DEDICATED TO THE COLLISION REPAIR TECHNICIAN

PPG Automotive Refinish announced today they are assisting Penske Racing in converting their state-of-the-art, race car painting facility in Mooresville, North Carolina to the environmentally-friendly PPG Envirobase® High Performance waterborne coatings system.

The conversion began with the painting of the No. 2 Miller Lite and No. 77 Mobil 1 Penske Racing Dodge Chargers, which made their debut this weekend at the Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge features the PPG Automotive Refinish logo on the deck lid for today’s race. PPG waterborne coatings specialist, Jim Skal has been working with Penske Racing staff at their headquarters in Mooresville, North Carolina on the conversion process. The switch to Envirobase® High Performance is part of Penske Racing’s on-going initiative to “green” business practices.

“Going green with a company that has a history of product leadership and innovation is the difference when making such a change,” said Roger Penske. “We are proud to have such a great working relationship with the entire PPG organization throughout our racing disciplines and with our automotive and truck leasing businesses.”
PPG has shared a business relationship with Penske Racing for almost 30 years. The partnership dates back to PPG’s involvement in automobile racing and sponsorship of the PPG Cup from 1979 to 1999. Over the course of the years, PPG has become Penske Corporation’s largest supplier of refinish coatings for its racing, truck leasing and collision repair divisions.

“We’re involved with Penske Racing because of Penske’s rich history and success in business and in motor sports. Partnerships that last over 25 years demonstrate a daily commitment to winning and the teamwork necessary to ensure both partners prosper,” said Bill Shaw, director of business development for PPG.

To address the environment, NASCAR, the sport’s sanctioning body, is developing an industry-wide green initiative led by Dr. Mike Lynch. The initiative will address environmental issues including reducing air emissions, refuse and lubricants recycling, building efficiencies and land preservation.. It will include the sport’s various stakeholders and will seek to mobilize the NASCAR fan base in this important issue.

The PPG Envirobase® High Performance system is currently in use in Europe, California and Canada where air quality regulations mandate lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in refinish basecoats. It is also being used by ecologically-conscious collision and automobile dealer centers throughout North America.

Automotive OEMs have been using waterborne basecoat technology for years. Use of PPG’s Envirobase® High Performance waterborne coatings helps improve air quality by significantly reducing the amount of VOC’s released into the atmosphere. The paint also provides the enhanced ability to match a vehicle’s original finish.
Penske Racing’s teams compete in the Indy Racing League’s Indy Car Series, Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series and NASCAR Nationwide and Cup Series. The cars competing in these series are built, prepared and painted at the Mooresville, NC facility.

Mercedes-Benz approves PPG premium paint brands for repair work

Daimler AG, manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, announced it has approved PPG’s Global Refinish System, including its innovative Envirobase® High Performance waterborne basecoat, for repair in North America of all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. In addition, PPG’s Delfleet commercial coatings system has been approved for repair of Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles. The approvals were based on the results of a rigorous four-day audit conducted by Mercedes-Benz representatives at PPG facilities in the United States and Germany.

Michael Gimpl, Daimler AG, Manager Global Service & Parts, said, “We are pleased to continue the collaboration with PPG in aftermarket sales as we are convinced of their premium product quality as well as their worldwide service capabilities that add value to our network.”

PPG locations visited by Daimler AG included the PPG corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the production facilities and training center located in Delaware, Ohio and the PPG European Technical Center in Ingersheim, Germany.

“We are, of course, very pleased to be recognized by Daimler AG in this manner and to continue our partnership with them,” said Kevin Loop, PPG business development manager. “The audit, known as the Quality Management System Alignment, was extremely thorough and informative. There’s no better confirmation of quality than being approved by a premium manufacturer like Mercedes-Benz. Their choosing PPG as a paint partner is something we can be very proud of.”

The Daimler AG audit covered several elements:

•Quality planning
•Quality of supplied parts and materials
•System/process quality
•Quality product/process
•Failure management

“One of Mercedes-Benz’s highest priorities is customer satisfaction. To ensure they attain that goal, they require their partners to design, manufacture and deliver high quality products,” added Loop. “PPG will continue to provide Daimler AG with the high quality products they expect.”

