Issuu

VOLUME 67 • ISSUE 4 DECEMBER 2025

1967 Camaro Ron Barclay’s not so Plain Jane

ALSO INSIDE: • REFINISHER FONDLY FAREWELLS EDITOR JOHN STANLEY • PPG’S PEER PERFORMANCE GROUP VISITS AUSTRALIA • NEXT-GEN METALLICS FOR COMMERCIAL TRANSPORT

CONTENTS 4

You give your best every day. Here is ours.

ISSUE

December 2025 VOLUME 67

MAGAZINE

Editor-In-Chief Andrew Blake

Editor Megan Crockford Creative Director Dean Parrott Published for and on behalf of PPG Industries Pty Limited by

Kisschasey Creative Pty Ltd Telephone (03) 9421 3311

Australia Head Office Locked Bag 888, Clayton South, Victoria 3169. McNaughton Road, Clayton, Victoria, Australia, 3168 Telephone: 13 24 24 www.ppgrefinish.com.au New Zealand Head Office 5 Vestey Drive, Mt Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand. Toll Free Telephone: 0800 320 320 Victoria 104-106 Woodlands Drive, Braeside, 3195 Telephone (03) 8586 0000 New South Wales 10 Peter Brock Drive, Eastern Creek, 2766 Telephone (02) 9854 6600 Queensland 18 Breene Place, Morningside, 4170 Telephone (07) 3823 8000 South Australia 97-105 Bedford Street, Gillman, 5013 Telephone (08) 8346 6870 Tasmania 136 Invermay Rd, Invermay, 7248 Telephone 1300 305 699 Western Australia Unit 2/6 Colin Jamieson Drive, Welshpool, 6106 Telephone (08) 9256 3920

PPG Logo, Delfleet, Deltron, Envirobase, Global Refinish System, Harlequin, PaintManager, Prizmatique, Radiance, RapidMatch, Startline and ‑ are registered trademarks and We protect and beautify the world, Crystallance and RapidMatch are trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. SATA and SATAjet are registered trademarks of SATA GmbH & Co. KG. Third-party trademarks referenced in this magazine are the property of their respective owners.

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.

Contact your local SATA distributor for more information. Follow us online! INFO PPG Refinish Australia & New Zealand www.sata.com/jetx

SC A N TO R E A D T HE REFINISHER ONLINE

features regulars

Editorial Co-ordinator Chelsea Hilsberg

4 News special edition guns 6 SATA SATA celebrates milestone with the 100 Years Edition spray gun collection

in Italy 10 Inspired New direction found at PPG’s Milan Innovation Hub

Group rebooted 16 Vibrance Bringing together some of the industry's top custom builders, the Vibrance Group is once again pushing the boundaries of customisation

training 20 Hands-on PPG upskilling industry professionals

30 More than one way to success

Not your typical refinish shop story

showtime 32 It’s From tradesman to car show

producer, meet the man responsible for some of Melbourne’s biggest car and bike events

REFINISHER

REFINISHER NEWS

REFINISHER

PPG recognised in TIME Magazine’s World’s Best Companies list P

PG is proud to be included in TIME Magazine’s World’s Best Companies list. The list ranks the top 1,000 global employers that are forging a path into the future. “At PPG, our 43,000 employees work every day to ‘protect and beautify the world’ by providing our customers with innovative paints, coatings and specialty products,” said Bryan Iams, PPG Vice President and Chief Communications Officer. “We are

honoured to be recognised by TIME Magazine for our workforce experience and strong business performance.” Presented in partnership with Statista, the World’s Best Companies 2025 ranking is a comprehensive analysis conducted to identify the top-performing companies across the globe, evaluated on three primary dimensions: employee satisfaction, R revenue growth, and sustainability.

Showcars Melbourne PPG Showdown 15 M

ark it in your calendars! Showcars Melbourne PPG Showdown 15 is returning on Sunday 1 March 2026, but this year, it has a brand-new home. Caufield Racecourse in Melbourne’s south-east will host the iconic event, which is celebrating 15 years of automotive machines and high-octane entertainment.

PPG has been the sponsor of the event since 2015, and with 85 awards up for grabs, including the new Showcars Great 8 Award, it’s not surprising the event attracts some of the best elite cars and bikes from all over Australia. Along with food vans, live music, drag car exhibitions, and kids’ entertainment, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Visit the showcarsmelbourne.com.au R website to find out more.

DRIVE THROUGH “I

n this issue of Refinisher, we shine the spotlight on the people, products, and latest developments in technology that are shaping today’s refinish industry. We look at PPG’s new Delfleet® Medium Bright Metallic for commercial vehicles and unpack the science behind direct gloss and clearcoat/basecoat systems. Repairers from the Peer Performance Group share how this lean group has transformed their businesses and their experiences from the group’s recent trip to Australia.

WITH ANDREW BLAKE REFINISH MARKETING DIRECTOR ANZ

“SATA celebrates a century of designing and manufacturing spray guns with a 100 Years Edition collection, while legendary custom car builder Ron Barclay shares insights and craft secrets behind his award-winning Camaro, Plain Jane. Find out how PPG’s hands-on training programs are helping workshops like Hadwen’s Prestige Collision Repairs embrace sustainability and efficiency. As our industry continues to grow and evolve, there is plenty to read, learn, and be inspired by in the pages ahead.”

Coming soon to ANZ P

PG continues to lead the industry with the global launches of two new additions to PPG’s LINQ™ digital ecosystem, the MagicMix™ and MIX’N’SHAKE™ Find the right products for the job, no matter the weather. MagicMix is the latest addition to PPG’s LINQ Colour software. It works seamlessly with MagicBox and MagicSensor temperature and humidity sensing devices to display the most effective products and their combinations of hardener and tinner/reducer for the current environmental conditions and repair type. Mixing primer, colour, and clearcoat will never be the same with MIX’N’SHAKE, a new automated stirring technology. Debuted at EQUIP AUTO in Paris in October, it’s designed to eliminate traditional manual stirring methods by improving paint mix consistency, reducing consumable waste, and saving time. MagicMix and MIX’N’SHAKE are set to arrive in Australia and New Zealand in 2026, with more R details to be announced soon.

1 REFINISHER

SPECIAL EDITION SATA

REFINISHER

YEARS of

t’s been 100 years since SATA’s first spray gun was designed and manufactured in Germany, and this landmark anniversary is now being celebrated with the release of the 100 Years Edition spray gun collection. The company’s remarkable history inspired the body design of the spray guns, and they bear the original technical drawing of the very first spray gun from 1925 – the Lechler spray gun, known as No. 1. While limited-edition spray guns have previously been available in only one model, the 100 Years Edition is available across three core spray gun models for the first time: the Jet X, SATAminijet 440 B, and SATAjet 100 B. They can be purchased individually or as a 100-year collector’s set.

Without a chance encounter between two businessmen on a train journey in 1925, the first SATA (then known as Sanitaria Aktiengesellschaft) spray gun might never have been developed.

