Automotive Color Trends

PPG, a global leader in the refinish paint and coatings industry, conducted research into automotive color trends and reports that up to 60% of consumers identify color as a major factor in their vehicle-buying decisions.  Read on to learn about what new colors are making debuts and how vehicle color preference changes from year to year.

The Conservative Stand-bys

Many consumers often choose conservative vehicle colors such as white, black or green.  Green, a tried-and-true choice, began to wane in popularity in the late 1990s as preferred colors shifted to the neutrals.  But, in recent years, green is making a comeback as its popularity has increased in home décor, wall colors, furniture and fashion.  Vehicle color choice is as unique as each consumer, as some drivers feel that certain colors are easier to keep clean or are less noticeable while passing speed traps.  Others prefer to make a statement with their vehicle color choice, almost as an extension of one’s identity.  One thing is certain – vehicle color matters to consumers.

Inside-Out

PPG maintains a strong global color forecasting process.  There is a psychology to the “green renaissance” as foliage-influenced greens provide “a retreat that shields us from competing priorities and the always-on digital society around us.”, according to PPG global manager, Jane Harrington.

PPG global segment manager, Jennifer Solcz said “Car colors can go beyond the body and can be represented in various areas – including the car’s interior, wheel coatings and more.”  Color is extremely influential, and OEMs look to industry leaders such as PPG when planning color themes, combinations and options.

Color My World

PPG’s unique position as a color leader in multiple markets enables the company to observe and translate emerging global color trends for many applications in addition to automotive color such as consumer goods and industrial design.  It is this industry expertise that leads OEMs to take note of PPGs color forecasting trends.  Following are four categories presented to OEMs in 2018 that will influence automotive color trends through 2021 and beyond:

With Class: Centered around a contemporary version of classic elegance and refinement in our high-tech world, this theme comprises multicolored darks to express an exotic and sophisticated tone. The palette contains rich wood-inspired browns, warm sandy beiges and saturated jewel-toned reds. Metal inspired accents of copper and gold, often seen in PPG’s wheel coating applications, balance the darker shades.

With Out: A theme that connects with a design aesthetic that emphasizes minimalism, a “less is more” approach and a connection to the environment. This palette emphasizes simplicity and peacefulness. Organic greens, mixed browns, and soft stone-inspired hues work together to replicate the natural world.

With Spirit: This design theme addresses the rise of spirituality infused in the pursuit of community, mysticism and a fascination of the cosmos. The palette is a blend of intense, earth-toned hues with muted blue and purple shades. Authentic metal colors inspired by iron, gold and copper add a grounding element.

With It: This color collection reflects a design aesthetic that is youthful in spirit, playful, artistic and energetic. With overtly diverse and expressive colors, the chromatic palette creates abstract glamour and implies a contrast of strength and vulnerability. Layered color effects add dynamic intensity to traditionally primary hues, represented on the car’s body, custom wheel colors or interiors.

About Gipe Auto Color

With over 50 team members and 9 locations serving Kentucky, Southern Indiana, Southeast Illinois, and Northwest Tennessee, Gipe Auto Color is one of the largest PPG™ Platinum Distributors in the region.  We have seven dedicated tech reps certified in all PPG™ automotive refinish product lines.  Their primary duty is to help customers apply PPG™ coatings using techniques that ensure maximum performance day in and day out.

Our service does not stop in the paint shop. We offer assistance in process evaluation, development of standard operating procedures, inventory management, performance data analysis, and targeted improvement strategies with an emphasis on customer profitability.

For expert assistance with PPG software, online tools and resources, call 502.966.2384  Monday through Friday between 8am and 5pm.

PPG™ New Chromatic Sealers

PPGRefinish, a division of PPG Industries, is a global leader in the refinish paint and coatings industry.  PPG, founded in 1883 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, leads the industry in innovation, sustainability and color, serving customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products and construction industries.  In 2018, PPG invested more than $9 million in communities around the world.  It is this leadership and innovation that brings new products to the collision repair industry.  In July, PPG released the ECS8X-A-Chromatic Sealers to replace ECS2X and ECS6X Sealers.

The experts at Gipe Auto Color can demonstrate and recommend the optimal products for your projects.  Read on for an overview of this new product offering.