PPG Spring MVP Business Solutions conference to address collision industry’s perfect storm

PPG’s MVP Business Solutions team will host a major conference for collision center owners and managers from across North America, March 9 – 11, 2009 at the Hilton Resort at Squaw Peak in Phoenix, AZ. Through a combination of management training, peer exchange and expert speakers, the conference is designed to help shop owners improve shop performance and competitiveness despite the many critical challenges facing the collision industry today.

“We are in the middle of a very difficult perfect storm in our industry,” said Jim Berkey, director, Business Solutions Group, PPG Automotive Refinish. “Collision centers are seeing fewer repair opportunities, fewer resources, shrinking profits, increased insurer influence and it’s all happening in the middle of a struggling economy. Moving forward, today’s collision centers must understand the new game is quality, speed and cost. The PPG MVP program has the means to help our collision center owners come out of this stronger, better positioned and set for genuine success. This conference is one component of an all-inclusive range of value-added elements intended to keep our customers positioned to face today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.”

Internationally recognized key note speakers include Michael Martyn, founder of SISU Consulting Service, and John Foppe, veteran author, trainer and adviser to executives. Martyn, an expert in dramatically increasing the speed and effectiveness of process improvement, will discuss proven techniques for managing quick change and developing employee-driven continuous improvement programs. Foppe, a highly-regarded inspirational speaker, will present the difference between “Get it done” and “Make it happen” companies – the latter being organizations in which employees love their work, exceed their goals and elate their customers.

A number of seminars will be held.  These comprise:

-5S Workplace Organization and Point of Use Tools
-The Throughput Performance Journey
-The Practical Application of Lean Six Sigma for Collision Repair
-Building a Winning Team
-Creating a Winning Culture
-The Art of Effective Execution
-Developing Self-Managed Workgroups
-Problem Solving and Process Improvement through Effective Facilitation
-In addition, discussion groups offering an opportunity for peer-to-peer exchange of business strategies, best practices and innovations will be offered to attendees. Group

Topics include:

-Repair Planning Best Practices
-Throughput Performance Solutions
-Dealership Collision Center Management
-Finding, Keeping and Developing Top Performers
-Marketing Best Practices
-Open Discussion Group
Conference attendance is open to owners and managers of collision centers using PPG Refinish products. For more information and to register for the conference, please visit www.mvpconference.com. For more information about PPG MVP Business Solutions, contact your PPG territory manager, call the MVP Hotline at 440/572-6199 or email MVPmailbox@ppg.com.

It’s a New Age for Refinish
Years ago, when many of us first got into the collision repair business, 90 percent of the colors we dealt with were direct gloss formulas, with no clear involved. When we repaired a panel, we finished to the nearest edge, and considered the job done.
Today, that’s no longer the case. When you look at current OEM palettes, just about the only direct gloss colors left are gloss white and a handful of reds. Nearly everything else involves a base color—which can be solid, metallic, or tinted clear—with a clearcoat over the top. And that’s not the only thing that has changed.

Blending basics—your keys to invisible repairs

By John Hristias, PPG Industries Australia
The difference between OEM painting conditions and procedures and those used in the typical collision shop have never been as great. OEM metallic and pearl paints are typically waterborne, as opposed to the solvent-borne paints used in collision repair. Many modern assembly plants have used electrostatic spray to apply metallics, which can polarize the metallic materials, and thus change the reflective qualities. And to reduce the amount of topcoat color required, many OEMs now use a colored undercoat, or colored primer, under the actual color. Final color, then, is the result of the undercoat showing through both the topcoat and the clearcoat.

In addition, OEM pigment choices tend to be extremely broad, compared to the range of colors carried in most refinish systems (for example, 50 yellow OEM pigments, compared to the four carried in most premium refinish systems). And regardless of how the vehicle was finished at the factory, color is quite likely to have faded a bit if the vehicle is several years old, or has been continually exposed to the elements. Even armed with the more than 200 tinters that it would take to provide accurate matches to every OEM finish, a collision shop could still see some variability, just because of painting conditions. Little wonder, then, that edge-to-edge blending has, by and large, become a thing of the past.