A chance encounter

A continuing evolution

Before it began producing spray guns, Sanitaria was in the business of manufacturing medical products, including syringes and nebulisers. By 1925, however, the Ludwigsburg-based company was struggling with the consequences of inflation, a shortage of raw materials, and

“The story of SATA spray guns is certainly unique, and it continues to evolve,” says SATA Sales Manager - Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, Arnika Enderle. “While the company, which is a family business, now celebrates 100 years of spray guns, it is actually a little over 120 years old. It originally

the loss of international markets after the war. During a train journey, a member of Sanitaria’s management happened to meet an entrepreneur who owned a paint factory called Lackfabrik and was looking for suitable tools for applying their new sprayable paints. Sanitaria was able to use its expertise in atomising liquid materials to develop the company’s first spray gun. The rest is a ‘100-year’ history.

made medical equipment and products before it converted to industrial products. “SATA has built up a strong brand reputation throughout the years because we really focus on the precision and consistency of the nozzle technology. In particular, we meet the need of nozzle development for paint manufacturers, different paint materials (like viscosities of waterborne-based materials), and industrial applications.” As well as nozzle technology, Arnika says the technical features of the spray gun has changed significantly over time, especially since the recent launch of the jet X.

“New guns now come with innovative labyrinth airflow system and new digital technology, and we completely redesigned the spray gun body in order to reduce the number of spare parts, make it lighter, and address the challenges of modern painting. “In terms of performance, to achieve a finer optimisation across the spray pattern, we have changed the way the air flow extracts from the nozzle system. This makes it easier for less experienced painters to get a good result. So, we have seen quite a lot of development, and we will continue to revolutionise our products.” The jet X is available in RP and HVLP technology with various nozzle size options. The SATAjet 100 B F is available in RP with two nozzle sizes, and the SATAminijet 4400 B SR is only available in RP 1.2.

VIP case For those wanting the ultimate keepsake, SATA is offering a strictly limited VIP case, which includes three spray guns, along with select 100 Years Edition accessories, and an anniversary chronicle published especially for the occasion. Take a look at what’s inside the VIP case: One of each spray gun model, plus an aluminium gravity flow cup, anniversary book, metal sign, paint suit, t-shirt, leather R keychain, and dust cloth. Please contact your PPG Distributor for more details on the SATA 100 Years Edition spray guns.

REFINISHER

PPG IN ACTION

REFINISHER

Not so Plain Jane

PHOTOGRAPHY

CHRIS THOROGOOD

For some car builders, restoration is a profession. For others, like Ron Barclay, it’s a lifelong obsession. His latest creation, a 1967 Camaro known as Plain Jane, was unveiled at Maguire’s MotorEx 2024 and is the culmination of more than 13 years and 8,000 hours of painstaking work.

on has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s top custom car builders, having built cars since the early 1980s. At just 23, he rolled his first custom car, a freshly built HQ Premier, into the Victorian Street Machine Show. “That was the first car I’d ever built, and I won Top Car and Top Engine Bay,” Ron recalls. “Then in 1989, I built a HQ Holden Ute, and that’s the one I’m most well-known for. “But I always liked Camaros, so after completing a ’32 Ford Coupe Hot Rod, I realised it wasn’t practical for family drives. Together with my wife and daughter, the three of us wouldn’t fit in that car, so I thought, I’ll get a Camaro.” While many custom cars scream for attention, Ron prefers an understated approach. “I build all my cars the same; they’re all very plain,” he says. “Other cars

have blowers, big wheels, and all sorts of stuff on them. But sometimes less is more.” That philosophy inspired the Camaro’s nickname. But if you look closely, understated doesn’t mean unremarkable. The car was bought in Melbourne for $16,000. It was skinned to its frame, and Ron and friend Ed Miller prepped every panel themselves. “Taking all the roof off and pulling all the panels off was the hardest thing,” admits Ron. “When it was all stripped back, people were walking into Ed’s shop and asking, What kind of car is that?, because it was really unidentifiable.” Painted in only PPG products, the Camaro’s colour is a refined twist on the factory Nantucket Blue, and features Ivory White SS stripes. “The original blue colour had red in it, which made it look dirty.

Ed Miller does the painting for me, and I asked him how to make it cleaner. He suggested removing the red,” Ron explains. “Now the colour is soft, it’s easy on your eyes, and it’s a beautiful colour to look at.” All the components on the car were painted in PPG’s Delfleet All Satin Black to give the car a factory look, but this was also modified for a distinct finish. “When I bought the Delfleet, it was just black, but I wanted a charcoal colour, so we ended up adding yellow to send it towards the charcoal colour.” The car also hides a ghosted PPG logo in the boot lid, a creative nod to the brand’s support. “The PPG logo is hidden in the paintwork. The colour of the logo is a lightened version of the Nantucket Blue, and it’s painted on using a stencil.

The logo is actually sitting underneath the clear paint, not on top of it. If there’s nothing next to the car, no one knows what the car’s painted in, so this way, people see the logo in the paint itself.” Ron says that while he wanted the Camaro to still look like a factory car, mechanically, he wanted to make it better to drive. So, along with the right-hand conversion, he made many mechanical modifications. “Instead of a steering box, it’s got rack and pinion steering now. It’s got Commodore brakes front and back, as well as four-link rear suspension instead of leaf springs. I added adjustable shockers and changed it from a two-speed auto to a five-speed manual. It’s built for more modern driving.” Ron builds all his custom cars himself, and when asked what’s the secret to being so good at it, his response: “The quality and the workmanship. When you look at other cars, they have all the big stuff, but with my cars, I concentrate on the little things and attention to detail.

I’ve got heaps of patience. I like to do everything myself, but if I hit a brick wall, I’ll ring up someone I know who can help me get over the wall, and then I’ll carry on.” The Camaro’s blend of authenticity and drivability has impressed judges across the country. Since its unveiling at Meguiar’s MotorEx in 2024, the Camaro has collected Top Paint awards in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, and beyond. “I’ve been to

five shows and I’ve got a paint award every time,” Ron says proudly. With his Camaro now a proven showstopper and a contender for Street Machine of the Year, Ron is already thinking about what’s next. He recently bought back his famous HQ Holden Ute, with plans for a full rebuild. “I sold it in 1996 and bought it back in 2011. It’s been in storage ever since. After the R Camaro, I said, I’ll rebuild that car.”

REFINISHER

TECH & INNOVATION

REFINISHER

STAKD on

innovation

For Sunshine Coast repairer Shane Collins, working on cars is more than a job – it’s a family legacy. He and his wife Tracey are the owners of STAKD Automotive in Moffat Beach, Queensland, and have built one of the region’s leading collision repair businesses, employing more than 20 staff and turning out around 40 cars a week. Recently, Shane went on a journey that took him from the workshop floor to Italy, where a visit to PPG’s Milan Innovation Hub left him inspired and determined to bring the latest technology back home.

hane began his career as a steel fabricator and later gained his qualification as a spray painter, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Now his son is continuing the tradition. “In this industry, my son is fourth generation,” Shane explains. “My father had a shop in Toowoomba, which he started in ’77, and I started full-time with him in ’89.” Shane worked alongside his father before moving his family to the Sunshine Coast in 2005, and after a few years working in local shops, established STAKD Automotive. He describes himself as a ‘mechanical nerd’ and someone who loves building,

painting, and technology. “The only thing I haven’t built is a helicopter,” he laughs. “But I have painted helicopters. I’ve built and painted planes, boats, cars and all that sort of stuff. If there’s a documentary about the Porsche or Ferrari factory, I’ll sit down and watch it. I love learning about new technology.”

