The colours of PPG hit the grid in NASCAR and INDYCAR
With its vibrant colour scheme, the PPG livery has become a fan favourite in the NASCAR Cup Series and NTT INDYCAR SERIES and that is set to continue in 2025.
In NASCAR, the No. 21 Mustang of Wood Brothers Racing will line up at the Brickyard
400 presented by PPG, in July 2025, complete with PPG livery and PPG as the primary sponsor. This year marks the 75th season for Wood Brothers Racing, making it the oldest active team in NASCAR. Team Penske’s No. 2 PPG Chevrolet will also
COLORFUL COMMUNITIES ® program extended to 2035
DRIVE THROUGH
showcase the eye-catching PPG livery in seven races of the 2025 IndyCar Series, driven by defending INDY 500 winner, Josef Newgarden. PPG will continue as an associate partner on the No. 12 Chevrolet of Aussie two-time INDYCAR Champion, Will Power, and the No. 3 Chevrolet of Kiwi ace, Scott McLaughlin. PPG also returns as a Team Penske partner in the NASCAR Cup Series. R
Appropriately named ‘Colorful Communities’, PPG’s global program to protect and beautify local communities has been an outstanding success over the past decade. It has impacted more than 10.2 million people, via nearly 600 individual projects, conducted in more than 50 countries, including Australia and New Zealand. Over 246,000 litres of paint have been used to transform 280 schools and educational spaces, nearly 130 hospitals and healthcare spaces, 65 community centres and nine museums and science centres.
After completing the initial 10-year commitment, PPG has now committed US$15 million to extend the successful program for the next decade, taking it out to 2035. “The Colorful Communities program unites the power of our PPG paint products with our employee volunteers to brighten neighbourhoods and make a difference for the people who call those neighbourhoods home,” said Malesia Dunn, Executive Director, PPG Foundation and Corporate Global Social Responsibility. “We’re thrilled to continue bringing joy and positivity to our communities for the next 10 years.” R
It’s a classic case of an over achieving solution to a dire issue. The initial catalyst for the development of our latest low energy cure product solutions – particularly the air-dry primer and clearcoat – was all about offering the ability to make welcome savings on energy bills. It was largely driven by fallout from the Ukraine war which had severely impacted energy supplies and dramatically pushed up prices and European repairers, in particular, were really feeling the pinch. By formulating all new low energy cure product technologies, PPG’s product chemists were able to give repairers an easily implemented, ready-to-use solution that made an instant impact. However, these products are quickly proving to do much more than that!
As local collision repairers began making the switch, they certainly welcomed the ability to cut back on their energy usage but, over and above that, they discovered something even better – speed! These advanced products opened up a whole raft of new possibilities to better utilise the spray booth which can be a chokepoint in many shops. Without having to make any investment in equipment, there was suddenly the ability to trim booth cycles to a minimum or even eliminate them. The speed of application, speed of curing and minimised carbon emissions are being seen as a real win / win for repairers. However, there is no need to take our word for it. recommend flicking to page 6 where local repairers give their own feedback on the positive impact it’s making to their businesses. Is it time to join them?
Dawn of the jet age
SATA’s new flagship model, the jet X, is set to arrive locally and painters are lining up to get their hands on one. The range comprises three models:
• The jet X BASIC – entry level into the X dimension
• The jet X DIGITAL – with its innovative adam X digital unit
• The jet X DIGITAL PRO – with a full range of digital functions thanks to its sophisticated adam X Pro digital unit
All jet X models feature cutting edge ergonomics and the clever new ‘labyrinth airflow system’ which sets a new benchmark for atomisation and transfer efficiency, as well as a fan dimension that stays constant across the full spectrum of nozzle sizes. To be one of the first to enjoy the benefits of the ‘jet age’ speak to your local SATA distributor.
Tasca Racing gears up for 2025
After making drag racing history last year, Tasca Racing is back for 2025, featuring the PPG NITRO MUSTANG DARK HORSE funny car. With support from an extended partnership with PPG, Tasca Racing led by team owner and driver, Bob Tasca III, will run a full schedule in this year’s Car division. The team’s 11,000-plus horsepower Nitro Mustang Funny Car will display the PPG logo in every race. At the inaugural event last year, Tasca actually set a speed record on the first day before eclipsing
it the very next day by logging a recordbreaking 341.68 mph. It was the first ever
Over more than 25 years, PPG and Tasca have built a strong partnership. The Tasca Automotive Group operates multiple franchise car dealerships, collision centres and service centres that use PPG products, including the PPG ENVIROBASE® High Performance paint system. R
A win-win solution
In the past, if a new product gave you a good gain in performance, it was generally accepted that there would be a negative trade off elsewhere. However, customer experiences are showing that this is definitely not the case with PPG’s new low energy cure solutions. Their ability to deliver impressive speed, reduced energy costs and a smaller carbon footprint makes them a no brainer, according to John Hristias, PPG Sales Director Australia. “With no extra investment required, collision centres can begin using PPG’s low energy cure solutions and instantly enjoy the benefits. Although they were originally developed as a way to reduce energy consumption, they actually deliver so much more. By slashing booth
As collision centres make the shift to PPG low energy cure solutions, they are finding easy to use products that deliver a double whammy of speed and reduced energy costs.
cycle times and, hence, repair process times, they are well and truly capable of making a significant contribution to collision centre profitability.”
Coles
Autobody Repairs –Wacol, Brisbane
Owner – Terry Coles
With a highly organised workshop, focused on productivity, Terry says he is constantly harassing the PPG team for new technology in order to make further improvements. Having watched his monthly gas bill
Performance Clearcoat to his shop’s arsenal. The results have been dramatic. “It’s all about the speed, along with the cut in gas usage. For example, we are priming with LVP-565 Air-Dry Primer in our downdraft prep bays. It dries really quickly so we are rubbing and painting those jobs nearly straight away. With the LVC-177 Rapid Performance Clearcoat we are choosing to give it a quick, 10 to 15 minute bake cycle. Previously, we were using clearcoat that we baked for 30 minutes so we are halving that which has allowed us to push more jobs through the booth each day.”
Terry says his skilled team has transitioned to the new products and processes effortlessly and without issues.
“To be honest, we have not really had to make changes to our processes. Our PPG Territory Manager came in and showed the paint team how to use it on one job and they were off and running. We literally have not had any problems at all. In the past, if you tried to speed things up, you might get a drop in gloss or it boils but we are not getting any of that. We can apply them with no flash-off, we are not getting solvent boil and the gloss holds up really well – even the price is better! Before we switched to these new product technologies, we were doing around 50 cars per week. Since switching, we are painting between 12 and 14 cars per day which is awesome!”
Chelsea Autobody – Chelsea Heights, Melbourne
Owner – John Katsa
From its sophisticated, modern exterior presentation to its slick workshop layout, Chelsea Autobody is a business that embraces technology and there are examples of that everywhere, including the next generation PPG low energy cure products. According to John, his highly experienced team were able to smoothly integrate LVP-565 Air-Dry Primer and LVC-177 Rapid Performance Clearcoat into the shop processes and reap the rewards.
“I love the environment and by using these products am not burning gas and pumping out greenhouse gases. The other key advantage is that these air-dry products are quicker and we get more cars out.”