Assessing the Situation

When doing the estimate on a damaged vehicle, it’s important to note that, when we talk about the “repair area” for a damaged panel, we are just talking about the area of damage itself. We need to consider the area that will be covered by the new primer coat we apply during the course of the repair. As the primed area will in most cases be several times larger than the damaged area, it’s important to allow for this, or you can seriously underestimate the time and materials that it will take to do the job.
Bearing that in mind, here are some things you should consider when deciding how far you should continue to blend a repair finish:
Mentally divide the panel being worked on into thirds (both lengthwise and heightwise). If a metallic or pearl color repair extends into more than two of those thirds, then you should continue the blend into the next panel.

If the finish being used is a solid-color basecoat/clearcoat, the blend can, in most cases, be restricted to the panel being repaired.
If a panel is being replaced, rather than repaired, then the color should be blended into the surrounding panels regardless of the color being used.
The Clear Difference. When we talk about blending, we’re talking about color only. The entire panel (or panels) should be clearcoated to ensure maximum durability of the repair.

The value of a spray out card

While converting recently to PPG’s Envirobase HP all seems to be going very well with the product. The colors are mostly good but there is the odd color that needs to be tinted. As I have discovered, I need to do spray out cards on all colors and check for a good color match. This also creates a color library and saves time tinting down the road when a color is not acceptable. Proper documentation is a must when tinting a color. I include everything I have done to the color so the next car I spray which is the same color, the color match is perfect. There are many popular colors out for 2008-2009 so doing a card is a must. I have seen my silver library grow and grow over the last month. I also have a lot of reds and blues which seem to be popular also.

One important piece of information needed to be added to the back of the spray out card is how many coats of paint you apply. Three is usually sufficient plus the control coat but some colors are low hiders so writing down this info is vital. I also write down what kind of clear coat I use over the Envirobase as we use two different types of clear. I do not seal the spray out card to test if the color covers well or not. This info is documented and kept on file for use at a later date. 

It is very important to get regular updates for your computer system as PPG is always updating their colors so ask your distributor for the CD if you have not received an update in the last six months or so. Another great tool is PPG online color library. These are the latest color formulas and variances. If your chips do not provide a close match then check the online color library to see if there are any more variances for your color you are about to spray. Chances are there will be at least one or more variances for you too choose from. So check your color using a spray out card and make sure you add it to your color library for later reference.

General Motors has approved PPG’s new D8152 Performance + Glamour Clearcoat and the DLV800X series of a-chromatic primer surfacers for worldwide use in warranty refinish repairs. The two products, part of the PPG Global Refinish System®, meet GM’s demanding quality standard known as Specification GMW15406 and join a long list of GM-approved PPG coatings from the PPG and Nexa Autocolor™ paint lines, including Deltron® and the new waterborne technology of Envirobase® High Performance and Aquabase® Plus.

“PPG has worked very hard to meet GM’s high standards of quality and durability and we appreciate their recognition,” said Kevin Loop, PPG OEM business development manager, “GM dealers and their authorized repair and refinish facilities will be able to use these coatings for warranty work with the confidence they’ll be able to deliver a finish comparable in appearance to the original OEM vehicle finish.”

D8152 is designed for use over Global BC and Envirobase® High Performance basecoats and is the perfect complement to D8150, Global Performance Clearcoat. This world-class clear has been specifically developed for exceptional gloss, ease of application, easy buffing and exceptional holdout. It’s the ideal choice for luxury cars and any project that demands ultimate high gloss finish.

The DLV800X series consists of three premium-level a-chromatic surfacers – white, black and gray – which can be mixed to achieve the desired gray tone. These surfacers offer excellent adhesion, film build, surface leveling and gloss holdout over a wide range of substrates.

Loop adds, “We have a long-standing, solid relationship with GM. They know the quality and value of our products. We’re happy to have them count on us.”

PPG Automotive Refinish will debut a waterborne compliant solution for its Vibrance Collection® line of custom colors and effects at the 2008 SEMA Show, being held November 4 – 7, in Las Vegas, booth #23093.