A lasting impression With a family European trip booked in his schedule, Shane reached out to PPG Queensland’s Business Development Manager to see if a PPG plant visit could be arranged. With the help of Global Technical,

Training and Equipment Director Ignasi Roig, the opportunity to tour the Innovation Hub was made possible. Shane says the visit left a lasting impression on him. “I basically got access to everything, including things like the production lines, colour matching, and development areas, and they walked me through the different water-based and solvent systems. “I was introduced to engineers, product developers, and researchers who are all at the cutting edge of coating development and innovation. Not only did the sheer volume of products they produce stand out, but the sophistication of their testing and research. “What I found really impressive was the destructive testing for things like UV and stone chips. They’ve got a machine there that’s the size of a car, and it does all five tests in one go. That sort of stuff amazes me.” He also witnessed investment in new infrastructure. “They were putting in a new booth where they can control humidity

and temperature to replicate conditions anywhere in the world. That means they can test coatings as if they were being sprayed in Queensland. That blew me away.” Equally inspiring was witnessing the culture in action at PPG. “Apart from the technology, one of the most impressive things I found was the culture. We went to lunch in the cafeteria, and it didn’t matter who you were — the head of research, the European marketing manager, or the boys on the floor — everyone picked up their trays and wiped down tables and chairs. It was all about teamwork and respect, and that showed me a lot about how the company operates.” Shane’s experience at the Milan plant allowed him to go behind the scenes and fully grasp the scale of PPG’s research, innovation, and product development. “The way I see it, they’re always trying stuff. It doesn’t matter whether it works or not; they’re developing and pushing forward. They want to make systems simple, stepby-step, so customers can’t go wrong, and that makes us more efficient.”

The PPG Innovation Hub in Milan

Bringing innovation to STAKD Inspired by what he’d seen, Shane committed to making STAKD Automotive a national leader in adopting PPG technology. “We’re going to be the first shop in Australia to run the full PPG LINQ™ system. We’ve now invested in MoonWalk® to go with the DIGIMATCH™ X-5 Spectro, which we bought about 14 months ago. It’s about creating a clean, state-of-theart environment that attracts staff and makes processes faster and more accurate. If we can implement equipment that puts us ahead of our competitors, and it saves time and money, that’s what we’ve got to look at.”

REFINISHER

TECH & INNOVATION

MVP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

REFINISHER

Performance beyond the workshop STAKD on innovation Shane has even redesigned his shop layout to showcase the new tools he’s invested in. “Our LINQ system is in the old waiting room. If you drive past, you can see it through the windows. I wanted to make it really flash, so we’re getting a reverse-image wrap of the MoonWalk on the glass. From the street, it’ll look like you’re looking at the machine inside.” For Shane, the investment is as much about people as it is technology. “Everyone in this industry knows that staffing is a problem. If we’ve got the latest tools and technology, and a really clean and uncluttered shop, it’s going to be attractive to staff, and that matters.”

S H O P FA C T S STAKD Automotive Owners: Shane and Tracey Collins Location: Sunshine Coast, QLD Staff: 20+ PPG Technologies: LINQ™, MoonWalk®, DIGIMATCH™

The colour challenge Efficiency is not just about speed; accuracy in colour matching is key in the refinish business. With more vehicles arriving from markets like China, formulas can be difficult to source. But that’s where Shane says PPG’s digital tools are proving vital. “When the five-axis spectro first came out, my head painter was hesitant at first. But once I showed him how it worked, he saw how much faster it made the process. Back in the day, you would mix and spray until you got it close. Now, the technology available makes it so easy to match colours accurately and efficiently.”

In it for the long run Being one of the first to adopt new systems comes with challenges, but Shane is comfortable with that role. “With the LINQ system here in Australia, we might be the early adopter, and we may find some frustrations with it at the beginning, but that’s okay because in the long run, it’s going to be fantastic for us and hopefully for other businesses in the industry.” His willingness to step forward is also about partnership. “We want to be at the forefront of development, and it’s a two-way street. PPG supports us, and we want to work together to help them test and develop industry-leading products and technologies. The innovations are literally changing the face of our business, and if they save time, save money, and make life easier for our staff and customers, that’s R a win-win.”

When five New Zealand refinishing businesses visited the Kenworth truck factory and the Walkinshaw Andretti United race workshop in Melbourne, Australia, earlier this year, they weren’t just admiring impressive rigs and high-tech race machines. They were studying teamwork, efficiency, and process in action. These are the kinds of lessons that can transform the way a collision repair shop operates.

he four-day trip to Australia was the latest tour for New Zealand’s Peer Performance Group, a network that is part of PPG’s MVP Business Solutions program and brings together businesses to work collectively on improving efficiency, profitability, and sustainability. While much of the focus is on lean principles and business benchmarking, the members of the group also venture outside their own industry to see how world-class operators get things done.

Melbourne highlights “The Melbourne trip showcased two very different but equally impressive operations,” says PPG NZ Business Solution Manager Nigel Hamilton. “At Kenworth, the group watched how trucks were built in carefully timed cycles. They observed the importance of visual organisation, the precision of production lines, and the critical role teamwork plays in achieving daily targets. “Then at Walkinshaw Andretti United, the motorsport culture added a new dimension. The group saw how performancedriven processes, culture, and communication lead to success on the racetrack.

It reinforced the point that having the right people in the right roles, with clear systems and processes, makes all the difference. “The visit wasn’t all work, of course. Partners joined in the trip, which included an AFL match and plenty of time for networking and socialising. Those social connections are just as valuable in helping to strengthen the sense of community within the group.”

Finding that one per cent One of the group’s trademarks is its willingness to look for performance solutions beyond the panel and paint industry. Over the years, the Peer Performance Group has toured wineries, mattress factories, bottling plants, and other manufacturers to gain insights that can be adapted to their businesses back home. “It’s about finding those one per cent improvements,” says Nigel.

“If you can tweak your process to make your workshop more efficient, or set up a production line in a way that saves time, it all adds up. We’re not talking about saving money on tape or sandpaper. The real gains come from efficiency, which makes businesses more profitable and sustainable.”

Through the customer’s eyes Geoff Tiney is the owner of Sheffield Crescent Panel and Paint in Christchurch, New Zealand, and has been in business for almost 30 years.

REFINISHER

MVP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

REFINISHER

Performance beyond the workshop He became a member of PPG’s lean groups in 2013 when he felt he wasn’t receiving the support he needed from his supplier to run his business successfully. “I needed support for my business and help to steer me in the right direction, not a company to just sell me products. When I partnered with PPG and joined their lean group, I received the guidance and backing I needed. “When I first started out in 1996, I had one employee and no contracts. I now have nine people working for me and several large, long-term contracts with insurance and rental companies. PPG taught me how to tick the boxes to get that work, which I couldn’t have done running my business the way I was. “The Peer Performance Group is designed to strengthen both efficiency and profitability, and achieving that starts with

knowing your numbers. By understanding and tracking them, you can identify where improvements can be made, and this group provides the platform to do that in a practical way.” As a long-standing member of the Peer Performance Group, Geoff has participated in around a dozen group trips to learn about efficient business practices firsthand. “What I like about the trips is that you always pick up something that you can take back and use at the workshop,” says Geoff. “I’m fascinated by process, and on this trip to Australia, I was particularly impressed by the processes Kenworth uses to produce the volume of trucks they do each day. They have a process for everything, from one end of their building to the other. “I also really enjoy the social

connections the group offers at home and while on tour. While we’re technically competitors, none of us operate in the same town, so you don’t mind sharing information and talking about different issues you’re facing. It’s very open and everyone has become good friends.”

