Auto Technical Reference Library
Auto Refinishing

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Refinishing History

Refinish materials and procedures have changed significantly over the last 100 years, beginning with hand rolled and brushed nitrocellulose lacquer to today's advanced urethanes. Because of new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) laws, most paint materials are now high-solids and low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). These paints are more environmentally friendly and require less material to complete a repair.

The amount of steps required by the painter have been minimized due to high build primers and high gloss paints. A repaired panel would sometimes require block sanding three to four times using previous chemistries. The lack of proper tools, equipment, ventilation and advanced paints forced the painter to completely sand and buff an entire area that was refinished to get an acceptable appearance. Current material chemistry generally requires one sanding, application and in most cases no rework after the material is applied.

The advancements in the aftermarket coating industry have greatly improved the refinish process and repair. Electronic color mixing and updated color documentation make panel painting a frequently used procedure. Before electronic mixing, paint would be weighed on a triple-beam or manual scale in which color match was more difficult to achieve.

Down draft spray booths, artificial heating/drying devices and High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) spray equipment are just some of the types of equipment that have improved the aftermarket refinish industry.

Technology and improvements in today's aftermarket refinishing industry benefits our customers in many ways.