Product Information

A-Chromatic Sealers ECS81White, ECS85 Gray and ECS87 Dark Gray are premium quality sealers designed specifically for use under ENVIROBASE® High Performance Waterborne Basecoat. these A-Chromatic Sealers are ready to top-coat in 15 minutes and have the best leveling and blend edge properties available today.  All 3 sealer colors were selected to match A-Chromatic shades G1, G5 and G7 and with a simple mix ratio, G3 and G6 can easily be achieved. The sealer can be applied over un-sanded OEM e-coat, sanded original finishes and/or properly prepared and treated bare steel, aluminum, fiberglass and plastic.

Preparation

In all cases wash all surfaces to be painted with soap and water, then apply the appropriate ONECHOICE® cleaner. Ensure that the substrate is thoroughly cleaned and dried both before and after preparation work.

Original Paintwork should be sanded using P400 grit discs (dry) or P600 grade paper (wet). Exposed bare metal should be spot primed with a suitable bare metal primer (see below).

Aluminum, Bare Steel, and Galvanized Steel must be clean, rust-free and abraded thoroughly using P280 – P320 grit paper. These substrates must be primed with SX1071 Etch Primer.

Electrodeposition Primer (E-Coat) must be thoroughly cleaned and can be directly overcoated with the A-Chromatic Sealer without abrading.

Polyester Body Fillers should be dry sanded and finished with P320-P400 grit paper.

Gel Coated Fiber Glass and SMC should be dry sanded using P320-400 grit paper.

Plastic should be dry sanded with P600 (use a finer grit for softer plastics) and prepared first with a Plastic Adhesion Promoter before sealing.

Performance Guidelines

  • The use of HVLP spray equipment can give an increase in transfer efficiency of around 25% depending upon the make and model of the equipment used.
  • For all substrates except un-sanded electrodeposition primer, ensure that the surface is thoroughly sanded to the panel edge or to a distance several centimeters beyond the damaged area, whichever is smaller.
  • Do not apply over thermoplastic finishes such as lacquer.
  • Partially used cans of hardener must be kept closed to prevent moisture contamination.

About Gipe Auto Color

To learn more the new Chromatic Sealers and the complete ENVIROBASE® High Performance system from PPG, call Gipe Auto Color at 502.966.2384, Monday through Friday between 8am and 5pm.

With over 50 team members and 9 locations serving Kentucky, Southern Indiana, Southeast Illinois, and Northwest Tennessee, Gipe Auto Color is one of the largest PPG™ Platinum Distributors in the region.  We have seven dedicated tech reps certified in all PPG™ automotive refinish product lines.  Their primary duty is to help customers apply PPG™ coatings using techniques that ensure maximum performance day in and day out.

Our service does not stop in the paint shop. We offer assistance in process evaluation, development of standard operating procedures, inventory management, performance data analysis, and targeted improvement strategies with an emphasis on customer profitability.

PPG™ PaintManager® XI Overview

PPG PAINTMANAGER® XI Overview

PAINTMANAGER® from PPG is the state-of-the-art tool for monitoring and managing the productivity and profitability of a paint operation, no matter the size of your business.  PPG is proud to announce its latest advancement in color retrieval, mixing and management functions with the release of the software’s latest version; PAINTMANAGER® XI.

Continue reading “PPG™ PaintManager® XI Overview”

The Importance of OEM Certifications

The Importance of OEM Certifications

In 2012, there were just 350 OEM-certified collision repair shops in the United States. Just five years later, that number increased more than tenfold. OEM-certified repairers now account for more than a third of all collision repair work revenue performed in the country.  If your facility is not currently certified by any OEM-certified repair programs, you might consider weighing the costs and benefits of enrolling in one. Continue reading “The Importance of OEM Certifications”

Autonomous Vehicles Will Rely on Advanced Coatings Technology

You may not be ready to leave the driving up to your car or truck’s computer, but work is rapidly progressing toward that being an eventuality.

On the path to autonomy, the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) of today are already showing how they reduce driver workload and fatigue by helping with keeping the car within the painted lines, adjusting speed and following distance with adaptive cruise control, and alerting to vehicles passing within the blind spot. The more advanced systems even apply the brakes automatically in a panic stop if the car senses an impending collision.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) rates levels of autonomy in six levels, from zero (no automation) to five (fully autonomous, with no driver interaction required.) The most advanced of today’s cars currently operate at Level 3, what SAE calls “conditional automation,” with the driver not needing to keep his or her hands on the wheel but with the need to be able to take control at any time.

PPG is pioneering research in autonomous vehicle coatings

The ability for a car to be completely autonomous will hinge on the accuracy of sensors used to detect and discern objects as would a sharp-eyed human: “Is that a shallow puddle? Or is it a huge pothole?” And coatings play into this, as they can affect how light is reflected to the sensors.