To take maximum advantage of its ability to air-dry in just 30 minutes @ 20°C, the LVP-565 Air-Dry Primer is applied in the prep bays. While LVC-177 Rapid Performance Clearcoat is applied in the spray booth, its ability to be dust free and ready to handle in just 20 minutes @ 20°C also gives a boost to both sustainability and productivity.
“With the old conventional clearcoat we previously used, it would take 45 minutes to bake and when it came out if was still soft so you didn’t want to touch it immediately.
Now, in just 20 minutes, this new PPG air-dry clear is hard and, once the boys roll it out, they can start fitting it up. And so far, we have not seen any issues.”
The move to PPG low energy cure solutions has ticking all the boxes for John’s team, for business performance and for the environment. Even customers are typically looking to deal with businesses who are trying to reduce their carbon footprint.
“With these products it’s a win / win. It’s not like you are doing something good for the environment but it’s costing you. It’s a win for production because we are getting more jobs out and it’s a win for the environment.” R
For more information about PPG low energy cure products and the entire Envirobase High Performance range, speak to your PPG Territory Manager or call the PPG Customer Service Hotline on 13 24 24 (Aust) or 0800 320 320 (NZ).
Extreme ease of use
Simple to mix, simple to apply and simply outstanding results – the new Gladiator™ XC Matte Extreme coating is a very tough act to follow.
No matter what you are looking to tackle, from a ute tray or a trailer through to a caravan or recreational vehicle, the process for using Gladiator XC is very straightforward. As a guide, we have detailed the step-by-step process to use when preparing and coating a ute tray (in this case second hand).
Preparation
• Clean the entire surface before you start sanding to avoid surface contaminants clogging up the abrasives. First use a water / methylated spirits solution (PPG’s SWX250 Water-Methylated Spirits Cleaner is a convenient, high quality, pre-mixed option) and, once that is done, follow up with a Prepsol solution. Dry and blow the job off.
• Abrade the surface with P180. For hard to get at places, use a MIRKA P180 hand pad or a red Mirlon pad. Blow off and degrease again.
• If necessary, do any filler repairs and sand with P180.
• If there are any bare metal rub-throughs from the sanding process, treat them with the super quick and convenient PPG
OneChoice™ 1K
Aerosol Rub-Thru
Epoxy Primer.
• When it comes to masking, it will depend on the type of job but getting it right can lift the finish to the next level. Before beginning, we would suggest standing back to take a good look from different angles. For example, with this job we were able to follow lines that go right around the tub so it looks more ‘factory’. We were also able to extend those lines smoothly into the tailgate. We used a fine line tape
• Mixing Gladiator XC could not be easier. It comes in a short filled 1 litre container of material and all you do is pour in the 250ml can of hardener, give it a thorough shake, fit the SEM Products Applicator Gun (sold separately), and it’s ready to go. Alternatively, it can be applied by brush, roller or with an HVLP spray gun.
Gladiator is available in a pre-tinted ‘black’ but, as an added bonus, can be tinted to a wide variety of different colours in order to suit the application. Existing PPG customers can simply tint it using a PPG 2K / DG tinter system, such as Deltron DG, Paraglaze, Delfleet or Selemix. The tinters should be added to the short filled can of Gladiator XC material and given a thorough shake before then adding the can of hardener and shaking the contents once more.
• The really good news is that mixed Gladiator XC material flows smoothly from the gun which not only makes it nice and easy to apply and get coverage, it also makes it easy to get the texture of finish you are looking for. It doesn’t need to be plastered on – a light to medium coverage coat is a good way to start.
Once it’s flashed off, you can begin to build up the coats to achieve the thickness and texture you are looking for. In general, you pull the gun a little further away from the surface to get a more textured surface. If you do happen to get a little heavy, Gladiator XC has good resistance to sagging and runs.
• Because Gladiator XC delivers very good filmbuild, it has the ability to fill scratches without leaving a trace after the application process.
so you don’t want to skimp. As a guide, almost an entire four litre kit was used to complete the ute tube in these photos.
• With Gladiator XC, it’s up to you how thick you want the finish and, therefore, how much you use to complete the job. At the end of the day, it’s a protective coating
• Masking material should be removed quite soon after application. Typically, once Gladiator XC has skinned over but is not fully hard, it should be de-masked. Beware, it can be a bit messy. Note: It is recommended before use to refer to the Technical Data Sheet which is available at semproducts.com.au
Support network
If all this sounds very straightforward, that is because it is. Obviously, different job applications may throw up different
challenges but, in general, Gladiator XC is a very easy and forgiving product to use. Having said that, Gladiator XC comes with the full package of PPG support services that you can access right across Australia and New Zealand. That means everything from making a quick call to your Territory Manager or the PPG Customer Service Hotline to get some technical advice, right through to a product training session, if you feel you need it. Gladiator XC offers so many opportunities for an extreme protective coating that looks awesome, its uses are really only limited by one thing – your imagination! R
Everything’s coming up Rosiez
By seizing opportunities as they came along, Brendon Rosie and his dedicated team have built a strong multi-site brand that customers trust to get the job done ‘The Rosiez Way’.
Back in 2007, Brendon Rosie bought a small rundown business, rebranded it and threw open the doors to Rosiez Collision Repairs, comprising one branch and a team of five, including himself. Fast forward 18 years and the business boasts three branches, more than 40 staff, and a brand name which the people of Christchurch (population just over 400,000) have grown to trust for its elite level of service and quality of repairs. Despite the obvious success, Brendon admits the multi-site operation was not in his initial plans – it was a matter of assessing opportunities as they presented themselves.
“In around 2012, we were doing a lot of rental car work which meant quite a few
trips from our original Sydenham branch out to the airport. One of my managers saw a decent facility pop up for sale that was closer to the airport. He offered to run it so it was really just up to me to fund what became our second branch, Rosiez Sockburn. It was not a particularly risky strategy because we were already at capacity at Sydenham and it removed the waste of having to make the one hour round trip to the airport. However, opening the third branch in Rolleston was a little different.
After the 2011 earthquake, Rolleston (about 20km south of Christchurch) had become a massive growth area – there are now over 30,000 people living there. It was about 2018 when a commercial builder knew
approached me to say he had a new development in Rolleston and was interested in putting a panel shop in it. I said would not dream of doing it unless I owned the facility so we came to an arrangement and next thing you know we have a third branch. I live by the theory of risk versus reward and, while there were risks with adding Rolleston, we had done a business plan and they were risks worth taking.”
Brendon acknowledges that none of this would have been possible without having a committed team behind him. In return, the expansion to a multi-site operation has allowed him to build on one of his biggest mantras which is about upskilling staff, as well as offering people within the company pathways to grow into different roles. “Opening up these other sites also opened up opportunities for staff so most of the people who are now in management positions started on the workshop floor. Across the whole team we really promote training and upskilling. think it’s really important to make sure the team is on top of its game, not just from a business perspective but also from the individual team member’s point of view where learning new skills keeps them interested and energised. It comes at a risk
because people can decide to move on but hopefully, they don’t feel they need to because they are getting everything they need.”
