New AkzoNobel waterborne basecoat boosts productivity
The new AkzoNobel waterborne basecoat introduced this week is a new generation one-stop application coating which supports bodyshops in delivering both productivity and sustainability, while providing the quality and performance for which AkzoNobel’s premium basecoats are renowned.
Building on its 30-year heritage of waterborne expertise, AkzoNobel’s researchers, scientists, technical and sales teams from around the world have developed, tested and refined this new generation basecoat alongside selected customers for AkzoNobel’s premium brands Sikkens and Lesonal.
AkzoNobel waterborne basecoat
This new basecoat helps achieve up to 50% faster processing times compared to conventional basecoat application methods. With perfect coverage in just 1.5 layers, instead of two layers, due to its high pigmentation, this results in paint material savings of approximately 15% on average, according to the manufacturer.
The one-stop application, without needing to flash-off between layers, requires the technician to go into the spraybooth only once. The fast application times translate into 60% lower energy costs and a reduction in carbon emissions of 60% compared to a conventional basecoat along with 380 g/l VOC (10% lower than the 420 g/l legislation).
A company statement said that this new generation AkzoNobel waterborne basecoat technology demonstrates that sustainability, productivity and profit can exist in harmony. The technology has been developed for both premium brands, resulting in the launch of Sikkens Autowave Optima and Lesonal Ultimate.
Any type of repair
The basecoat is easy to apply and blend and can be used for any type of repair in any climate. Its complete toner assortment covers a wide range of solid, metallic, pearl, candy and special effect car colours in the market. In combination with AkzoNobel’s portfolio of fast-drying premium fillers and clearcoats, the new basecoat further increases system performance while meeting the highest OEM quality standards.
Patrick Bourguignon, director of the company’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business, said of the new AkzoNobel waterborne basecoat:
“We are excited to introduce our new generation basecoat. This basecoat reflects the DNA of our company, and our commitment to addressing the key challenges of body shops – sustainability and efficiency – saving valuable time and energy through our advanced coating technology.
“We launched our first waterborne basecoat three decades ago and have been setting new standards in waterborne basecoat technology ever since, working with our teams across three continents. We also put the customer at the heart of what we do so this launch celebrates more than just a basecoat. It is a celebration of everything we offer our customers, from advanced product systems through to our state-of-the art digital solutions and services. It’s a celebration too of our mission to become their trusted partner, supporting bodyshop productivity and performance in line with our purpose to ‘Paint the Future’ together.”
Colour accuracy
The new generation basecoat delivers the highest colour accuracy and a reliable colour match through a seamless 100% digital colour process with AkzoNobel’s Automatchic spectrophotometer and the MIXIT colour retrieval software. Customers can also benefit from AkzoNobel’s Refinish+ digital platform to track KPIs and improve business performance and the Carbeat production workflow dashboard that helps to drive operational efficiency.
Sikkens Autowave Optima and Lesonal Ultimate are launching first in selected EMEA markets, for bodyshops looking to multiply their productivity and increase bodyshop performance. This will be followed by additional EMEA countries, and Sikkens Autowave Optima will also be rolled out in North America.
For more information, visit the Sikkens website.