In PPG’s testing, a black car reflected just six percent of the near infrared signal that a white car did, making it dramatically less “visible” on the road to sensors. So PPG has designed coatings that will have enhanced dark-colored vehicle detectability that will allow the light to penetrate to a reflective under-layer. The signal then bounces off that layer and returns to the sensor so that the car can be “seen” by an autonomous vehicle. It’s an outgrowth of PPG’s aerospace business, which already uses coatings that reflect light and heat. The paints could also be used for infrastructure such as signs, roads, and bridges, so they can be clearly identified and precisely measured by a car’s sensors.

More coatings to come

In addition to that under-layer coating technology that better manages the reflectivity of specific wavelengths, PPG expects within two years to market improved coatings that will absorb less infrared light and still provide excellent color and appearance. PPG will also produce improved coatings that enhance the radar reflectivity and transmission properties of plastic and composite substrates.

Certain sensors can be adversely affected if a vehicle is not clean or has excessive build of paint film or body repair materials. Some blind spot monitors, behind the rear bumper, are a perfect example. It follows that normal driving conditions mean that a buildup of mud, snow, or ice, can render those sensors inaccurate. PPG is creating easy-to-clean coating technology that allows dirt and water to quickly and easily wash away, keeping those sensors obstruction-free.

Radio frequency is another important consideration

Autonomous mobility is dependent upon radio signals. Radio frequency leakage allows electromagnetic signals to drift and bleed into one another, creating crosstalk that can negatively affect the system’s performance. Proven coatings technology from PPG’s aerospace business will ensure that signals don’t get mixed up.

When autonomous vehicles hit the road, PPG and Gipe Auto Color will be ready

These are a few considerations your technicians and painters need to be aware of for today’s vehicles and those that may be showing up at your door sooner than you think. PPG and Gipe Auto Color will be ready when that day comes. Contact us to be sure your production staff is, too!

About Gipe Auto Color

With over 50 team members and 9 locations serving Kentucky, Southern Indiana, Southeast Illinois, and Northwest Tennessee, Gipe Auto Color is one of the largest PPG™ Platinum Distributors in the region.  We have seven dedicated tech reps certified in all PPG™ automotive refinish product lines.  Their primary duty is to help customers apply PPG™ coatings using techniques that ensure maximum performance day in and day out.

Our service does not stop in the paint shop. We offer assistance in process evaluation, development of standard operating procedures, inventory management, performance data analysis, and targeted improvement strategies with an emphasis on customer profitability.

For expert assistance with PPG software, online tools and resources, call 502.966.2384  Monday through Friday between 8am and 5pm.

Gipe Auto Color Provides You with Invaluable Tools, Training, Support, and Products to Improve Your Overall Productivity and Profitability!

Gipe Auto Color carries a full line of auto body refinish and collision repair products, car care products, and shop tools with 9 locations to serve you. Continue reading “Gipe Auto Color Provides You with Invaluable Tools, Training, Support, and Products to Improve Your Overall Productivity and Profitability!”

Join Us for Another Industry Night Event on May 22

Do all of your shop’s repairs meet the OEM repair specifications? Would all of your shop’s repairs hold up under scrutiny? Gipe Auto Color invites you to join us Wed., May 22 for a live broadcast. Shawn Collins and Dennis Keicher will discuss structural and non-structural bonding in the collision repair industry.

Topics include:

  • Metal bonding in the collision repair industry: State of the Industry
  • Automotive manufacturers collision repair information
  • Navigating technical challenges of the repair: Practical repair information
  • Go-to resources: Where to look
  • Emerging trends: Planning for the future
  • Q&A Session

This webcast training event is not available for viewing on a personal computer.

Gipe Auto Color is hosting this event for all of our valued customers, live from our classroom, free of charge. Dinner will be provided. For more information about attending the 3M Industry Night Event on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 from 7-9pm EST, contact us today.

Gipe Auto Color – Louisville
6113 Preston Highway
Louisville, KY 40219
Phone: 502.966.2384

We invite you to explore more on how a partnership with Gipe Auto Color can improve your performance and profitability in an increasingly competitive marketplace. For more information, visit us online.

Check the news page for information about upcoming events.

