Product compatibility can impact quality refinish outcomes

Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, has specifically formulated the individual products in each of its three premium global refinish brands – Cromax, Spies Hecker and Standox – to achieve outstanding results while helping refinishers to work productively, energy-efficiently and quickly. However, that outcome can be compromised if products are used in the wrong combination or with non-proprietary, inferior paint products.

Kevin Welling, Training Academy Manager for Axalta Coating Systems in the UK and Ireland, explains, “most paint systems consist of a coloured or clear varnish which is mixed with a so-called ‘cross-linker’, usually an isocyanate, to form chemical bonds with the resin in the paint. The formation of these chemical bonds determines the hardness of the paint. If too little isocyanate is added, the necessary chemical bonds between the varnish and the resin are not formed and the paint stays ‘soft’. Our technical data sheets specify exactly what ratio of hardener needs to be mixed with a given topcoat to produce a finished paint that is hard, but still flexible enough to resist scratches, the effect of stone chips, etc.”

Axalta calculates the ratio of the hardener based on its isocyanate content. If refinishers substitute the recommended hardener with another one, the isocyanate levels may be completely different and the refinisher is at risk of facing drying issues, problems of paint adherence, insufficient hardness of the dried paint, amongst other things.

Welling says, “recently, a bodyshop contacted the UK team because it was suddenly experiencing problems. The topcoat was taking a long time to dry and was not adhering to the substrate properly. After investigation, our specialist technician discovered the refinisher had used a non-proprietary and incompatible hardener with an isocyanate content that was less than half that of the recommended product. As a result, the topcoat had not been activated properly.”

To achieve correct activation, the refinisher would have had to use two to three times the amount of non-proprietary hardener than he did. Had he done so, the large volume consumption of hardener would have resulted in significantly higher costs to the bodyshop and led to VOC emissions that contravene regulations because of higher solvent use.

“What might initially have appeared as a cost saving – buying a cheaper hardener – turned out not to be one. The incorrect product mix severely compromised the quality of the repair and cost the bodyshop time and money, and could have affected the relationship with the vehicle owner if it had not been resolved. This is an excellent example of how vital it is to adhere to product data sheet recommendations and to use fully compatible systems,” concludes Welling.

For more information about the complete product ranges of Cromax, Spies Hecker and Standox, visit the brands’ website – www.cromax.com/gb, www.spieshecker.co.uk and www.standox.co.uk.