Proven results “When it comes to proving the value of the business solutions group model, the numbers speak for themselves,” says PPG National Business Solutions Manager Greg Tunks. “Data shows that, on average, year-on-year profitability of businesses that participate in an MVP Business Solution Group is up 20.93 per cent from 2024 to 2025. “So even with product prices increasing and wages going up, the overall profitability of businesses is up because of efficiency. And that’s what these groups and trips are designed to deliver — finding smarter and leaner ways of working that drive results on the workshop floor.”

Drive Award Every year, PPG recognises one of the group’s businesses that has made significant improvements and grown through profitability and/or that has implemented meaningful changes over the past 12 months. In 2025, the Drive Award was presented to Bay of Plenty Collision Repairs from

Tauranga on New Zealand’s North Island. The family business, run by Gillian and Graham Logan, employs around 11 staff as well as their two children, and has been a member of PPG’s MVP Business Solutions groups since 2014. Gillian and Graham joined the Peer Performance Group post the COVID pandemic, and were presented with the Drive award on their recent trip with the group to Australia. “Winning the Drive Award was such a surprise to us,” says Gillian. “We sometimes feel like we are just clunking along a little bit, but we’re continuing to make lots of improvements, and last year we really noticed a financial turnaround. “Every time we go to a meeting, we pick up something new. We can see the improvements in the audit results, and each time we get them, we look at the next area we can try to improve. Being part of the Peer Performance Group is very validating because you get to connect with other business owners. They’re all dealing with the same issues, so we’re not alone. “The trip to Australia was great, and it’s

always wonderful connecting with other business owners. The Kenworth factory was a fantastic example of a lean and very well-organised business. We are Supercar fans, so the visit to Walkinshaw Andretti United was a highlight, seeing how a high-performing R race team operates”.

PPG MVP Business Solutions program is available as part of PPG’s comprehensive support package. For more information, contact mvp.anz@ppg.com or contact your PPG representative or PPG’s customer service hotline 13 24 24 (Aust) or 0800 320 320 (NZ).

REFINISHER

FEATURE STORY

REFINISHER

Vibrance rebooted The PPG Vibrance Group has recently been rebooted, bringing together some of Australia’s top car builders to share ideas, explore new techniques, and push the boundaries of customisation.

PG National Training Manager Trevor Duke says the revival of the group is about collaboration, showcasing PPG

products and processes and giving back to the industry. “There are many incredible top-end custom builders in our industry who each have their own unique skillset and special techniques they use when building and painting cars. “The Vibrance Group provides an opportunity for them to come together to not only share their knowledge within the industry but also to learn about the products and best practice processes to achieve the top-class results.” Coming together at PPG’s Eastern Creek Training Centre in Western Sydney for a multi-day session, the group’s first practical project was painting a stunning 1964 Chevrolet Impala convertible under the guidance of renowned Australian custom painter Kyle Smith, Owner of Smith Concepts.

Our aim was to demonstrate masking techniques using some of the new refinishing tapes that PPG has available, show symmetry, and teach participants how to create patterns. Masking was a massive job and took virtually two and a half days because of the multiple colours, panelling, and different structures that were being masked. “Then we worked on the gold leafing, which is actual gold and very, very delicate. Gold leaf is commonly used on lowrider restorations throughout the world, as it adds another element and depth to the work. I showed everyone a lot of small technical and intricate ideas that I think they were quite keen to take back to their shops and experiment with. “We were very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Kyle on his project," says Trevor. “For this session, he led the group through mapping out the job, masking, colour selection and design, fades and blending candy paint, and intricate gold leaf work of this magnificent lowrider.” As a long-time PPG customer, Kyle says he was excited to step out of his comfort zone and share his expertise with other industry professionals. “I've been using PPG products for around 13 years. So, when Trevor approached me about joining the Vibrance Group, I was happy to be involved. In my business, I do a lot of vibrant candy colour jobs, flame jobs, airbrushing, pattern work, and lowrider work, and I really enjoyed showing my industry peers what I do. “The 1964 Chevrolet Impala convertible is quite an iconic car, and everyone was able to get hands-on with this project.

“There’s a lot of different businesses in the group, from elite show guys to restoration and panel shops. I think everyone got a little bit out of learning about the tapes, the leafing, and how to mask up a really sharp line so you don't get bleed through on edges from any candy colours.” Owner of Exclusive Customs Panel and Paint, based in South East Queensland, Glenn Coburn was among those who took part in the session. With decades of experience in building and painting cars, he says being part of the Vibrance Group is as much about sharing his

REFINISHER

FEATURE STORY

REFINISHER

Vibrance

rebooted

own knowledge as it is about learning from others. “I was a part of the original Vibrance Network many years ago, and it’s fantastic that PPG is getting it up and running again and giving the custom industry the opportunity to come together in this environment.

“For me, being part of the group is about learning about the products that PPG have and learning the correct methods and processes to use the products correctly. Now that I'm a bit older, I also really enjoy sharing my experience; that's a big thing for me.” Glenn explains that the collaborative nature of the group is a significant shift from how the industry used to be. “Years ago, it was a dog-eat-dog world. Everyone would keep to themselves and try to undercut other people because there wasn’t that much work out there. Now it’s the opposite, and there's so much work it’s not really a competition anymore. Everyone does something different. Everyone has their own niche and way of doing things.” He says working alongside Kyle was an invaluable experience. “We’re lucky to have the opportunity to work with someone as good as Kyle. It was interesting to see how he approaches things, masks up the job, and utilises the colours that PPG offer. He showed people what to do, and then we had the opportunity to do it ourselves. He checked our work and offered advice. I think you've always got to keep learning, otherwise you get stuck in your own little world. The Vibrance Group gives us the opportunity to keep learning.”

