has come products that are vastly superior to those of just a few years back. Not only are they more environmentally friendly, today's products are also more durable and easier to handle. So the next time you begin thinking about refinishing your Pontiac's exterior, consider all the options available today. There's certainly one that will fit within your budget.
| PPG'S Current Offerings |
| Line | Typically used | Price Point |
| Global Refinish System | For European vehicle repairs | High |
| Nexa Autocolor 2K | By dealerships for late-model repairs | Medium to high |
| Deltron | By high-end collision repair shops or restoration professionals | Medium to high |
| Vibrance Collection | For high-end custom finishes | Medium to high |
| Aquabase Plus | Where waterborne paints are required | Medium to high |
| OneChoice | For specialty repairs such as undercoat and rollable primer | Medium |
| Specialty Performance Products | For specialty repairs such as plastics, vinyl, and leather | Medium to low |
| Shop Line* | By used-car lots or for low-end restorations | Low |
| OMNI | By used-car lots or for low-end restorations | Low |
| Value Pro | As a low-cost color coat | Lowest |
| * Available though PPG Platinum Distributors only |