January, 2020 | Gipe Auto Color

PPG & OEMs – Expert Panel & New Services Organization

Posted on January 27, 2020May 21, 2022 by Alex Gipe

As automotive technology advances and its complexity increases, PPG remains at the forefront of innovation, partnership and commitment. PPG^™Refinish, division of PPG^™ Industries, is a global leader in the refinish paint and coatings industry. Your dedicated, local PPG™ Platinum Distributor, Gipe Auto Color, can assist your shop by demonstrating the many ways PPG continues to seek new ways to deliver world-class products and critical business services and support. Keep reading to learn about some of the ways PPG works with major OEMs for your success.

New OEM Services Organization

This past March, PPG proudly announced the creation of an automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) services organization. The purpose of the new organization is to “aggressively support” the success of OEM globally through a varied portfolio of technologies, services and capabilities. Put simply, as a result of this new organization, PPG will be able to accelerate the development and introduction of new coatings solutions.

PPG and OEM Expert Panel

PPG refinish works closely with all the major automotive OEMs to ensure its paint refinish systems are approved for use in collision repair programs. Additionally, PPG refinish partners with OEMs in a variety of ways to make certain its customers have access to the best and latest industry information. One way that PPG partners with you to support success in all areas of your shop is by hosting informational conferences, such as an OEM expert panel from a past MVP Business Solutions Conference. During this session, representatives from several major automotive OEMs were available for an extended question-and-answer forum discussing topics such as the importance of following OEM repair procedures – how to access the information and receive up-to-date training, correct diagnostics and recalibration of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in repairs. You can view the full video presentation here.

MVP Business Solutions Conference – Save the Date!

Attendance at the MVP Business Solutions Conference is an investment in your shop and your people. It is an opportunity for you to take time out of your busy schedule to refocus, gain valuable insight from industry experts, and network with other collision professionals.

The 2020 MVP Conference will take place in Doral, FL from April 19 – April 21. For more information about the conference, click here. Your Gipe Auto Color representative will be happy to help you register to attend the conference. Each of the last eight conferences were sell-outs so don’t delay – contact Gipe Auto Color today.

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™ MVP Business Solutions Overview

Posted on January 7, 2020May 21, 2022 by Alex Gipe

PPG^™Refinish, a division of PPG^™ Industries, is a global leader in the refinish paint and coatings industry. PPG^™ delivers the most comprehensive set of training, tools and services for collision repair facilities across the world using the best resources available; some of whom are collision repair center owners themselves. The MVP Business Solutions Program seeks to provide collision repair business partners with training and business development services to encourage interdependent success by turning industry challenges into opportunities.

The experts at Gipe Auto Color can design or recommend PPG^™ MVP training classes and programs for your business. Keep reading for an overview of MVP Business Solutions from the experts at PPG^™.

Lean for Collision

In order to improve operations, it is necessary to step back and observe and understand your current processes. It is only through this analysis that you will be able to objectively critique and suggest improvements that will ultimately improve the health of your business. PPG can help through the Lean for Collision course.

Business Courses

The MVP Business Development Series courses are the industry’s most widely attended for collision center management. These courses also lead the industry in accreditations for I-CAR and AMI. This series offers numerous one and two-day courses encompassing all aspects of managing a profitable collision repair business. These courses cover the following areas:

Marketing
Customer Service
Financial Management
Estimating
Production Management
Leadership

Conferences

Annually, the MVP Conference offers collision repair professionals the opportunity to interact with and learn from leading collision industry experts. Gain a different perspective by listening to high-level keynote presenters, attending cutting edge seminars and workshops as well as the opportunity to network with other people.

Market Your Shop

The collision repair business becomes more competitive and complex with each passing year. In order to maintain a competitive edge, solid and consistent marketing efforts are essential. Technology advancement has affected marketing almost as much as collision repair and the role web-based marketing, email marketing, direct mail and social media marketing are talked about in our industry on a daily basis. This suite of courses will make sure you are current with available marketing tools.

Tools & Services

Are you thinking of building a new shop or additional location? Is it time to re-engineer your current space to accommodate the latest new equipment? Consulting from MVP Solutions can make sure your big decision is the right decision. Over 1,000 facilities have taken advantage of layout services alone. The MVP Solutions team of Six Sigma Blackbelts can provide the support, information and technology you need to ensure your project is a success.

About Gipe Auto Color

To learn more about MVP Solutions from PPG^™ call Gipe Auto Color at 502.966.2384, Monday through Friday between 8am and 5pm.

Automotive Color Trends

Posted on January 7, 2020May 21, 2022 by Alex Gipe

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

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

Posted on January 7, 2020May 21, 2022 by Alex Gipe

PPG^™Refinish, 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.