Howard Astill, a PPG ambassador, Founder of Astill Design, and creator of the popular YouTube channel @AstillDesign, which takes viewers behind the scenes of custom car builds and iconic car shows, has also joined the Vibrance Group and participated in the recent session. “I've been working with PPG for 25 years,” says Howard. “When you’ve been around a long time, you pick up little bits and pieces along the way and do things a little bit differently than everyone else. It's a big thing to be able to get those talented people together to share their secrets.” For Howard, the real value of the Vibrance Group lies in the opportunity to learn, share, and keep pace with an ever-evolving industry. He sees the sessions as a rare chance to sit alongside other experienced professionals, exchange ideas, and put new products and processes into practice. “The chance to connect face-to-face with Kyle, other car builders, and PPG representatives is an invaluable experience, and the Vibrance Group offers a relaxed and collaborative environment that encourages sharing insights and learning from each other. “It makes a big difference having the opportunity to spend three or four days watching someone mask out corners on pin lines instead of doing a one-hour training session or trying to teach yourself, which would take 10 times longer. “Product development is constantly evolving, so to be able to learn about and try out the PPG products in this type of training environment is really beneficial. From a custom shop point of view, I think if people are prepared to open their minds up to change and this sort of training, then getting involved in the Vibrance Group is an ideal way to continue to grow and improve knowledge.” Trevor believes momentum is already building as word spreads and the group gains traction, and plans for future sessions are already taking shape. “People are starting to hear about the Vibrance Group again now and want to get involved. The short-term goal is to get New South Wales up and running and then expand to other states. Long-term, we want each session to cover a different aspect of planning a build, colour selection, product use and selection, building and customisation, starting from bare metal cleaning and corrosion protection all the way through to a final polishing for a completed car.” The 1964 Chevrolet Impala convertible is a Smith Concepts project that was several

years in the making. This masterpiece will be officially unveiled at Summernats 38 in January 2026. Contact Trevor Duke or your local PPG representative with an expression of interest in joining the PPG Vibrance Group. To be eligible to join the Vibrance Group, individuals and paint shops must use all PPG products for their custom work/ restorations and be willing to share R their knowledge and expertise.

REFINISHER

TALKING TRAINING

REFINISHER

TALKING TRAINING

with PPG

For workshops striving to stay ahead in the constantly evolving automotive repair industry, knowledge is equally important as having the right tools and products. PPG’s hands-on training programs help workshops upskill their staff and keep pace with changing technologies and processes.

PG’s training combines theory and practical hands-on experience, and the courses range from half-day sessions for focused topics to two or threeday programs. “The training we provide aims to upskill tradesmen and women, whether

it’s apprentices, preppers, painters, or colour matchers in the shop environment,” says PPG National Training Manager Trevor Duke. “We try to get small groups of around four to eight people, so it’s more personal and quality training. You can identify certain weaknesses, help them with specific questions, and focus on the particular issues they’re asking about. “Our training is designed to build their knowledge around any of PPG’s processes, and to make sure our processes are all followed so the best results can be achieved.” He likens the importance of structured processes to McDonald’s: “To make a cheeseburger, they train to a process. First, you put the patty on, then the pickle, then the sauce, then the cheese. If you do it a different way, it’s not going to be the same every time.” A strong focus of current training programs is PPG’s low-energy cure

paint system, Envirobase® High Performance. “For low-energy cure product training, we cover what products are available and talk about the technical and time-saving benefits, along with the dollar savings. Then we’ll move to the hands-on side of things and cover topics like correct film build, colour identification, and choosing between rapid or UHS clear coats. It’s about educating painters and ensuring they understand the application processes so they can achieve the right results.” PPG also supports workshops to train their staff in their own environment. “Field demonstrators can visit a shop to assess processes, equipment, and workflows, tailoring the training to the real-world conditions of each business. We can also look at their preparation and processes and see if we can make any improvements. Post-training support is also built in, with PPG’s territory managers following up in the field to reinforce knowledge and ensure processes are being applied correctly.” A significant benefit of PPG training is that it counts towards I-CAR accreditation. “To remain eligible for insurance company contracts, workshops need to demonstrate that their staff are continually upskilling in the latest technologies and processes. While much of this training traditionally takes place off-site, PPG has structured its own in-house programs so that training completed with us also contributes toward I-CAR accreditation.” Hadwen’s Prestige Collision Repairs, based in Brisbane, Queensland, is a familyowned business that has been in operation for 95 years. Director Tyden Hadwen is a third-generation panel beater, with three sons in succession, and believes that the key to achieving longevity in the industry is

by embracing change and new technology. Central to this approach is a commitment to sustainability, and Hadwen’s was one of the first shops to introduce PPG’s Envirobase High Performance low-energy system. “You can’t have sustainability unless you’re thinking about the environment, how you affect it, and what you leave behind,” says Tyden. “Solar panels, recycling programs, and greener products are all part of our strategy. “We went to a PPG product launch day where they released the new Envirobase low-energy cure product, and I thought, ‘If it works, it’s going to be a game-changer for us’. We rang our distributor straight away and had the product in the shop the next day.” While Hadwen’s was quick to adopt new PPG products, training was critical. “The whole team attended a course on the low-energy products at the PPG Training Centre, where they had the opportunity to learn about the products and refine their skills in a controlled environment with PPG reps guiding them through new products and techniques. The team came back to the workshop with improved skills and knowledge, and they were genuinely excited to put what they’d learnt into practise. “We’ve always been massive advocates of PPG, and the training they provide is outstanding. We like that we can do courses at the training centre, but we also get a lot of value when PPG comes into our workshop.

It’s a different environment here, so they can see how we’re working, look at our equipment, and help us improve our processes. It makes a real difference.” Hadwen’s Client Fulfilment Manager Dylan Roworth explains that the benefits of low-energy products and the proper training were immediate: “Process-wise, the Envirobase product has a much lower VOC, which is great for the environment. We previously used PPG 136, which was a 40-minute bake cycle, but now we’re down to 15 minutes. That’s 30 to 35 minutes saved on every car. “The same goes for primers. With the older products, the process required 24 hours. But with PPG LVP-565 Air Dry Primer, it’s start to finish in 20 minutes.

The time efficiency is massive, and it’s all without compromising quality.” As Trevor Duke puts it, “Training ensures the right processes are followed, and when that happens, workshops see the benefits in quality, sustainability, and business growth.”

Please contact your PPG Representative for more details about PPG Training and PPG Envirobase® High Performance products.

REFINISHER

FOND FAREWELL

REFINISHER

Refinisher fondly farewells John Stanley From motor mechanic to magazine editor, John Stanley’s career is a unique story, but one that was always rooted in the automotive industry. After 25 years as Editor of PPG’s Refinisher magazine, John is closing a chapter that shaped his professional life and the publication for a generation of readers.

ohn’s journey into publishing was far from traditional. After early years as a mechanic, fleet manager, and warranty claims controller, he moved into writing almost by chance, freelancing for automotive titles before taking on Refinisher full-time in 2001. When reflecting on what kept him inspired for so many years, John points to the stories and the people, which he says made the role so rewarding: “Every story had something interesting behind it, whether it was a product, a business, or a person.

Everyone’s got a story, and that’s what I loved about this role. All the articles have been significant in some way, and there’s been nothing boring about this role. I feel like I’ve been living the dream for 25 years. It’s been a blast, and the people are what made the difference.” Among all the stories and memories, one milestone stands out from the rest for John. “The 60th Anniversary issue of Refinisher was really a highlight in my time as Editor. It was such an important moment in PPG’s history, and we knew we had to do something special. “There was a filing cabinet of old Refinisher magazines, so I spent quite a lot of time going back through the ages and putting them in order and flicking through the early issues to understand the genesis of what has become Refinisher today. I realised what had come before me and how important Refinisher is to many people in the industry. There was an amazing history, and we needed to share that.”

