Autoparts

In case you hadn't noticed, the EU's Paint Products Directive came into operation on 1st January 2007 - it's purpose is reducing the number of VOCs (Volitile Organic Compounds) released into the environment. In short this will effect cellulose paint just as 2 pack.. the alternative, water based paint.

For years the automotive paint industry has used products such as primers, fillers, solvents and surface cleaners. From now on they will all be measured according to their level of VOC content, a high VOC content includes cellulose paint - which manufacturing of has already stopped. So all high VOC products that were made before 1st January 2007 may still be sold and used through 2007.

The alternative is water based paint. As with many changes water based painting has not been accepted well throughout the auto refinish industry. Painting with water based products requires only a slightly different technique, provided a high-volume, low-pressure spraygun is used. The drying process will need increased airflow which is the area that many workshops will have to look into. It is not all bad news, at Autoparts we have be educating our customers about water based painting for sometime and several have already made the change. For those who have made the change, they are commenting on the noticable speed at which a job can be turned around and in the refinish industry, time is money. There are also advantages for the home user, the first being that it is much safer! Secondly, it is very easy to work with - we will be publishing an article on how to paint with water based products including drying techniques with a hair dryer.

Are you a classic car fan? The directive also states that for the purposes of restoration and maintenance of vintage vehicles Member States may grant individual licenses for the sale and purchase of high-VOC products. However, we are unsure who will be the authority to distribute licenses and choose which vehicles can be restored.

Stay tuned for more information on water based painting.