The Rosiez Way
A confident, happy, well-trained team also offers advantages in terms of flexibility. When required, it means staff members can easily be moved to fill in at another branch to, say, cover for staff who might be on leave or away due to illness. Indeed, many staff members actually enjoy the occasional change of scenery. It’s assisted by standard operating procedures which are duplicated across all three branches, Brendon explains. “We are building a brand and it’s all about convenience for our customers, whether that is an insurer, a fleet or a vehicle owner. When people ring, one of the first things we ask is where do you live. Then we can tell them to pop into this branch and see this person and they will help you out. A key part of that is making sure we have consistent standards for everything we do across each of the branches. Whichever branch they go to, customers should get exactly the same standard of service. Before we implement a new process, it gets decided on in our branch manager’s meeting and then each
site adopts the change. We have an internal saying that goes right through all our training programs and that is to do things
‘The Rosiez Way’. It applies right from the initial contact with customer service right through to the final quality checks before the vehicle is handed back to the customer. If something does happen to go wrong, we can ask, was it done the Rosiez way? think it shows the standard we are trying to achieve and it’s something we pride ourselves on.”
Premium products for a premium result
Brendon is adamant he won’t skimp when choosing products and processes to help his skilled team get the most out of the clean, well-equipped facilities. “To get the best efficiency, we only use premium products – we have found that it’s far more cost effective than buying on price. That includes paint where we have been with PPG for around 17 years. We want to stay ahead of the game and PPG is really good with innovations. For example, as soon as the PPG LINQ technologies were released, we jumped onto it straightaway. The paint team love the DigiMatch spectro and VisualizID
colour matching software – it’s so much easier when colour matching and the colours are so good you barely need to check them. Also, we are excited to say that we have just ordered our first MoonWalk machine which is being installed in our flagship branch.”
As part of his PPG support package, Brendon has also taken advantage of the MVP Business Solutions program, says Nigel Hamilton, MVP Business Solutions Manager NZ. “Brendon runs a great operation so it’s a pleasure to work with him. About two years ago, also introduced Brendon to our MVP Roundtable Group because knew he would add some extra drive to the group.” According to Brendon, it’s a true partnership. “It’s pretty awesome to be part of the PPG network and have their support and backing. It’s not just a company trying to sell you a tin of paint –PPG is actually trying to strengthen and grow my business.”
Tools to get the job done
When asked what he enjoys most about being in business, Brendon says it boils down to looking after his team and the challenge of growing the business. He sees the future of the industry as particularly challenging over the next few years thanks to consolidators entering the market and the sheer cost of doing business. “I am not sure what 2025 is going to bring – the market is getting more competitive. At the same time, vehicles are becoming more intelligent and
Rosiez Collision Repairs
Owner: Brendon Rosie Staff: 40+
PPG Product: Envirobase High Performance
Territory Manager: Stefen Durham
advance so the cost to fix them and the skillset required are going up. However, it’s going to be pretty exciting to see what happens. I am proud of the way the business has grown and I could not have done it without the team being onboard. I try not to micro-manage – I try to give the team the opportunity to make their own decisions and that has helped them buy into the whole thing. One of the biggest sources of satisfaction get is to give my team more opportunities, bring them along for the ride and help make them more successful!”. R
SEM Tape x2
With all the usability and first-class performance expected of a SEM product, these two new SEM Tape options are the solution you can trust to get the job done, day-in, day-out.
Masking a job in preparation for painting is such a fundamental everyday task, you really need it to happen with no-fuss efficiency and that is where SEM Products – a PPG business unit – literally has you covered with two new high quality tape options. Developed using extensive feedback from end users, SEM Tape Pro and SEM Tape Eco are designed to deliver a secure bond to a wide variety of substrates, making the masking process quick, easy, secure and effective. Indeed, they have everything you would want and need in a modern, up-to-theminute tape, including great adhesion and no lift after being placed on the job, yet when it’s time to remove them, they come away smoothly and leave no residue. On top of that, they are very durable, super easy to use and cost effective.
SEM Tape Pro
Designed to deliver a premium level of performance, this tape is aimed primarily at the refinish sector. Whether it’s collision repair work, restorations, re-livery, Commercial Transport or OEM, this is the perfect choice to give your masking a fast, accurate and efficient edge. Available in the popular 18mm and 48mm sizes and easily identified by its green colour, this the dependable, high-performance tape that is set to become an instant market favourite.
SEM Tape Eco
While it features all the ease of use and versatility you expect of a high-quality SEM product, SEM Tape Eco is aimed at more cost-conscious applications where a premium level of performance is not required, such as the industrial painting sector. Having said that, this is a quality masking tape that can still be relied on to deliver excellent
SHOP FACTS
Hi-tech drives low energy cure solutions
Thanks to next generation technology, PPG’s breakthrough low energy cure product solutions are giving customers readymade tools to slash more than just energy costs.
Traditionally, the vast majority of coatings products in the refinish process are designed around a bake cycle in a spray booth. That is fine when the energy source to run that bake cycle is freely available and relatively inexpensive but not so much when the reverse occurs.
That point was hammered home in early 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, resulting in ongoing affects that have rippled out far from the battlefields. When the supply of gas from Russia was suddenly switched off it led to a spike in prices and sent industries, including collision repair, scrambling for alternatives. Options for low cure products, that consumed minimal energy, become a high priority and PPG’s Research & Development juggernaut swung into action.
Catalyst for the next generation
At the time, there were already air-dry coatings available on the market. However, they could be finicky to use and the curing time was typically measured in hours, rather than minutes which, obviously, was not going to fit into a fast paced modern refinish environment. With existing technology unable to cope, a total rethink was needed. Along with all the usual characteristics the market demands from a modern coating, such as easy mixing and spray-ability, a good air-dry product must tick two key boxes. To begin with, during the application process, the coating material needs to have sufficient time to flow over and adhere to the substrate. After that, the material needs to
cure in a rapid enough time that it provides a viable alternative to existing methods.
To achieve these aims, the PPG R&D team had to go back to the very foundations of a coating, the resin system, and come up with an all-new generation. At the same time it was grappling with that issue, it was also necessary to do some molecular juggling with a variety of the additives that go into giving the coating its individual features.
Low energy solutions designed from the ground up
When it comes to creating a new coating technology, it doesn’t get much more fundamental than building a new resin system from the ground up. In this instance, the PPG R&D team modified a number of what are call ‘functional groups’. These are the chemical components of the resin that are used to determine the characteristic it will carry forward into any products it’s used in.
For example, certain functional
groups were modified so that behind the scenes they worked to benefit the adhesion of the product. At the same time, additives were chosen to perform crucial tasks during the curing process, such as ensuring the curing reaction is not instantaneous. When combined together, these new formulations deliver cutting edge PPG air-dry and low energy cure solutions that have helped collision repairers around the globe to reduce their dependence on increasingly costly energy sources, while at the same time improving process speed and delivering a quality end result.
Delay the reaction and go with the flow
While it would be great to have a coating that cured near instantly when it’s applied, that doesn’t fit with the realities of producing a durable, high-quality finish. When formulating these air-dry solutions, what PPG’s R&D team has done is essentially to use chemistry to separate the initial flow and bonding stage from the curing stage. Specially developed additives are included and their job is to block the catalysts from ‘going off’ straightaway.
With the curing process put on hold, the coating material is free to smoothly flow across the surface and securely bond to the substrate. At the same time as this process is progressing, the catalyst blocking additives are progressively evaporating out of the paint film. Eventually, it gets to the point where they are no longer able to block the catalysts which are then free to accelerate the reaction and swiftly cure the coating.