Now stepping into retirement, John says his decision was about making time for travel, family, and new adventures with his wife Julie. But his warmth, professionalism, and genuine passion for the industry have left a lasting mark on everyone he worked with. From the entire team at PPG, we wish R John a happy retirement! Paul Galea – PPG Global Director Growth Projects Automotive Refinish: “John has been an integral part of the PPG refinish team for many years. His depth of experience with the company and in the collision industry, along with his extensive automotive knowledge more broadly, has been a real asset to PPG. He has been a key knowledge resource for our industry, and I can’t think of a product or program launch that John didn’t have his fingerprints on. While we have many talented people at PPG, John’s ability to translate sometimes very technical aspects of what we do into knowledgeable articles that our customers can relate to has been second to none.”

John Hristias – PPG Sales Director: “One thing that stood out to me was how well John listened and interpreted the information you would give him. I often felt like I was on a rant and was not even sure he understood what I was saying. But then he’d come back with an article and had nailed it 99.9 per cent of the time. John was genuinely interested in each and every story.” Dean Parrott – Kisschasey Creative Director: “I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working with John for over a quarter of a century! He was always easy-going and had a massive knowledge of PPG’s people and products. He had a wonderful team spirit and not a hint of ego. For a designer like me, he was the ultimate professional to collaborate with. I’ve really enjoyed our relationship and will miss working together. He’s been a true friend and colleague. Beyond his obvious talents, it’s John’s great sense of humour that really stands out. Whether we were tying him up for a feature story or dressing him up for a photoshoot, he always delivered.”

Greg Tunks – PPG National Business Solutions Manager: “I always found John to be an absolute gentleman who acted with integrity. He never got flustered; he was just always cool, calm, and collected. He really took a genuine interest in the story he was writing, and customers he interviewed always said they felt at ease with John. I also enjoyed our conversations when the recorder was turned off and we spoke on a personal level about family and similar interests we had.” Chelsea Hilsberg – PPG Operational Marketing Manager: “I have learnt so much from working with John throughout my time at PPG. We had a lot of fun memories working on the Refinisher magazine, including when we got creative with photos for a Talking Training article titled ‘Don’t let your staff hold you hostage’ (Issue #4 2019). John was the nominated model, and the end result was great! I have learnt a lot from John over the years, and he has definitely left his mark on the industry with his writing.”

REFINISHER

PPG PRODUCTS

REFINISHER

Next-gen

In commercial transport, protecting assets from weather, corrosion, and wear has been the primary purpose and practical job of paintwork. But with the industry rapidly evolving, paintwork on trucks, trailers, and machinery is increasingly becoming a brand statement. The sparkling, flake effect offers depth, movement, and a premium look that’s hard to ignore. Customers expect a finish that looks as sharp as their passenger vehicles, and that demand is fuelling innovation in commercial transport coatings technology.

PG has responded with the launch of a new metallic option in its premium Delfleet® 419M Ultra High Solids range. The F3621 Delfleet Medium Bright Metallic, replaces the now-obsolete F3609 Delfleet Bright Metallic. It features a new formula that improves the user experience when painting monometallics, ensuring an excellent metallic laydown, delivering greater mottle control, and making application far more user-friendly. Overall, customers can now achieve a better quality finish in a metallic direct gloss system. PPG Key Account Manager, Commercial Coatings Chris Rovere says metallic direct gloss finishes have become the norm in the commercial transport industry, and customers

expect products that are easy to use and provide predictable, reliable results. “In the past, getting the metallic to laydown evenly was an ongoing challenge because of the coarseness of the silver particles,” explains Chris. “Mottling and patchiness would occur, and the final results were inconsistent because of the way the metallic stood up on the surface. Customers want a product that sprays on consistently and achieves outstanding gloss straight out of the gun, and that’s exactly what the new Delfleet Medium Bright Metallic delivers.” While the application and process of the new metallic product remain unchanged, it does boast an improved formula, which allows the metallic to laydown flatter and deliver a smooth, even effect, without adversely affecting the existing colour range. “The finish is closer to what painters would expect from a basecoat/clearcoat system, but it is achieved in a single layer. The result is not only a more attractive coating but also one that’s easier to apply, less prone to defects, and more reliable across different applications.”

As with the rest of the Delfleet range, the new Medium Bright Metallic has been tested against the toughest standards. UV stability, corrosion resistance, and salt spray performance are all critical for Australian conditions, and Delfleet products have been engineered to withstand the country’s harsh climate. The focus has been on improving application and finish quality without compromising durability.

By simplifying application and delivering a higher-quality finish, it reduces barriers to adopting metallics across a wider range of commercial assets. From cranes and agricultural equipment to trucks and trailers, customers can now achieve that showroom sparkle with the durability suitable for the R commercial transport industry. Please contact your PPG Distributor for more details about the F3621 Delfleet® Medium Bright Metallic.

PPG PEOPLE 26

Ernie Dumper

P P G S TA F F P R O F I L E

Refinish Business Manager – New Zealand

ike many kids, Ernie was not a fan of school. So, at the age of 15, he embarked on a career in the

spray painting industry. What began as a hands-on start in coatings and component painting turned into a journey that has taken him across colour labs, technical qualifications, and sales. “When I left school in 1981, I went straight into the spray painting industry working for John Graham, who is still a PPG customer today. His business covered aspects of coatings, vehicle painting, industrial painting, and small component painting. In 1988, when a Japanese coating company purchased the industrial side of John’s business, I reluctantly went across as part of the acquisition. I was only planning on staying a few months. They must have

recognised something in me and sent me back to school to learn more about the coatings industry. Five years later, while working for them, I earned Colour Masters and Dye Masters qualifications. A few years later, I was running a colour lab for an Australian paint manufacturer, selling coatings into NZ, before I moved into a sales rep role in 2001. It was here that I really found my calling because I could connect with the end-users of our products. Having worked on the tools early in my career, I could understand their needs, and it created some great working relationships.”

Ernie’s pride and joy, his ’68 Chevelle – a three-year rebuild that was featured in NZV8 Magazine

Since joining PPG in 2008 as a Territory Manager, Ernie has steadily risen through the ranks to his current position as Business Manager Refinish NZ. He oversees the day-to-day operations of the business, providing direction, planning strategic goals, and ensuring sales growth. “One of the most challenging aspects of the role is being pulled in a lot of different directions within the business, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love helping people resolve their issues by sharing what I’ve learnt over the past 40 years in the coating industry. Be it a customer or PPG employee, seeing them succeed gives R me great pleasure.”

MORE ABOUT ERNIE • Favourite hobbies/pastimes? Golf and classic cars (I own a ’68 Chevelle) • Favourite food? Sunday roast. I’m also known to be fond of a sausage roll or two • Favourite drink? Speights Gold (beer) Coke Zero (non-alcoholic) • Favourite music / band? Cold Chisel • Favourite car / motorcycle? Cars: I drive a Ford to work, and race a Chevy on the weekends Bikes: Harley Breakout and Honda CB1300 • Favourite holiday destination? NZ: Whangamata (Coromandel) Australia: Anywhere on the Sunshine Coast.

