Solvent and Water Borne Paints Encouraged in North America Automotive Refinish Paint Industry-Ken Research Paints that improve the external appearance and durability of an automobile by shielding it from harsh external factors like heat, UV radiation, cold and grit are technically known as automotive refinish paints or automotive coatings. The automotive refinish paints are widely used in automotive aftermarkets, after vehicle repairs and refinishing. North American automotive refinish paints market is a part of the chemical industry such as paints, coatings and pigments. North American automotive refinish paints companies are investing heavily in R&D activities because use of advanced technologies will cater the consumer’s requirements. Automobile companies are introducing programs like direct-repair facilities that is enhancing their performance levels and driving the growth of North American automotive refinish paints market. According to the study “North America Automotive Refinish Paint Industry Situation and Prospects Research report�, the various products in the North American automotive refinish paints are primer, base coat, top coat, and clear coat. The clearcoat segment will account for a major share in the next few years due to its huge demand. Clearcoat is the final layer after basecoat in the automotive refinish paint process which provides durability, scratch resistance, chemical resistance, protects against UV rays and provides a lustrous look to the vehicle. Advanced technology has led to introduction of polyurethane resins in the automotive refinish paints that are widely used as clearcoat and basecoat. This resin provides the automobile with higher gloss, excellent finish, superior durability, lowering maintenance requirements, excellent resistance to UV rays, chemicals and corrosion.
Solvent borne paints are another type of automotive refinish paints that offers higher gloss and excellent adhesion compared to other newer technologies. Solvent borne automotive refinish paints are less affected by environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity during the curing phase. However, due to implementation of various stringent environmental regulations in North America, there is a decline in the consumption of