The Auto Body Blog

PPG is ready when you are

The move to waterborne requires careful planning to ensure the quality and productivity of the paint repair operation is maintained with minimal interruption. It all begins with gaining an understanding of waterborne technology and the key steps and considerations that must be taken into account for making a smooth transition from solvent borne.

 
Experience has demonstrated that collision centers achieving the most success in transitioning to a PPG waterborne basecoat are those who have taken advantage of PPG’s “Convert with Confidence” process. This initiative supports and underscores the need for proper planning, technician training and the right equipment required to make a smooth, seamless transition. Taking advantage of this process, you can receive all the support, training, and advice required to make a timely, seamless move to a PPG waterborne
system.

Conversion planning guide

PPG’s step-by-step “Convert with Confidence” Waterborne Conversion Planning Guide is a comprehensive guide to understanding and planning for the move to waterborne basecoat. This helpful guide covers all the tasks involved in the conversion process, and provides detailed timetables and checklists to follow—so there are no surprises on conversion day. To obtain a copy of this guide, contact your local distributor. There are two versions available: one specific for California and Canada (PPG part number CARBPGC), and one for the rest of North America (part number CARBNAT).

Seminars for owners & managers

PPG “Convert with Confidence” seminars are being conducted across North America. Designed for body shop owners and managers, this seminar covers everything a shop needs to know about the planning and implementation of a PPG waterborne system—from understanding the technology and supplemental air movement equipment requirements to workflow planning and waste stream management. Following the
seminar, your PPG distributor or territory manager will work with you to schedule a conversion date and provide the support you need. Your territory manager can assist in determining when a “Convert with Confidence” seminar will be held in a location nearest your facility.

Technician training

While technicians will find PPG waterborne basecoat easy to apply and blend, it’s critical that they receive the proper training prior to conversion, since the technology does require different application techniques.
PPG offers a comprehensive, one-day training course to ensure paint technicians are ready and skilled at refinishing with waterborne basecoat. The course provides both classroom and hands-on instruction which covers everything technicians will need to know about waterborne technology and the proper application of your new system. Topics covered include: Product System Overview, Application Techniques, Spot Repair & Blending, Product Tips (Do’s & Don’ts) Equipment Requirements, Environmental, Health & safety Issues waste Handling, Color Adjustment. The Waterborne Conversion Planning Guide will help you develop a workflow plan to accommodate your technician training schedule.

On-site training

When your conversion day arrives, PPG will provide on-site training to ensure the paint operation gets up and running smoothly without disruption. To supplement the offsite training your technicians have already received, PPG will provide additional support to make sure they are proficient with our waterborne color tools,TouchMix software,and anything else you need.

A team effort

From day one in setting your conversion plan in action, it is important to work in conjunction with your distributor and PPG’s support team to insure a smooth and successful transition to this exciting new technology. By working together, your business will quickly be enjoying the many benefits of water borne.