According to PPG, its custom color compliant solution especially addresses the needs of professionals in areas where stiffer VOC regulations have been imposed, such as California and Canada. Custom painters and artists will now be able to use the Vibrance Collection of colors with PPG’s Envirobase® High Performance waterborne basecoat system and still meet VOC mandates.

“Our customers in California and Canada love working with our Vibrance Collection custom color line and they’re very important to us,” says Jeff Griffin, manager, collision segment N.A. “So we challenged our team early on to make sure that the custom painter would not be hindered in the least bit when it becomes necessary to convert to a waterborne system.” “Our goal was to take all the custom colors now available with our solvent-based systems and provide matching formulas for use with Envirobase High Performance basecoat. And I’m proud to say we’re accomplishing our mission.”
Some special effect pigments currently available in the Vibrance Collection required a new technological solution to achieve waterborne compatibility. To address that need, PPG developed VWM5555, an innovative midcoat for the Vibrance Collection line. VWM5555 creates a midcoat layer over the waterborne basecoat and allows painters to use Vibrance Collection special effect pigments such as Radiance® II dyes, Flamboyance®, Prizmatique®, Liquid Crystals and Ditzler® Big Flake™.
The new VWM5555 midcoat will be available through PPG distributors across North America in January 2009 to create a complete, compliant custom color solution. A choice of compliant, 2.1 VOC clearcoats are also available for use with Envirobase High Performance waterborne basecoat.

PPG will showcase custom finishes using the new Vibrance Collection compliant system at the SEMA Show at PPG booth #23093.

If your at the Sema show please stop by and have a look for yourself!

PPG, One of the Preferred Suppliers for Global Dealership and Independent Repairs

PPG Automotive Refinish has been named as one of the preferred suppliers by Volvo Car Corporation for its worldwide network of dealerships as well as for independent collision centers around the globe. The designation includes PPG’s innovative and advanced waterborne Envirobase High Performance basecoat paint system.

Volvo’s objective is to provide its customers with premium-level repair quality in the aftermarket. Consequently, Volvo rigorously tests all materials to make certain they meet the company’s strict standards before they are approved. “Being designated as one of the preferred suppliers by Volvo is something to take great pride in,” said Ken Davis, PPG manager, OEM business development. “Volvo is well known for its quality and to be one of their approved suppliers is recognition of the quality of our products. We will, of course, work closely with them to provide complete support to Volvo dealerships and independent shops around the world.”

Peter Larsson, Volvo’s deputy director, painted body engineering, said, “One of the major criteria for selecting preferred suppliers is quality assurance which will safeguard the Volvo repair quality in our network. PPG continues to demonstrate high quality and commitment for its paint products and processes. I am very pleased to say this collaboration will bring benefits to our international network.”

PPG’s waterborne product, Envirobase High Performance is currently in use in North America and Europe.

Another Collision Repair Shop Goes Green!

I flew up to Grand Prairie, Alberta this Monday to assist in converting another collision shop to PPG’s Envirobase HP. Doug, Jason and myself were in GPI Collision today to set up this clean and modern collision shop with the proven water system from the leader in water borne base coat. The installation took us less than a half a day and we were ready to mix and spray Envirobase. Western Paint Supply and PPG work closely together to maximize our time setting up the system and minimizing the down time for the shop and painter. We like to properly install the paint system and watch a short twenty five minute video to inform the painter of the do’s and don’ts when spraying water borne paint. Then we get to the fun part of the switch over, the spraying.

With the painter currently spraying PPG Global Basecoat the switch to water will be a snap. We will train the painter a full day and then leave him be to apply the paint on his own. I feel that a painter that has a good grasp on PPG clears and sealers has an easy time using the new water base paint. He already knows the full line of PPG products and the water is the only process he needs to learn. I look forward to putting a smile on his face tomorrow as we spray the best water borne paint on the market today.

I will follow up on this article and inform you on how the painter liked the transition. I will also get a testimonial from the painter and get his opinion. Stay tuned and I will post his answers and testimonial as soon as we are finished the training.

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.