Boosting throughput performance in the paint booth for the production-oriented collision shop is the aim of PPG’s new EC520 EN-V® High Production Clearcoat. According to PPG, the new clear can be force dried in as little as 15 minutes or 20 minutes at an energy-saving temperature of 120°F.
Designed for use over ENVIROBASE® High Performance waterborne basecoat, EC520 incorporates PPG’s proprietary En-V platform resin, a technology designed to further enhance gloss retention and film integrity.
“As the ‘speed’ clear of our En-V series line, EC520 is ideal for delivering the fast throughput demanded by high-production collision centers,” explains Tim Jones, PPG waterborne segment manager. “It’s a simple two-coat process with minimal flash between coats, and users will also be impressed with the level of gloss this new clear delivers.”
Feedback from early adopters of the new clear has been very positive. “For a high production shop like ours, it’s a great clear,” says Matt Johnson, Schwan Cadillac, Bismarck, N.D. “It flows so nice and smooth, and it dries quickly—firm after 20-25 minutes at low temp.”
“It’s an awesome product,” exclaims Joe Baker, John Harris Body Shops, Columbia, S.C. “I love the 15-minute bake time. Application is easy. Load it up and go. Finish looks great.”
Also echoing the praise was Harry Tavoukdjian from Auto Ralph Centre de Collision in Montreal. “Fantastic clearcoat! Fast dry time and fast bake cycle gives me faster production. I save about 20 minutes per car and that gives me an hour or more in added production every day.”
According to Jones, EC520 is suitable for refinish repairs covering one to four panels. “I think it’s great for larger jobs,” explains Alan Schmidt, painter, Rodenhouse Body Shop, Grand Rapids, Mich. “I sprayed a whole side with it. I was amazed.”
EC520 joins two other clearcoats of the En-V series. EC550 En-V Ultra Gloss Clearcoat is most suitable for users seeking super premium appearance on a late model luxury vehicle or whenever ultimate gloss is desired. EC530 En-V Performance Clearcoat is also a high-production clear designed for multi-panel repairs. It features a short bake cycle of 25 minutes at 140°F, or when desired, it air dries in four hours.
All three of PPG’s En-V clears can take advantage of the same four temperature-specific reducers developed for the line, according to Jones. Painters can select the one that works best for the temperature and humidity of the shop—cool, warm or hot. To make things simple, the 3:1:1 mix ratio is the same for all three clearcoats.
