Boost productivity with high-performance automotive refinish solutions

Taking the fast lane to greater efficiency with proven coating technologies

When vehicles are damaged, both private car owners and businesses with large fleets want to get back on the road as quickly as possible. To satisfy this demand, body repair shops calibrate their workflows for optimal throughput efficiency.

With paint preparation and curing processes comprising a significant part of repair workflows, body repair shops are turning to refinish coatings that are not just fast drying but also deliver outstanding protection, customizable finishes, reproducible results, and cost-efficiency.

Coatings manufacturers who can meet these requirements are poised to take the lead in the industry. However, reducing the reliance of body shops on ovens, lowering their energy costs, and shortening curing times while maintaining protection and performance has been a persistent challenge—until now.

Recognizing the distinct needs of the automotive refinish industry, Covestro provides solutions that empower coating manufacturers to take efficiency up a gear. This applies whether they are ready to move their solutions to the next level or simply want to make minor adjustments to existing products.

Staying ahead in the race for product differentiation with Pasquick®

Pasquick® is a fast-curing 2K solution based on aliphatic polyisocycanates and aspartic resins. It’s already widely recognized for its effectiveness in construction and industrial applications. This time-tested technology can help coatings manufacturers significantly disrupt the market with unique refinish coatings.

When used for automotive refinish solutions, Pasquick®-based coatings can help improve application process productivity for users. Suitable for use in putties, primers, and clear coats, Pasquick®-based coatings can cure at ambient temperatures, eliminating the need for oven-based curing. Plus, in many applications and under appropriate conditions, ambient cures can be completed in roughly the same time as traditional systems that require oven cures of between 40°C–60°C. 

Oven-free curing doesn’t mean compromising on corrosion protection, weather resistance, or preserving the visual appeal of finishes for long periods. Pasquick®-based coatings deliver comparable technical performance with conventional coating systems. And coatings manufacturers who use Pasquick® for multiple layers will see even greater benefits. 

With all Covestro aspartics partly-bio based and many isocyanates also available in partly bio-based versions, Pasquick® can help manufacturers chart a clear road to more sustainable refinish coatings. 

Fine-tuning productivity with Desmodur® ultra N 31680 BA 

For some coatings manufacturers, adjusting formulations by using new ingredients offers a quicker and simpler way to evolve their existing product lines. 

With the high-performance, fast-curing hardener Desmodur® ultra N 31680 BA, coating manufacturers can reduce the curing temperature of 2K coating systems from 60°C to 40°C without lengthening curing times. In turn, automotive body repair shops can reduce their energy costs and CO₂ footprint while increasing throughput and ensuring excellent performance.

Desmodur® ultra N 31680 BA seamlessly integrates into existing refinish solutions. It offers lower viscosity, extended pot life, and data shows enhanced appearance versus other high-functional isocyanates, as well as industry-standard weather resistance and robust performance under various conditions.

Furthermore, all Desmodur® ultra grades comply with the EU REACH Restriction on diisocyanates—meaning no additional training is required for handlers.^*

Delivering spray-on convenience and consistent quality with Dockit®

Automotive body repair shops specialize in mixing primers and refinish clear coats with hardeners. However, mixing mistakes can still occur, leading to wasted raw materials, poor results, workflow delays, and negative impacts on profitability.

Dockit®, our 2K clear-coat capsule system that delivers  clear coat and hardener in the right mixing ratio at the push of a button, helps to reduce errors. Compatible with most spray guns, Dockit® comes ready-to-use, making it ideal for Pasquick®- and Desmodur®-based automotive refinish coatings. This puts the benefits of these solutions directly into the hands of autoworkers.

Interested in trying these products for yourself?

Contact us to learn more about how you can boost performance and productivity in your refinish activities!

^*Please also check local regulations for any additional work safety requirements.