Paint and coatings suppliers rev up innovation to keep pace with the ever-evolving demands of the global automotive refinish industry. In fact, PPG has recently announced the formation of a joint venture, PPG Advanced Surface Technologies, in partnership with entrotech, Inc., to deliver cutting-edge paint and clear film solutions for automotive and industrial customers. The commercialization of paint films opens new possibilities for auto body repair professionals, empowering them to achieve exceptional results while meeting the evolving demands of their customers.
Unveiling paint films
Paint films have significantly improved in quality, sustainability, and performance in recent years. Gone are the days of vinyl-based coatings, which lacked the qualities expected of high-quality paint films. Today, paint films offer multilayer applications with at least one layer of paint, allowing for an extensive range of vibrant colors, including solid, metallic and pearlescent finishes. These colors are meticulously matched to automotive paint standards, ensuring seamless integration with the original paintwork.
Although predominantly used in automotive applications, the versatility of paint films extends to various industrial sectors. Today, car manufacturers in North America and Europe use PPG's paint film products.
Wrap vs. paint films: What's the difference?
Paint films and wraps share some advantages, such as the ability to transform a vehicle's look quickly, but paint films are more durable. Unlike wraps, paint films color and protect vehicles permanently. This higher quality of aesthetics ensures greater value for customers seeking a durable and reliable solution for their cars.
A sustainable application process
One of the advantages of paint films lies in their sustainable application process. The installation process involves the precise cutting of clear protective layers and paints to cover specific areas, resulting in a flawless, professional finish. Applying paint films requires no heat, reducing energy consumption for body shops.
Low-maintenance remains
Like traditional paint, car owners can buff and wash paint films as needed, allowing car owners to maintain the paint film's appearance and longevity. Additionally, suppose a body shop must repair a vehicle with paint and paint films. In that case, body shop technicians can easily apply paint films after painting without a paint booth or heat supply.
Support the body shop labor gap
Paint films offer a promising solution to the skilled labor shortage in the body shop industry. Although installing paint films requires a different skill set, it is often a more efficient process than alternative methods. Paint films ensure consistent quality, eliminating the variability associated with individual painters' techniques. Strict control over film thickness guarantees a precise and uniform application. As such, body shops can streamline operations and maximize productivity by embracing paint films to help combat ongoing labor shortages.
Looking ahead
Paint films offer a superior solution to the global refinish industry with their strong durability, sustainability, and low maintenance. Body shops must partner with the right paint film providers to ensure optimal results. For example, PPG Advanced Surface Technologies combines PPG's coatings and specialty materials expertise with entrotech's technological prowess in film solutions. This joint venture aims to revolutionize the paint film market and empower body shops with greater innovation, exceptional performance, and more sustainability benefits.
Daniel Bencun is the CEO of PPG Advanced Surface Technologies, a new joint venture formed with entrotech, Inc., a provider of technology-driven film solutions. PPG established its paint films capabilities in 2021 by acquiring Wörwag, a Germany-based coatings supplier that provides film products for various automotive parts and panels. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com