Advantage everyone
Products like PPG’s new LVP-565 Air-Dry
Primer have the ability to transform the paint shop in more ways than one. For example, the time saving ‘single visit’ application process. Simply apply a light closed coat and follow up with a full wet coat. No flash off is required and you can follow up with multiple coats without flash-off. It’s not only quick, it also achieves a reasonably high film build which can
be used to fill more sanding scratches, etc.
In just 30 minutes @ 20°C air-dry, it’s ready to sand and prepare for topcoating. LVC-177 Rapid Performance Clearcoat offers the same time saving application process. In 20 minutes @ 20°C air-dry, it’s dust free and ready to fit up in just 60 minutes. When you factor in the ability to dramatically improve booth utilisation, as well as slash energy cost, these low energy cure solutions are exactly what the market needs! R
Horses for courses
When it comes to officially modified versions of Ford’s enduring V8 pony car, Mustang Motorsport has evolved and adapted its business to become the thoroughbred choice.
Sometimes it pays to throw off the shackles of modesty and really get out there and do some good old fashioned showing off. Back in 2007, Mustang Motorsport used that exact strategy to its advantage.
The small, Melbourne-based outfit had already spent a decade and a half importing a variety of desirable American machinery and converting it to right-hand-drive to meet the demand from the Australian market. When Shelby American released its GT500 Super Snake version of the 5th generation Mustang, in 2007, local interest was so strong the decision was made to import a batch and convert them.
Adapt and prosper
After kicking off in 1990 by converting a variety of American models to right-hand-drive, Mustang Motorsport later jumped on the Japanese grey import bandwagon in the ’90s and early 2000s, bringing in exotic models, such as Supras, Skylines and Soarers. Around the same time, Craig was doing some GT racing in a Mustang and it made logical sense for the whole business to take on Mustang Motorsport branding. Indeed, the backbone of the operation had long been Mustang conversions but that all came to an end with Ford’s surprise announcement for the launch of the 6th generation model in 2014, explains James.
The outstanding result saw Mustang Motorsport hatch a cunning plan to show that this little Aussie business could match what was done in the good ol’ US of A and, in the process, snare authorised Shelby certification for downunder. Owner, Craig Dean, tapped into his relationship with the Shelby American team in order to have one of his right-hand-drive Shelby GT500 Super Snakes shipped back to the US to go on display with Shelby at that year’s SEMA event.
The crowd loved it and the in-your-face approach to highlighting the workmanship also impressed the Shelby team, leading to Mustang Motorsport becoming the first business outside of the US to become an authorised Shelby mod-shop.
The next generation
At around the same time, an enthusiastic young apprentice mechanic joined the Mustang Motorsport team to begin learning the ropes. As a car obsessed kid, James Johnson, appeared tailormade for a role dealing with legendary American pony cars and his passion soon caught the eye of Craig Dean.
The result is an elegant solution for ushering in the next generation, says James. “It’s really a natural evolution for the business. Craig and his wife, Robyn, wanted to slowly step away, while still having a hand in the business. The plan has been for me to take over the business over time and take on more responsibility while still having Craig there so am not getting thrown in the deep end. My title is Operations Manager so I take care of the day-to-day running of the business. The transition plan is about sustaining the Mustang Motorsport business for the long term.”
“The history of the business is that it continually adapts to the market. When Ford released the 6th generation Mustang in factory right-hand-drive it obviously meant a big change to the business because Mustang conversions were no longer necessary. We still did conversion on other exotic American metal – if it’s American and it’s cool we do it! –so that side was split off and run by Craig’s son, Matt Dean. That left Mustang Motorsport as the brand that would create special Mustangs to offer local customers.”
Horses for courses
Think Mustang and the name Shelby is never far from the conversation. On the back of movies such as, Gone in 60 seconds, Bullitt and Ford v Ferrari, Shelby has become a household automotive brand name and being able to offer it to Australian customers is a great source of pride for Mustang Motorsport. However, with factory right-hand-drive giving local consumers greater access to Mustang ownership, Mustang Motorsport has been able to offer even more options for uber cool modifications, says James.
Horses for courses
“The Roush Performance brand is well known for quality Mustang modifications but traditionally they would not let other organisations officially build their cars. We got to the point in about 2018 where we were really pushing to officially build the Roush brand in Australia because local customers wanted them. In the end, a group from Roush came over to check us out and it proved to them that we could build their cars properly and really represent the brand. The first Roush model we did was the Jackhammer in 2018 and the brand has continued to grow in popularity. In recent years, we have also added the RTR Vehicles brand. It’s a young, up-and-coming company which is introducing Mustang to a younger audience. Many kids or young people will have ‘driven’ an RTR Mustang as part of the Forza Motorsport video game or bought an RTR Mustang Matchbox car.”
partnership with PPG, says James.
“Paintwork plays a significant part in our modification processes.
With these iconic brands in hand, Mustang Motorsport has the capability to cover pretty much the full spectrum of Mustang modifications. “These brands tend to appeal to different audiences – for Shelby it’s more baby boomers, with RTR it’s youngsters and Roush seems to cover everyone. At Mustang Motorsport, we are proud to be able to open up the local market to these licenced, often limited-edition models, which would normally only be available in America. These are niche cars and it’s really cool to have them on Australian roads. Given these are all Mustang-based brands, our priority is about balance to ensure we are representing them all fairly and evenly.”
PPG partnership
While most of the Mustang Motorsport workshop team (staff numbers hover around 10 to 12) are mechanics, in recent times it has also included two painters. Around 2020, the decision was made to bring paint operations in-house which not only
For example, every Shelby build involves paintwork. On a Shelby GT it’s bonnet, bumpers, side-skirts and spoilers. For a Super Snake, it’s basically everything from the A pillar forward and on a Wide Body, it’s a whole car. During COVID we got a lot of inquiries for Wide Bodys which would have been hard to process using outsourcing.
We drew up plans for the space we had and that allowed us to fit two spray booths, with a mixing room in between. At the time, we picked up our head painter, Dean Potter, who has been in the painting game for 35 years. We asked him what his preferred paint system was and, without hesitation, he requested PPG. Because we wanted to give him the very best tools to work with, we contacted PPG and got setup with a full system. Colour matching is excellent with PPG and we get great backup support, including training. PPG really fits with our performance level.”
Signed, sealed and delivered
Brand image is taken very seriously at companies like Shelby American, Roush and RTR which means authorised partners, such as Mustang Motorsport, must navigate an intricate network of checks and balances for each vehicle conversion, explains James.
“These days we use a digital system via tablet computers that have a to-do list, along with a list of parts and the procedures on how to fit each one. There are also photos to show what the finished job should look like and tick boxes for once the work is done. Not only do we keep that information on our system so we can manage the car’s history in the future, it also plays a key part in the certification process for each job. For example, every single Shelby car has to
have each step of the modification process carefully ticked off, photographed and documented before being sent to Shelby American. Only after it’s checked and approved will they send us the authorised build plate. Because our customers come from all over the country, we have engineering certification for each of the states and territories. It means we can tell customers that their vehicle doesn’t leave here until the job is complete – the mechanical work, the paintwork, the registration engineering certification and the authentication signoff is all done onsite.”
Rare thoroughbred
Whatever you may think about the basic Mustang, having one modified can create a rare piece of automotive artwork. Even a fairly minor enhancement package is designed to create a statement vehicle that can actually be extremely scarce on the road.
