Waterborne Anti-Settling Technology by PPG Makes Mixing Machines Obsolete

Anti-settling toner technology incorporated into PPG Industries’ new waterborne basecoat systems is enabling collision repair shops shifting to waterborne products to eliminate a mechanical mixing machine – and a major source of color mismatches – according to Gareth Hughes, PPG director of technology and global platform marketing.

“One of the primary causes of a ‘mismatch’ is that toners are often improperly agitated on a mixing machine,” Hughes said. “As a result, the toner’s pigments are not properly distributed throughout the resin, and this creates an inaccurate match.

“By comparison, the anti-settling toners used in our Aquabase PLUS and Envirobase High Performance (HP) basecoat systems do not require mechanical agitation. A simple shake by hand is all that’s required to ensure the pigments are dispersed evenly and ready to pour.”

According to Hughes, anti-settling technology is effective because of the high-tech, high-viscosity nature of the latex resins used in PPG’s waterborne toners. In their stored state, latex particles in these resins cling together, suspended in a gel-like state. The pigments don’t settle because the viscosity level is so high. To untangle the pigments and disperse them evenly requires only slight agitation by hand.

“Anti-settling technology makes mixing colors particularly fast and easy,” said Doug Beuke, compliant segment manager for PPG’s North American automotive refinish business. “No longer do you have to wait 10 minutes for a toner to be stirred. Just shake and pour.”

According to Beuke, the benefits of anti-settling toners extend beyond the ability to deliver excellent color consistency, to shelf life. The waterborne toners have a shelf life of no less than four years.

PPG’s anti-settling technology is available only with its Envirobase High Performance and NEXA AUTOCOLOR Aquabase PLUS waterborne basecoat systems that are being currently being distributed in California and Canada to meet stringent, low-volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions standards.