Connect. Automate. Digitise. The end-to-end digital ecosystem bringing advanced, game-changing technologies to your collision centre

Scan the QR code to see how PPG LINQTM can benefit your business! youtu.be/t4isZfVLwzw

Introducing the 3D digital sprayout

Compact, fast, easy-to-use spectrophotometer

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.

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.

Explore the PPG LINQ™ Digital Ecosystem. Visit PPGLINQ.com

Gloss&beyond

For decades, direct gloss was the backbone of automotive finishes and was valued for its simplicity and cost-benefits. From the 1980s and ’90s onwards, the industry saw a shift to basecoat/ clearcoat systems, primarily driven by the introduction of metallic pigments and a demand for longer-lasting finishes.

hile basecoats/clearcoats have become the global standard in automotive refinishing, we explore the differences between the two systems and the benefits each can bring to painters and their customers.

The science Direct gloss combines colour, pigments, and resin in a single topcoat sprayed over primer, with no clearcoat on top. Out of the gun, the colour looks bright and glossy, and it’s relatively quick to apply. The drawbacks include durability and longevity, especially

since metallic pigments are now commonly used by manufacturers. Most metallic pigments will oxidise and react with moisture in the air, turning black. They change from aluminium to aluminium oxide if they are left in the top layer of a direct gloss system. Pigment hit by UV light breaks apart and discolours, and the resin breaks down into a white material. Putting a clearcoat over the top protects the aluminium pigments. It dramatically increases durability because the pigment is now in the middle layer and not in direct contact with the UV light.

Direct gloss and clearcoat systems are both acrylic based, cross-linked with isocyanate, and known as 2K. Clearcoat and direct gloss use similar types of resins and contain UV additives HALS (hindered amine light stabiliser), but a direct gloss won’t perform the same as a basecoat/ clearcoat system, regardless of the number of additives present. Basecoat has quite a different formula because of all the various additives used to control the metallic orientation, which direct gloss products don’t have. Clearcoat has UV additives and goes over the top of the basecoat to protect the aluminium and other pigments in the basecoat from UV exposure. The result? A finish that holds colour and gloss. Australian sunlight is particularly harsh and has significantly higher UV levels compared to Europe or North America. PPG chemists here in Australia formulate products, such

as PPG Envirobase® High Performance products, for the local market, loading clearcoats with higher levels of UV additives and HALS to cope with the conditions here. Without them, gloss loss and pigment fade would occur faster than usual.

Each system has its place For modern automotive refinishing, basecoat/clearcoat is unmatched for colour control, gloss retention, and long-term durability, but direct gloss still has its place in specific applications and continues to deliver value. While there are many advantages to using a basecoat/clearcoat system, direct gloss continues to be used in Australia due to its cost and ease of application, particularly in commercial transport applications. Solid colours dominate, durability expectations are different, and cost pressure is higher. Direct gloss requires fewer steps, which usually

includes two coats of colour, and you’re done. For solid finishes, it’s painter-friendly. Vehicles such as trucks, vans, and fleets are still often painted using a direct gloss system, such as products from PPG’s Delfleet® range, which are

designed specifically for the commercial transport industry. Both systems have their strengths, and understanding these can help achieve the right finish and performance to meet R customer needs.

REFINISHER

SHOP PROFILE

REFINISHER

She did it her way Christine Zabilowicz isn’t your typical panel and paint shop owner. She didn’t come from a family of automotive industry tradespeople and doesn’t have a trade qualification. Instead, her undeniable love of cars, business savvy, and drive to succeed saw her forge a career from office administrator to the sole female owner of Wangaratta Accident Repair Specialists, in Victoria’s north-east. Her story is proof that there’s more than one way to build a successful career in the refinish industry.

fantastic opportunity to introduce them to a trade they might not know much about.

S H O P FA C T S Wangaratta Accident Repair Specialists

“I

love cars,” says Christine. “Growing up, I hung out with the boys in high school and was never interested in girlie things. Dad was a plumber, but had an interest in cars and would take me to the drag races and car shows. My love of all things automotive has always stuck with me — even when I was pregnant with my son, I was watching Bathurst and joked that I would name him after the driver who won the race. My son is called Chaz, after Supercars driver Chaz Mostert. Christine’s entry point to the world of refinishing was a power-coating shop, where she split her time between the office duties and the floor. “I really enjoyed the type of work I was doing and the industry. But when the business was sold and the new owner, Gary, offered me a full-time job at Action Smash Repairs, where he was also an owner, I jumped at it. At first, I worked in the office doing just the basics, but I slowly worked my way up, learning how to prepare quotes and order parts.”

“Gary put a lot of trust in me to the point where I was his signatory and 2IC in the office. He ended up buying another repair business, Harrison & Solimo Panels, and merging the two into Wangaratta Accident Repair Specialists before I took it over in 2018. There has never been a day when I wake up and think I don’t want to go to work.”

Since taking ownership, Christine has continued to grow the business, recently moving from a 4,000m2 premise to one of 11,000m2. “We’ve been operating here at Osboldstone Road for a year and a half. We have around 25 staff and do upwards of 35 cars per week. “While our shed is about the same size as the previous one, it’s the outdoor space

Owner: Christine Zabilowicz Staff: 25 PPG Product: Envirobase® High-Performance, DIGIMATCH™, MOONWALK® Territory Manager: Tony Deliolanis

that has significantly improved our business efficiency. Our touch times are down about 20 per cent because we aren’t juggling cars around a tiny space. Our panel and paint areas are now separated, so the cars go in one roller door and go out through another. We also purchased a new spray booth and operate three Lowbake booths, which have increased our capacity.” As an accredited repairer for major insurance companies such as IAG, Edlers, and QBE, Christine has stayed up to date with the latest industry products, technology, and training and says PPG provides everything her business needs to perform at its best. “Even before I owned Accident

Repair Specialists, we always used PPG. The support that we get from them is something other paint companies can’t offer. “We currently use the Envriobase® High-Performance products along with the DIGIMATCH™ 5-X Spectro for colourmatching, and we’re in the process of getting a MOONWALK®, which I’m really excited about.” MVP Business Solutions Group is another PPG offering that Christine has embraced. “Whether it’s product training or helping us with issues, it’s a whole package with PPG, and you just can’t compete without it.” While the refinish industry has traditionally been male-dominated, Christine values the supportive workshop culture she has created as a female owner and the people who make it run. “My partner Duncan is the shop manager, and all the boys here are fantastic. I’ve worked with many of them since they did their apprenticeships, so there are a fair few of us who have been together for 15 years or more. “We really are more of a family than just a bunch of workmates. Duncan and I actually met while working together, my daughter Annelise does some of my digital work, and we have other family members who have worked here together as well.” Looking ahead, Christine’s focus is not only on growing her business. She has taken an active role in promoting and attracting people to the industry she loves. “I’m trying to get more apprentices started in paint and panel by doing talks and hands-on demonstrations in schools. As a result, I’ve had students come to the shop for work experience, which is a

“North East Tracks runs a hands-on trade day at Winton Motor Raceway, and this year I put my hand up to have a stall. We set up a door and a guard and gave the kids a go at taking a dent out of it. We had over 1700 kids from all around the area come to the trade day, which is great for our small area. “I want people to know that automotive isn’t just mechanics and car racing; there are other avenues to explore. How cool would it be knowing that a car that just drove down the road is one that you had R spray-painted?”