For example, at the top end of the Shelby range – the Wide Body – the price of the base car and modifications is pushing A$250,000 but customers see it as well worthwhile, according to James. “Despite the price, customers actually see the Shelby Wide Body as great value – it has the unique Wide Body styling, a perfect PPG show car style paint finish, very cool looks and an 800hp V8. They actually end up being rarer on the roads than exotic models that might cost three times as much and that makes them super desirable. Often customers find that their modified Mustang actually attracts more attention than a high-priced exotic.”
The launch of the 7th generation Mustang locally in 2024 is set to see all the brands enter a new era.
Indeed, Shelby Super Snake production started in February 2025 and James says he is excited to open this new chapter as one of the last V8 powered vehicles that is attainable for many people.
“The Mustang brand has a lot of character and brand appeal which seems to relate to more people than high end cars – people see a Mustang and it lights up their day. Mustang Motorsport is really a toy shop and everything we do here is for fun but the unexpected bonus is that all these cars are good for people’s mental health. When you see a really cool Mustang cruise by and hear that V8 engine note, how can you not be happy?” R
repair process which makes it imperative to have effective solutions in order to dealing with this gateway to corrosion.
There is an old saying that ‘familiarity breeds contempt’ and it could easily be applied to repair situations where bare metal is exposed. Because it’s a very familiar occurrence in the repair process, it can mean that bare metal exposure is not treated with the seriousness it deserves when you are aiming for a durable, highquality finish. After all, it’s an unavoidable fact that the moment bare metal is exposed, a simple chemical reaction will begin. Even
Tips and recommendations
• Any exposed bare metal should be sealed off with either a suitable etch primer or an epoxy urethane primer.
• Don’t be tempted to apply body filler over existing paintwork or bare metal.
Any paint should be removed back to bare metal before an isocyanate cured epoxy urethane primer is applied for corrosion protection. Body fillers are porous and absorb moisture. Therefore, once the body filler is applied, cured and smoothed, the repair should be sealed off with epoxy urethane primer.
• For convenience, it can be applied with a brush or even dabbed on with a clean rag.
Once cured, just scuff it with a red Mirlon pad and apply the body filler over the top.
to the naked eye, oxygen and moisture in the surrounding air will react with the metal to start the corrosion process. The rate at which it happens will vary depending on atmospheric conditions – as a guide, in 50% humidity the reaction will start in as little as 30 minutes and much faster in high humid areas. As a result, it’s typically recommended that bare metal be sealed off as quickly as possible after being exposed. If not, there is a high risk of corrosion forming on the bare metal leading to rust creep under body filler and the feather edge of the paint layers, blistering and other equally nasty outcomes.
Etch primer – As the name suggests, etch primers chemically etch into the metal surface to provide corrosion protection, excellent adhesion and a solid foundation for the following layers. A product like PPG’s DP612 Etch Prime has a 24-hour pot life so it can be mixed and kept in a spray gun ready to go when a repair has been completed and any bare metal needs sealing off to minimise the exposure.
OneChoice aerosols – The versatile OneChoice brand offers two outstanding options with the convenience of aerosol delivery – 1K Epoxy Rub Thru Primer and 1K Structural Repair Etch Primer. They are perfect for sealing off bare metal as soon as the panel repair is complete and to check any bodylines.
Choosing the best repair solution for the job
Depending on the bare metal scenario, PPG offers a number of different priming options and application methods. You can then select the most appropriate one to suit the job.
Epoxy urethane primer – This type of primer bonds to the bare metal surface like a glue to effectively seal it off to provide corrosion protection, excellent adhesion and a solid foundation for the remaining paint layers. Note: Typically, we are talking about isocyanate cured epoxy primers (as opposed to amine cured products) which are specifically designed to go under and over polyester body fillers. A good choice for this role is PPG’s DP616 epoxyTHANE epoxy urethane primer.
(G3, G5, G6 and G7), this new-age aerosol makes sealing them off easy. Simply shake the can and spraying the required area where it’s fast to flash-off and it lays down smoothly so there is no need to rub it back which saves on labour time.
• For bare metal surfaces on internal repairs, such as boot floors, beaver panels, etc, there is another excellent aerosol option.
• Keeping DP612 Etch Prime pre-mixed and ready to go is a big advantage. It can be used throughout the day – applied with say a SATA Minijet – on small areas before overcoating with primer fillers.
• When working on aluminium it’s essential to use DP612 Etch Prime.
• To avoid sweat and oils from your skin reacting with the bare metal surface, always wear rubber nitrile gloves during these processes.
• Small rub throughs around a repair or on the edges of new parts can be very frustrating but OneChoice 1K Epoxy Rub Thru Primer offers a fast and effective solution. Available in different spectral grey shades
OneChoice 1K Structural Repair Etch Primer provides excellent adhesion and all-important corrosion inhibiting properties, making it a quick, easy and efficient way to achieve an original factory finish. This unique range has seven different colours which match common e-coat colours used by vehicle OEMs in different regions of the world, plus a Structural Repair Clear when a glossier appearance is required. A quality, wide spray fan nozzle makes for fast, accurate application.
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For details on PPG’s extensive range of primer technologies and advice on where to use them, contact your PPG Territory Manager or call PPG’s Customer Service Hotline 13 24 24 (Aust) or 0800 320 320 (NZ).
Driving force
Across the globe, SEW-EURODRIVE is renowned for its highly efficient, industry leading drive technologies and it relies on PPG products for a sophisticated finish to match.
You may never have heard of SEW-EURODRIVE but, like PPG with its motto ‘We protect and beautify the world’, it’s a company that is an expert in its field and has an operating footprint that extends out to a global scale. Indeed, almost everywhere you look in your daily life, you are likely to find evidence of SEW-EURODRIVE technology in action. Whether it’s for conveyor belt systems, modern logistics in online shipping or airport baggage handling, through to manufacturing assembly lines, shipping container handling operations or food and beverage production / packaging, there is a good chance that behind the scenes it relies on drive technology and drive automation from
SEW-EURODRIVE. It also cuts across a hugely diverse range of industries, including mining, agriculture, manufacturing and bulk materials handling. Some of the more unusual applications include opening and closing systems for sport stadium roofs, theatre production rigging and amusement park rides.
The SEW in the name actually stands for Suddeutsche Elektromotoren Werks (literally South Germany electric motor works) and the company was founded back in 1931 in Germany. Despite growing exponentially over the subsequent years, it remains an owner operated
family business. Today, it employs more than 22,000 people with 17 production plants and 92 ‘Drive Technology Centres’ in 56 countries, including Australia and New Zealand. Despite being a global enterprise, SEW-EURODRIVE operates very much at the local, grassroots level where it’s able to establish close partnerships with customers. As a result, the Australian division of SEW-EURODRIVE is headquartered in Melbourne but is supported by a network of state-of-the-art sales and service facilities in Sydney, Brisbane, Mackay, Perth, Adelaide and Newcastle.
In another parallel with PPG, SEW-EURODRIVE Germany also invests heavily in research and development –indeed, it has almost 600 staff focused on the task. Thanks to its worldwide ability to offer innovative solutions, products and services, it gives customers a convenient, single source solution for drive technology and automation. Importantly, it has the ability to cater to customers of all shapes and sizes, from large scale corporations, down to small scale entrepreneurial enterprises. Whatever the application, it basically comes down to one key element –the right drive to suit the task which is reliable, efficient and future proof.
motors, electronic frequency inverters and servo drive systems, etc. This is where a simple idea flourished at SEW-EURODRIVE. It allows customers to pick and choose from a selection of off the shelf, modular components which can be mixed and matched together in literally millions of different combinations, to create the required drive systems. Alternatively, the in-house SEW-EURODRIVE sales and engineering teams swing into action to work directly with the customer to create a bespoke solution that is tailored to their requirements. Once it’s installed, the team back it up with things like training courses, comprehensive technical documentation and ongoing support that keeps the production world moving.
