Testimonials from Body Shops, Collision Centers, and Distributors from the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom
The Word on Water...
The move to waterborne basecoat in North America is still in its infancy, but feedback from early adopters of the PPG Envriobase® HP and Nexa Autocolor™ Aquabase® Plus systems is good indication that making the switch achieves very positive results. Here's what a few shop owners, managers and painters have to say.
United Kingdom
“I feel that we do have an advantage over those that haven’t converted to Aquabase. The fact that we are there already gives us the edge.”
—Jim Hickmott, Bodyshop Manager, Dutton Forshaw, Maidstone, UK
“The greatest benefit (of converting to a PPG waterbased system) is the ease with which painters were able to use Envirobase® without any loss in work throughput.”
—Matt Gaffney, Bodyshop Manager, Jordans Body Shop, Hull, UK
“Years ago, I woukd have thought 13 cars per day impossible. But since converting 10 years ago to the Aquabase system, we were able to increase our productivity to this level.”
—Steve Garrett, Mill Lane Accident Repair Center, Wellwyn Garden City, UK
Canada
“The change over went very smoothly. The color matches are far superior than solvent based paints and blending is much easier with better results. We would not go back to solvent based paints again.”
—Mike Srigley, Sunshine Autobody Ltd., Langley, BC, Canada
“I prefer to be at the forefront of change, it’s a smart business decision and it’s less harmful to the environment and employee health.”
—Tom Bissonnette, Parr Auto Body, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
“It’s going really, really well. The product, Envirobase High Performance is great, it’s simple and I’d even say that it’s better than the old product. Here, in my collision repair center, were more productive thanks to Envirobase. I have no regrets, having converted.”
—Gilbert Beaulieu, Director, ProColour Prestige (Pinard Ford), St.-Julien, PQ, Canada
“We wanted to convert now, well in advance of the government’s proposed January 2009 deadline. The technology is out there and we wanted to be environmentally responsible to our customers.”
—Alex Szabo, Dundas Valley Collision Centre, Dundas, ON, Canada
“The training we received from our Territory Manager was very informative and made the transition very easy. The product itself applies easily with a smooth finish and excellent color match. The product is great and its positive impact on the environment is an added bonus.”
—Derrick Ryan, Garland Autobody, St. John’s, NL, Canada
“We’ve been able to cut repair time in half on two-tone repairs. I’d give Envirobase High Performance 4.8 out of 5 stars.”
—Richard Marsh, Emeryville Collision, Tecumseh, ON, Canada
“It definitely makes a difference in how you apply the paint...It can be a seamless transition providing you have the right equipment, technology and preparation.”
—David Moss, Precision Collision, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL, Canada
“We are especially impressed with the coverage and how the Aquabase Plus product lays down on the vehicle. Overall, the final appearance nicely matches the factory finish. We don’t miss solvent basecoat at all.”
—Elvis Cervone, EnviroCar Paint & Collision Services, Aurora, ON, Canada
United States
“Rely on the color deck. It's the best system in the world.”
—Rudy Romero, Longo Toyota Certified Collision Center, Los Angeles, CA
“Our shop owner Kari Solem was so confident in the Aquabase waterborne material that we completely refinished her Porsche 911 Twin Turbo just to demonstrate how great it looks to our customers and insurance contacts.”
—Ed Yost, Advanced Tech Collision, Santa Rosa, CA
“Color match with waterborne is relatively easy. You don't need to agitate the colors. If you pick a certain color and mix it correctly, it's going to be exactly what you see in the chip deck.”
—Jeff Rogers, Jim's Autobody, Antioch, CA
“No problem with customers. The paint matches the factory look better than the solvents did. It’s indistinguishable.”
—Lee Brown, Precision Auto Body, Reseda, CA
“Color match is excellent. Even difficult colors like the Ford greens and the BMW silvers look very nice.”
—Carlos Sacchetto, Eckles Auto Body, Whittier, CA
“It's easier, much easier, to paint and blend with waterborne.”
—Ignacio Rosales, Precision Auto Body, Reseda, CA
“Metallics and pearls lay down perfect and I've never used a basecoat that blends so well. I could go on and on about how easy it is to use this paint.”
—Darrell Brethauer, Windsor Collision Center, Windsor, CO
“We’ve increased our throughput ever since we moved to waterborne. We were doing about 140 cars a month, now we’re averaging 179—all from one spray booth.”
—Bill Lawyer, Precision Auto Body, Reseda, CA
“There was no difficulty switching over to waterborne. Aquabase Plus is easier to work with than solvent. Color match is much more consistent, too.”
—Adam Beckstead, 14/69 Auto Body, Fort Wayne, IN
“Spraying requires almost the same technique, not too wet, not too dry. Our hand held blowers work fine but here in the desert by the time the painter gets around the other side, the paint has already flashed.”
—Doug Goethe, Spencer’s Auto Body, Palm Desert, CA
“Envirobase is amazing. Flash time is quicker. We can get more cars through faster without lowering quality standards.”
—George Mantzaris, Toyota of Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay, FL
“Aquabase has reduced our cycle times which means we're more productive. Our customers are very satisfied with the results. We've had no comebacks.”
—Kevin Stalder, Driven Auto Body, Anchorage, AK
“Our productivity has gone up with waterborne.”
—James Maltbie, Jim's Auto Body, Antioch, CA
“We wouldn't compromise on quality, and the Envirobase High Performance system proved outstanding for ease of application and color matching.”
—Todd McCallum, LaFontaine Automotive Group, Highland, MI