Gipe Auto Color’s mission is to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with our customers by providing customer focused services, products, and solutions. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Meet the Ever Increasing Demands in the Collision Repair Industry with Gipe Auto Color

Collision repair shops face ever increasing demands from work providers and vehicle owners to improve Quality,Speedand Cost. Gipe Auto Color understands the importance of meeting those demands and has been in the business of providing tools, training and support to all of our valued customers to do just that. Continue reading “Meet the Ever Increasing Demands in the Collision Repair Industry with Gipe Auto Color”

The Importance of Investing in Safety and Health Equipment, Reducing Risks, and Protecting Employees

Employees have the right to a safe work environment, and a safe work environment is a more productive, more profitable one as well. With thousands of collision shops in the U.S., it’s a safe bet that a fair number of shops are probably not making their work place as safe as it could be. Fortunately, OSHA (Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a division of the US Department of Labor, who are tasked with ensuring the safety of U.S. auto body workers – and other laborers) has mandated requirements to ensure worker safety, but is it enough? The law requires employers to provide their employees with working conditions that are free of known dangers. The rest is up to you. It’s a critical decision between just the hammer and the nail or the hammer, the nail and safety gloves. Never assume the worst won’t happen to you, the employer, because you cut corners to save money. Long term, it’s a minimal investment compared to issues that could arise regarding employees’ health and safety, not to mention the potential drop in production that could arise from employee illness or injury.

With daily exposure to chemicals, dust and hazardous materials that include volatile organics from paints, fillers and solvents, real damage can occur over time if the right equipment is not in place. There’s also slip prevention and avoiding mechanical injuries. The list goes on and on.

It’s no secret that finding experienced, quality technicians for collision repair shops is difficult, not to mention the high turnover rate. It’s a proven fact that with better equipment and a safer environment you will find happier more productive people. There is a lot of value into knowing this when working for an employer. If you care, then your employees will care.

There are several product lines that offer safety equipment for your shop. It’s time to protect the workplace and your employees. We only get one body, so it’s very important to protect the most vital parts such as our eyes, ears and lungs.

So where can I find help and guidance with safety and health equipment available in the marketplace and what are my options?

Gipe Auto Color and our trained professionals can help you with any health and safety equipment questions you may have. We offer the best-in-class service, support and training that goes beyond the paint shop.

Here are a few innovative products that may be of interest to integrate into your collision shop whether it’s to stay in compliance with OSHA or as an upgrade to your safety standards currently in place.

RUPES Dust Free Sanding System
The Rupes Dust Free Sanding System offers a clean work environment, better finish results, improved efficiency, reduced abrasive costs and increased operator safety. The patented RUPES automatic filter cleaning system ensures maximum extraction efficiency under all working conditions. The air flow passing through the filters is inverted in alternation every 30 seconds through a system of valves, thus ensuring efficient cleaning action. With this innovative system, the operator is able to continue working without interruptions or reduction in efficiency in the extraction process due to a dirty or clogged filter. Download the full brochure.

FESTOOL Sanding System
The Festool Total Sanding System is engineered to support the ongoing need for cleaner, safer, more efficient and profitable shops. The Total Automotive Sanding System combines best-in-class 3M abrasives with premium power tools and dust extraction solutions from Festool Automotive Systems. The result is one of the most effective and comprehensive surface preparations and finishing systems in the automotive collision repair industry. Read more.

SATA® air vision™ 5000
The SATA air vision 5000 puts the focus on effective health protection and lets you experience a whole new comfortable way of breathing, with the use of a completely re-designed breathing air supply system. With its modern, ergonomic design, the Hood can be adapted to fit almost any head shape, allowing the individual adjustment of its effective circumference, height and position. Read more.

3M™ Versaflo™ PAPR System
PAPR systems can offer respiratory protection with integrated head, eye and face protection that can help provide a more comfortable environment for the worker.

3M™ Versaflo™ TR-800 Intrinsically Safe Powered Air Purifying Respirator
The 3M Versaflo TR-800 is designed for improved worker comfort, convenience and control as well as these additional features.

Keep the air flowing – Multi-speed blower functions at altitudes up to 16,000 feet. Battery offers long run time and charges quickly, achieving 90% charge in approximately 3.5 hours.

More options for more tasks – Choose from particulate filters or gas and vapor combination cartridges for protection in a variety of environments.

Work at your own speed – Multiple airflow rates put you in control of your comfort.

Work with ease – Intuitive, colored touchpoints plus visual and audible low-flow indicators help make the TR-800 easy to use.

Review this product and its accessories. Download brochure.

There are many other products available on the market to consider so you can ensure the safety and health of your technicians. If you’re seeking to integrate safety and health equipment into your collision shop visit us online for a location near you at Gipe Auto Color.

Gipe Auto Color’s mission is to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with our customers by providing customer focused services, products, and solutions. We look forward to hearing from you soon.