 If the current proposed regulations are passed:
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About VOC Regulations
About Waterborne Basecoat
Using Waterborne Paint
About VOC Regulations
What are the proposed low-VOC regulations and how will they affect
the collision repair industry?
The proposed regulations
would limit the amount of volatile organic compound (VOC) emitted by
automotive refinish coatings and surface cleaners. Paint
manufacturers are offering VOC-compliant products, including
waterborne basecoats. The most
significant affect on the collision repair industry will be the need
to switch to waterborne basecoat in order to meet the new VOC
limits. Environment Canada’s proposed regulations prohibit the sale
and import of non-compliant products, rather than prohibiting shops
from using these products.
Why are regulations concerning automotive
refinish coatings being developed?
The Government of Canada is working to reduce emissions of air
pollutants. The coatings and surface cleaners used in auto refinish
operations contain solvents which evaporate to the atmosphere during
surface preparation, coating application and clean-up. These
solvents contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are
precursors to particulate matter and ozone, the key ingredients of
smog. It is estimated that over 5 kilotonnes of VOCs are emitted each year
from coatings and surface cleaners used in automotive refinishing
operations in Canada. The proposed regulations would reduce the
annual VOC emissions by approximately 40%.
What coatings are affected by the proposed regulations?
Environment Canada’s proposed VOC-limit regulations apply to automotive refinish coatings and surface cleaners
- such as primers, clear coats, basecoats, adhesion promoters - which are applied
to motor vehicles and mobile equipment (including cars, motorcycles,
trucks, truck trailers, street cleaners, and farm equipment) to
refinish or decorate the surface.
What is being considered for the proposed regulations?
The intent of the proposed regulations would be to set mandatory
limits on the VOC content of automotive refinish coatings. The
regulations would affect the manufacture, import, and sale of these
products in Canada. The regulations would take effect January 1,
2010.
Click here for a table of categories and their limits.
The proposed regulations would also set a VOC content limit of 50
grams per litre (as mixed) for surface cleaners, materials used for
surface preparation prior to coating. The proposed regulations would not apply to coatings and surface
cleaners: sold in small containers (less than 0.5 fluid ounces);
sold in non-refillable aerosol containers; and those applied during
the original manufacture of motor vehicles, mobile equipment, or
associated parts and components.
How can a collision repair shop prepare for the regulations?
Collision repair shops can discuss with their product supplier
whether different products would be offered to comply with the
proposed regulations, and whether any training or other preparations
may be necessary. The intent of the proposed regulations would be to allow collision
repair shops to use-up any remaining non-compliant product,
including colour tints, purchased prior to the effective date of the
Regulations. However, shops would not be allowed to purchase or
import additional non-compliant product after the effective date.
How will Environment Canada enforce this legislation?
The proposed legislation is a prohibition of sale. That means paint
companies and jobbers will not be able to sell any non-compliant
product past the proposed date of Jan. 1, 2010, and it will also be
illegal for a shop to import any non-compliant material. Canada
Customs will audit any importation of coatings. There are federal
auditors in place, there have been enforcement agreements with
provincial government agencies, plus there will be audits at the
shop level and non-compliance will result in heavy fines.
About Waterborne Basecoat
Will all bodyshops have to switch to waterborne basecoat?
Yes. Current formulations of solvent-borne basecoat do not meet the
VOC-emission limits of the proposed regulations, and will no longer
be available for sale following the implementation date of Jan. 1,
2010. Based on current commercially-available technology, waterborne
basecoats will be required to meet the 3.5 lb/gallon VOC limit for
basecoat.
What is the difference between waterborne and solvent-borne
basecoat?
Waterborne coating material is suspended in the water carrier,
instead of having the coating material dissolved in solvents. To
envision this, imagine an oil and vinegar salad dressing, and how
the oil becomes suspended in the vinegar when mixed. After the
coating is applied, the water evaporates, leaving the coating
materials.