Sydney which also includes an onsite paint facility. A close partnership with PPG ensures each SEW-EURODRIVE component gets a high-performance paint finish, according to Janene Friend, SEW-EURODRIVE Operations Manager NSW. “Paint appearance is important for several reasons – for protection and for easy identification. PPG is a quality paint supplier that offers excellent service and same day delivery.
The PPG team has excellent technical knowledge of the different products and they have been able to assist us with any enquires we may have. PPG also supports use with colour. SEW-EURODRIVE has a default, standard colour but it’s usually up to the customer to decide how they customise their units for their own workflow. Thanks to PPG, we can offer customers a readymade selection of colours.”
Barry Wallace is the PPG Territory Manager responsible for supporting the SEW-EURODRIVE Wetherill Park site and he says they take full advantage of the breadth of product options on offer.
“The SEW-EURODRIVE team generally pick from the PPG Commercial Performance Coatings range which was formulated locally and is actually manufactured at PPG’s Clayton, Melbourne site. The beauty of the Commercial Performance Coatings range is that there are different technologies which SEW-EURODRIVE can select to suit different applications. To help them work easily with each product and get the very best results, we provide the painters with
sustainability Unl cking
Going green used to be the more difficult, sometimes costlier option, but today it’s become the logical, straightforward choice for both sustainability and profitability.
The collision repair industry has never been amongst the most eco-friendly.
For example, the traditional methods of repair and refinish are relatively energy intensive and there is the issue of the waste that is generated. However, there is also a growing acknowledgement that introducing more sustainable options makes more and more sense. You no longer need to be a tree hugging greenie to target a lower carbon footprint. In fact, with PPG’s recently launched Sustainability CO2NCEPT it’s very straightforward for any collision centre, large or small, to choose the sustainability pathway. The bonus is that sustainability now comes with enhance productivity, ease of use, lower costs and greater profitability.
PPG commitment
Driving sustainability has been a long-term focus at PPG. This includes implementing strategies to lower the company’s own carbon footprint across its global operations, as well as deliberately developing more sustainable products and processes that customers can use to made a difference in their own business. Indeed, PPG sees it as such a crucial factor the company embarked on a comprehensive ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategy. Where sustainability functions more as a philosophy or end-goal, ESG refers to a set of standards used to measure an organisation’s environmental and social impact.
Environmental – gauges how a company safeguards the environment Social – is about how the company manages its relationships with employees, suppliers, customers and communities. Governance – measures a company’s leadership with things like, accurate and transparent accounting, integrity and diversity in selecting leadership and accountability to shareholders and shareholder rights.
PPG’s ESG commitment has been so successful, it has literally won awards. More importantly, it’s fuelled a commitment to help customers work through current challenges and trends by reducing direct emissions in their operations and push towards carbon neutrality.
Should you embrace sustainability – absolutely!
There are a variety of excellent reasons why a collision centre should follow the sustainability pathway. Whether you embrace all of them or just one, there are significant benefits on hand for your business.
A better world – For many owners, a powerful motivator for choosing more sustainable options is as simple as reducing their business’ impact on the global eco-system. They see it as their contribution to leaving a better world for the next generation.
Green credentials – When businesses journey down the green pathway, the market tends to notice and this can actually help boost business performance. These green credentials provide collision centres
with a handy marketing tool to promote the business. At the same time, industry stakeholders, including insurance companies, have become particularly keen to partner with progressive shops that are actively implementing sustainable products and practices. Vehicle owners also vote with their feet by gravitating towards businesses that are working to minimise their environmental impact. Meeting industry trends and challenges – Energy costs have been on the rise for some time and show little sign of slowing down. By simply choosing greener, more sustainable products and processes, collision centres can reduce energy usage. Done the right way, this strategy can put the brakes on rising energy bills, while also slashing the business’ carbon footprint and actually improving profitability.
PPG Sustainability CO2NCEPT
PPG’s company-wide ESG visions and goals have actually gone on to become a key driver for the development of new low energy repair
solutions to support customers. Importantly, these are readymade solutions that can be quickly and easily integrated into an existing business in order to improve the environmental impact across a number of areas, including energy usage, CO2 emissions, VOC emissions and wastage. With a variety of PPG options on-hand, the trick is to determine which ones are the right fit for your collision centre. With this in mind, PPG created the Sustainability CO2NCEPT system which consists of a suite of products, processes, digital tools and consulting services. With support from your MVP Business Solutions Manager, it lets you take a snapshot of the current situation on the workshop floor. Then, before making any actual changes, the Sustainability CO2NCEPT Calculator can be used make virtual changes and see what impact it would have on cycle-time, energy usage, waste and the collision centre’s carbon footprint.
For example, what energy and cycle-time savings can you expect by switching your current primer for the new LVP-565 Air-Dry Primer which is fast and easy to apply and can air-dry in just 30 minutes @ 20°C? You can quickly and easily run the same simulation for other low energy cure products, such as PPG’s UV cure technology right through to the new LVC-177 Rapid Performance Clearcoat which offers a game-changing air-dry mode where it’s dust free and ready to handle in just 20 minutes @ 20°C. R
Best of all, taking advantage of the PPG Sustainability CO2NCEPT is as easy as speaking to your MVP Business Solutions Manager, your PPG Territory Manager or the PPG Customer
Bowie Crook
Colour Systems Manager
Having studied programming and multimedia in Year 12, Bowie embarked on a university course to study art. However, it was a parttime job labouring at a local collision centre, in South Gippsland, Victoria, that would set him on a different career pathway. When university didn’t seem to offer the opportunities he was after, Bowie decided to step up to a spray-painting apprenticeship. That kicked off a 13 year stint as a tradesman working for various businesses in a variety of roles, including head painter for
a leading civil / mining equipment manufacturer. During that time, he began studying engineering – mostly physics, maths and programming disciplines – before taking the opportunity to join PPG as a Territory Manager, in 2022.
“Over several years, I matured into the role at PPG where I mainly looked after larger Light Industrial Coatings customers in and around Melbourne and Gippsland. In early 2024, I jumped at the opportunity to take on this IT Colour Systems role. Now I am working with the global teams for PPG LINQ, our industry leading digital connectivity platform, as well as the related colour
Connect. Automate. Digitise.
The end-to-end digital ecosystem bringing advanced, game-changing technologies to your collision centre
technologies, in order to bring innovative concepts into the ANZ environment. At the same time, I am able to ensure the global teams understand the wants and needs of users in the ANZ marketplace. I am also kept busy helping with installations and technical support for different platforms, such as MoonWalk, DigiMatch, LINQ Color, VisualizID, PaintManager XI and MagicBox. I really enjoy the concept of thinking through a problem and then coming up with a practical solution to help customers or PPG staff members. The most challenging part is the lack of hours in the day – it would be great if there was more!” R
MORE ABOUT BOWIE
• Favourite hobbies/pastimes?