REFINISHER

T H E R E F IN

CAR SHOWS

IS H E R

REFINISHER

CAR SHOWS

SHOWTIME with Showcars Melbourne They say if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. If you ask Elvis Barbieri, he’ll tell you that it’s absolutely true. A spray painter and panel beater by trade, Elvis began his career at Altona North Smash Repairs as a 16-yearold with a keen interest in cars and worked for the same family business for 38 years. But what is truly unique about Elvis’s story is the car show business, Showcars Melbourne, which he built in his spare time and now produces some of Melbourne’s biggest car and bike events.

THE RE

F IN IS H E

“I

’ve always had an interest in cars,” says Elvis. “When I became a tradesman, I was lucky to always be around and work on high-end and prestige cars, which led me to the world of custom cars. When I was a third-year apprentice, I purchased and painted a 1970 Ford Capri. I won a lot of awards for that car, but I also raced it all over Australia for more than 20 years. The Capri is where it all started, and then I worked on street cars and did everything from painting to custom builds and bodywork.” So, how did Elvis go from spray painter to event producer? “By 2010, I had worked on that many cars and been to that many shows that I wanted to create my own event. I have a business mind and background, and being around it all for so long gave me a good understanding of what it takes to create something people want to go to. “My first event was Showcars Melbourne Showdown in 2011, and half the cars that were on display were ones that I had painted or been involved in for customers or friends. Our first venue was the leisure centre in Altona, but we

outgrew that and moved to Moonee Valley Racecourse in 2014. “This is where the event really began to shine and grow. Moonee Valley welcomed us like family and hosted Showcars Melbourne Showdown for 10 years. The larger venue allowed us to attract some of the best cars from across the country, which helped establish the Showdown as one of Melbourne’s major automotive events and gain PPG as a partner in 2015.” Fast forward to 2025, and Elvis now produces three major automotive shows throughout the year, with each offering a distinct experience for industry professionals, car lovers, and families.

04 “The Showdown is my main event, and in 2026, we’ll be moving to a new venue at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne’s south-east. It’s an indoor and outdoor event, I target elite, street builds, and high-end cars, and it has a lot more award categories than my other shows. “It’s also been a feeder event for the MotorEx Superstars Awards for about ten years. We choose five cars each year to go through, so it’s a big deal for the builders.”

TH E RE FI NI SH ER

04A

Acland Street Father’s Day Car and Bike Show

While the Showdown focuses on high-end builds and indoor displays, the Acland Street Father’s Day Car and Bike Show, held in St Kilda on Father’s Day in September, is all about family, community, and street culture.

04 A “It’s a different vibe. It’s still got lots of award categories and great cars, but it’s outdoors, relaxed, and really family-friendly. We shut down the trams, close the roads, and fill the streets with about

Showcars Melbourne PPG Showdown Held in March and entering its fifteenth year, Showcars Melbourne PPG Showdown has become Elvis’s signature event. It not only draws more than 1,000 cars and bikes from all over Australia, but is also a qualifying round for the Meguiar’s MotorEx Superstars category.

Below: where it all started, painted in PPG 2K in 1992 04A 04

THE RE

TH E R E FI N

F IN IS H E

IS H E R

THE R

E F IN IS

HER

Right: Elvis as a 19yo 3rd year apprentice 04 04 A

04A 04

REFINISHER

CAR SHOWS

SHOWTIME with Showcars Melbourne 04

800 to 900 cars and bikes. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.”

TH E RE FI N

IS H ER

It’s not just about the cars

Elvis has also added a third event to the calendar, Melbourne’s Best Car and Bike Expo, which takes place in October and is run in partnership with Shannons Insurance. Held at Shannons Showroom, it showcases around 65 vehicles in the indoor space with additional outdoor displays. “It’s only our second year of putting on the event, but it’s been a hit. We try to mix it up with a good variety of cars and bikes, which include iconic vehicles, custom builds, and showroom specials.”

Expertise in judging Judging at any car show can be a delicate task, but for Elvis, it’s something he takes seriously. Since the very first Showcars Melbourne event in 2011, he has relied on one trusted figure to lead the judging panel, industry veteran Ron Barclay. A respected name in the Australian custom scene, Ron brings decades of experience and credibility to the judging process. “Ron’s been by my side since day one. He’s my head judge, and he’s got two other judges, plus me, who help him choose the award winners.”

Backed by industry leaders

THE RE

04 A

continued growth of Elvis’s events. “Having such well-known and respected names as partners of my events over such a long period really gives them credibility and helps me deliver a quality experience for entrants and spectators.” Long before he began producing car events, Elvis had already been a loyal PPG customer, so he says it was a natural step to invite them to be a partner. “I’ve been using PPG since day one, back in the Cobra 2K days. I do a lot of high-end work, and the colours and results have always been spot-on. You can use the same system from start to finish. I’ve been using PPG products for such a long time that it was a no-brainer to get them on board as a partner.” F IN IS H

Industry support and long-term partners such as PPG, Shannons, Rare Spares, and Meguire’s are a key factor in the 04A 04

04 A

Melbourne’s Best Car and Bike Expo

While Elvis’s events showcase craftsmanship and creativity, they also carry a strong community focus. Since the beginning, the Good Friday Appeal has been the charity partner for Showcars Melbourne. “This will be our fifteenth year supporting them. When I started, I thought, ‘What charity can I support that means something?’ I’ve got kids, so the Good Friday Appeal made sense. We donate proceeds from raffles and food sales, and every little bit helps.” Meanwhile, the Acland Street event raises funds for Mens Wellbeing, another cause close to his heart. “These events bring people together, and it’s as much about community as it is the cars.”

Keeping it real

Despite his profile as a top showcar event producer, Elvis remains grounded in the trade that started it all. “I’ve been in the industry 38 years, and I still love it. I might not paint as much now, but I’ll always be involved because I enjoy the challenge, the creativity, and the people.” Looking ahead, Elvis plans to keep refining his events rather than expanding the TH E R E calendar. “I’m happy with the FI N IS H E R three shows I’ve got. I want to spend more time with my wife Anna and my three children, Anthony, Christopher, and Olivia, who have supported me all the way. It’s been a long journey, but I’ve met a lot of great people over the years, and I still love every R part of it.”

04 04 A

Find out more about Showcars Melbourne’s upcoming events by visiting the melbourneshowcars.com.au website or following them on socials.

MATTE EXTREME COATING

Tough doesn’t even begin to describe it Rugged, stylish, easy-to-use 2K coating perfect for truck beds, ute trays, RVs, trailers and MUCH MORE!

Contact your local distributor today for more information www.semproducts.com.au

jet X 100 Years Edition

It only comes once every 100 years. SATA celebrates 100 years of spray gun history – with a limited special edition gun range. The jet X 100 Years Edition features the original technical drawing of our very first spray gun from 1925 – a fascinating fusion of tradition and innovation. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Also available in SATAjet 100 B and SATAminijet 4400 B. Get yours now! Contact your local SATA distributor for more information! Follow us online! PPG Refinish Australia & New Zealand

INFO www.sata.com/100yearsedition