This diagram shows what is contained in waterborne versus conventional solvent-borne basecoat:
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What’s inside? Typical waterborne basecoat  Solvent content 10
% Solids content 20
% Water content 70
%Conventional base coat Solvent content 84
% Solids content 16
% |
With regards to pricing, what is the price differential between waterborne paint and solvent-borne paint?
In general terms the cost structure for refinish materials will likely change. Speak to your paint supplier to assess the effect this change will have on your business.
What is the percentage of solvent content in waterborne paint products compared with existing solvent-borne paints?
Comparing waterborne basecoat with similar solvent-borne products, the waterborne product can have anywhere from 55% to 90% less solvent.
Using Waterborne Paint
What are the main concerns painters have with regards to color
matching?
The main concern with regard to color matching is the difference in
the appearance of waterborne products in the can and after
application. In the can, waterborne coatings may appear milky and
are not representative of the final dry coating. It is advisable to use
a check panel for color matching.
How does the productivity of waterborne basecoats compare with
solventborne basecoats?
Waterborne basecoat can meet or exceed the productivity of solventborne basecoat in a well-equipped shop. Most waterborne
basecoat colours hide in 1.5 coats with no flash between coats,
providing a distinct productivity advantage compared with poor
hiding solventborne colors. For good hiding solventborne colors, the
waterborne basecoat is equal or slightly faster for cycle time. Air
blowing systems (booth or portable) will be key to achieve the
productivity advantages of waterborne basecoat. The poorly equipped shop will be at the mercy of the ambient
temperature and humidity for the region and the weather conditions
of a given day.
Will shops need any new or special equipment to spray waterborne
basecoats?
A lot will depend on the equipment that the shop already has in
place. With waterborne technology, it is beneficial to have some
degree of climate control (temperature and humidity). A down-draft
booth with air make-up is desirable. Assuming the shop is well equipped, some small upgrades will be
useful to take full advantage of waterborne basecoat
characteristics. For a down-draft booth, air blowers that create
turbulent air over the wet basecoat give a great productivity boost.
Several options exist that can be integrated into the spray, dry and
cure cycle of a down-draft booth. Shops can also benefit from portable blower systems. These portable
blowers offer the same drying productivity noted above and are
fairly low cost. Their limitations are the size of the repair and
the ability to create the turbulent air over the entire repair
surface. The incentive for these blowers is the reduction of dry times to
about 15 minutes from 30 to 60 minutes depending on film thickness
and climate. The blowers will be essential in conditions of very
high humidity. Additional equipment will include dedicated waterborne basecoat
spray guns and gun washer, separate waste streams and waste removal.
Plastic or lined cans, plastic paint sticks and nylon mesh strainers
will be needed. Higher quality tape and masking supplies as well as
improved house keeping in the paint department will also be useful. Recommended capabilities for a well-equipped shop include: air flow
greater than 11,000 ft 3/min; minimum air speed of 0.6 ft/s; uniform
vertical air flow; efficient/sufficient heating system; clean and
sufficient process air for spray guns and air blowers.
How does the durability of waterborne basecoats compare with
solventborne basecoats?
Waterborne basecoats are already used at more than 75% of OEM
plants. The majority of shops in Europe are using waterborne
basecoats without problems – even those shops operating in countries
with a similar climate to Canada.
Are waterborne basecoats compatible with solventborne undercoats and
clear coats?
Yes, waterborne basecoat is compatible with solventborne undercoats
(including UVA cured primers and sealers) and clear coats.
Are waterborne basecoats safer than solventborne basecoats?
Although waterborne basecoats are water based and emit fewer
solvents than a traditional solventborne basecoats, they still
contain dangerous chemicals that can be harmful if proper personal
protection is not used when spraying or handling. It is suggested
that shop personnel treating waterborne basecoat with the same
respect as they would solventborne basecoat.
Are waterborne basecoat products susceptible to freezing?
Yes, since some waterborne basecoat products are water based, they
can freeze if exposed to freezing temperatures, even if for a short
period of time. Some waterborne products contain no water until they
are prepared, and these are not susceptible to freezing. Temperature
controlled storage rooms and insulated delivery vehicles may be
necessary to ensure the quality of the products.