BMX (freestyle), dirt bike riding, soccer and studying physics and maths related topics. I’m also a big Manchester United fan and watch all their games.
• Favourite food? Roast meats, nasi goreng.
• Favourite drink? Quite boring really –just water / tea.
• Favourite music / band? The Amity Affliction and Blink 182 – I’m lucky enough to have seen both a number of times.
• Favourite car / motorcycle?
Holden VK Calais.
• Favourite holiday destination?
Brisbane / Surfer’s Paradise (warmer places than Victoria).
Scan the QR code to see how PPG LINQTM can benefit your business! youtu.be/t4isZfVLwzw
Introducing the 3D digital sprayout
This advanced, 3D digital colour visualisation tool smoothly interfaces with the next-generation PPG DigiMatch™ camera-equipped spectrophotometer to totally transform the user experience of selecting the best colour match formulation from PPG’s extensive library.
Compact, fast, easy-to-use spectrophotometer
PPG’s high tech DigiMatch spectrophotometer features a digital colour camera to significantly boost performance. The camera’s six imaging angles combine with six reflective angles to provide additional texture information to help quickly and precisely retrieve the correct formula match.
Attention please
More than just a practical workshop ute, this very cool F-Truck doubles as a mobile billboard that highlights the skillset and craftsmanship of the team at Autobody Solutions.
Ben Jack admits that it has been a bit of a whirlwind ride since he and his wife, Kelly, established Autobody Solutions in the northern Tasmanian city of Launceston, in 2021. As the new kid on the block in an established collision repair market, Ben says the first priority was to let people know there was an alternative and that it offered more than just traditional collision repairs. “We were fresh on the market so we were looking for opportunities to let people know what our team could do. In 2023 we were proud to win the Automotive Industry Award for Best Small Business in Tasmania. That really helped to put a spotlight on the business.”
Although the main workflow at Autobody Solutions is made up of general collision repair work, restoration jobs also play a smaller but significant role. Ben says the six-person team (including Ben and Kelly) have the skillset and passion to tackle this
specialised type of work and it makes a welcome change that helps keep everyone enthusiastic and engaged. As a result, Ben hatched a plan for a special workshop ute that played perfectly to the team’s skillset and attention to detail, while also helping to promote the business around the local area. As a basis, Ben chose the rare ‘50s Ford F-Series and was surprised to find one on his doorstep. “I have always had a soft spot for the ’56 model F Truck but this 1951 Ford F1 (first generation F Series) popped up here in Tasmania, of all places. It was actually road registered but it was a bit of a wreck. The owner was driving it around in bare metal as a bit of a rat-rod look.”
As is typical of vehicles of this age, rust in all the panels was a major factor. With replacement panels for an F-Series of this age very difficult to find, Ben and his team did what they are good at – they fabricated new ones. “It’s something we do with a lot
of the restoration work we get through the door. You generally can’t buy replacements for a lot of the panels so we fabricate them here onsite. Because we are doing it regularly, we have all the equipment to fold, bend and shape metal into new panels.
When I did my apprenticeship, we learnt a little bit about fabrication at TAFE but since then I have self-taught myself by doing more and more of it over the years.”
With the bodywork well under control, the main challenge became the mechanicals.
While it looks pure F Truck from outside, underneath it’s a bit of a Frankenstein.
“The body is a ’51 but it has been grafted onto a later model Chevy Impala chassis. As a result, it has nice things like power steering, coil suspension and a disc brake front end. Under the bonnet it looks like a 350 Chev V8 engine but it’s actually a V8 diesel engine. Some of the biggest
challenges came with sorting out oil leaks and getting the Chrysler automatic transmission to work smoothly with the engine.”
Paintwork was always going to be a key factor. Not with the brand – that was always going to be PPG – but in choosing the colour, Ben explains. “It took me around 12 months to decide on the colour. It was originally going to be blue but I couldn’t
quite get it right.
Then I mixed a seafoam green but I didn’t like that either. It was when mixed the blue and green together to make a turquoise colour that it finally came together. Afterwards, was able to save the formulation as a custom mix in PPG PaintManager XI if I need
it in the future. As a contrast, the whole interior and dash has been finished in PPG
Electrostatic Satin Black. We were looking for top quality products and backup support when we switched to PPG about two years ago and the move has been fantastic.
It has helped us speed up the refinish process dramatically and we have Sebastian Stadnicki (PPG Territory Manager)
providing great local support and training whenever we need it.”
If you are going to build a shop ute that shows off your team’s skillset, you might as well make sure it grabs attention and looks cool, whether it’s sitting on the business forecourt or out driving around town.
“It definitely stands out. When it was first painted and was still in a million bits, everyone seemed to hate the colour but once it was put together it changed everything. It’s a very bright, vibrant period type pastel colour on the outside and very dark – black seats, dash, carpets and headlining – on the inside It really draws attention and is a great image for our growing business.” R
Question everything
Wearing the correct PPE Personnel Protective Equipment is designed to protect the individual so you have to wonder why it would be an issue. Whether it’s something as basic as gloves, hearing protection or eye protection, through to something as sophisticated as a modern air-fed hood, the aim of PPE is to keep you safe. However, it can’t do that if it’s not being utilised. Why would you risk your long-term health by
not using the appropriate protection – it just doesn’t make sense.
Air-fed hood
Rather than slipping into the brain fog of day-to-day workshop routine, modern safety protocols involve constantly scanning your workplace to identify hazards and minimise risk.
You would not call a modern collision repair workshop a dangerous place to work. However, there is certainly a level of risk involved in performing tasks that can often be repeated multiple times per day.
It’s how those hazards are identified, understood and mitigated, that helps to make it a safe, healthy environment in which to deploy your skillset.
For many collision repair technicians, a workshop has been their workplace since leaving school. Given the time spent in that
environment during their career, many technicians might feel that they have a good handle on hazard identification and risk minimisation. However, time can also be an enemy. When we have performed a task time and time again, we can be tempted to let our guard down.
Regular re-set
When it comes to safety, it’s well worthwhile giving ourselves a regular reset point. Not only does it give us an opportunity to re-familiarise ourselves with how to safely
use equipment, products or procedures, it’s also a time to ensure that what we believe are the safety standards are actually the current safety standards. It’s important to recognise that safety standards change and we need to change with them.
No shortcuts to safety
Human beings are prone to looking for shortcuts and easy options but that can literally hurt when it comes to hazards. Here are a few of the common issues that the PPG team see around the industry on a regular basis, according to ANZ Training Manager, Trevor Duke.
Amazingly, there are still painters out there who believe that a cartridge mask is a suitable alternative to an air-fed hood.
It’s important to understand that, although the move to waterborne basecoats has reduced solvent emissions and made the paint shop safer than ever, it has not reduced the risk posed by isocyanates. Although a cartridge type mask might offer acceptable protection from dust or when using aerosols, it’s not recommended for refinish paint applications, mainly because it doesn’t cover the prime entry points for isocyanates – the skin and eyes. The hazards posed by isocyanates means you need to cover every point of entry to the body. You might get away with it today and you might get away with it tomorrow or in a week or a month but, long term, it’s almost guaranteed to affect you negatively.
Sanding dust
During the panel prep stage, don’t simply blow off the job with compressed air. Not only do the tiny particles of dust tend to settle all over other jobs in the workshop, they can also end up in the lungs of anyone in the vicinity. The alternative is simple and effective. After sanding with a quality abrasive including dust extraction, follow up with a Mirlon disc with dust extraction to go over the whole job to remove as much dust as possible.
Good housekeeping
Keeping the workshop tidy and clear of clutter doesn’t just help to avoid things like tripping hazards, it also makes the workplace a much more pleasant and efficient place to work in.
and the compressed air system is regularly tested and certified that it’s supplying 100% breathable air without any nasties in it.
In my opinion, painters who wear a cartridge half mask are doing themselves no favours – they are choosing perceived comfort over their own health. Some painters use the excuse that a spray hood is not comfortable but chances are they have not checked out the latest generation of spray hoods, such as the SATA® air vision™ 5000. Using extensive industry feedback, it has been specifically designed to address those concerns by delivering comfort, convenience and protection in the one package.
Breathe easy
It’s great to wear an air-fed hood but it’s also important to ensure the actual air being fed into it is of the required quality and that is done by having it professionally tested at appropriate intervals. You will find SATA air-fed hoods being used at our PPG Training Centres
Rags
Rags that have come into contact with solvent should not be thrown into the regular waste bin. They should go into a dedicated waste stream to minimise the risk of them spontaneously combusting and potentially starting a fire.
Follow through If someone points out a potentially hazardous situation, it’s crucial that they are taken seriously and not simply fobbed off. Indeed, the issue should be logged and a course of action put in place to rectify it as soon as possible. R
Ready for anything
Despite the extreme challenges business can throw up at certain times, Arran Woolfe stands by the motto that he put in place when he first established Super Spray back in 2018 – ‘We paint anything’. Whether it’s a number plate stamping machine for the Department of Transport, a miniature drill rig for confined spaces or a vehicle of any shape or size, customers trust the Perth based company to get the job done with a minimum of fuss and maximum impact. Being able to consistently deliver
The skilled team at Super Spray use their extraordinary depth of expertise to create great paintwork that protects and adds value to whatever comes through the door!
the goods under pressure requires a combination of good facilities, excellent product choices, exceptional tradespeople and good teamwork, says Arran.
“All the different work we do can sound a bit quirky but it’s probably more technical. The biggest factor in being able to do this type of work successfully is staffing.
We have ten staff, across two workshops, and each of them brings different skills to the table. The team is highly skilled and so pro-active and smart and this combination enables them to come up with a plan for each job. If we need to, we will have a stand around meeting where we all take a look at the job and everyone throws in their ideas. They have all gathered so much experience over the years and that means everyone’s input is extremely valuable in helping every little piece of the puzzle to come together.”
Rather than being seen as a negative, the constant stream of unusual work actually helps to energise the team and generate a can-do workplace culture. “The painters are all originally from the automotive side but they have a curiosity for painting things outside of ‘flat panels’. I guess what attracts them is the challenge and technicality of the work we do and coming up with the best way to go about it. Every day is different so they don’t get the chance to be bored. In fact, many of them have told me they love it here because of the variety of work. One day they might be painting something as simple as a flat washer and the next it might be something as complex as a crane or drill rig components. It keeps everyone stimulated so they all come to work
he had run previously where he played a key role in designing, fabricating and building exploration drill rigs. Not only did it give Arran a clear insight into how the paint process fits into the manufacturing process, it also meant there was an instant group of potential customers that could give Super Spray a kickstart.
looking forward to the day, as well as trying to improve on what we are already doing.
We say that this is our ‘happy place’.” Arran’s first taste of business came at 15 years old when he borrowed money to buy a compressor so he could earn money doing weekend work during his spray painting and panel beating apprenticeships.
After moving to Western Australia in 1990, he went on to gather decades of business experience, mostly in the painting sector but also in recruitment and in manufacturing.
After trying out semi-retirement in Byron Bay for a few years, the now 58-year-old admits he got “bored out of his brain”, prompting a return to WA to set up Super Spray.
As it turned out, one big advantage was the manufacturing business
“I thought the mining industry needed some decent paint work, especially when you are dealing with equipment that can be worth millions of dollars. Because of my manufacturing background I have a lot of contacts with WA manufacturers who make equipment for the exploration and mining industries, as well as the mining transport industry.
As a result, we deal heavily with OEMs.
At the same time, we also have a lot of second tier clients where we refurbish equipment to bring it back to as close to new as possible and give it another lifespan.
it began taking advantage of a number of PPG product lines, says Arran.
“We wanted a better finish, faster turnaround times and more resilient products. We did a lot of research and PPG came out on top. It was a combination of the fact that our previous paint line was not doing what we wanted it to do and PPG did everything that we wanted a paint line to do.
Ready for anything
I am talking about having a PPG product solution to handle underground mining equipment, to surface mining equipment, road transport, basically everything! It’s not just from a visual perspective or a protective coatings perspective that we made the choice. It’s that PPG has products that help us tackle even the most oddball jobs and to meet cost perspectives. Another factor is that as soon as you mention the name PPG, customers are familiar and feel comfortable and confident with the brand.”
Depending on the job, Super Spray now take advantage of a wide range of PPG product technologies, from refinish and commercial transport systems, through to the highly versatile Commercial Performance Coatings portfolio and PPG Protective & Marine coatings. “We had an interesting case where we were doing a lot of underground mining equipment for an OEM customer who was having real problems with the lifespan of their products – the acid content in the soil and water meant they were only getting two years life out of the equipment. With the help of PPG, we came up with the solution of using PPG PSX 700
over the top of SIGMACOVER Primer. Tests proved we actually doubled the lifespan of those underground drill rigs and gave our customer the opportunity to spruik the fact when selling to its own customers. That really impressed me!”
ENGINEERED FOR EXCELLENCE
Apart from the almost universal difficulty of finding skilled staff, Arran says ensuring a consistent ongoing flow of good work coming through the door is an ongoing challenge.
“Western Australia is a commodity driven economy and, how fast things move depends on the price of certain minerals. The industry tends to go in peaks and troughs so we need to try and get around that. Fortunately, our customer base is spread across a wide variety of different industries so when one industry is having a downturn, the others keep ticking over.”
Super Spray has a new facility in the pipeline that will amalgamate the two workshops into one. In the process, Arran estimates that productivity will increase 25% to 30% and will allow the business to grow. “I like to set goals, like to achieve things and like a challenge and the industrial blast and paint industry certainly is a challenge!” R
Thanks to an unrivalled combination of exceptional speed, superb colour accuracy, no-fuss ease of use and effortless blending and mottle control, this is simply the best refinish technology on the market. Backed by a range of primers and clearcoats featuring advanced low-VOC technology, it’s the eco-friendly choice which really delivers on outright speed. With everything a modern, fast-paced collision centre needs to slash cycle-time while boosting productivity and profitability, Envirobase® High Performance is engineered for excellence!
The new jet X DIGITAL pro.
The new jet X DIGITAL pro.
It comes with a completely new nozzle concept. The digital unit offers an unprecedented range of functions. Packed with features that make the difference. We did all this for one reason alone: To make it easier for you to be better. jet X. Works for you. You give your best every day. Here is ours.
It comes with a completely new nozzle concept. The digital unit offers an unprecedented range of functions. Packed with features that make the difference. We did all this for one reason alone: To make it easier for you to be better.
jet X. Works for you. You give your best every day. Here is ours.
INFO www.sata.com/jetx
INFO www.sata.com/jetx
