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Innovative Finishing Process Helps Cars Retain Showroom Look

14 June 1999

    WASHINGTON -- Automobiles can now benefit from a powder coating finishing 
process that keeps the cars looking shiny and new long after they've left the 
showroom. The finish is reported to be more durable and longer lasting for a
greater period of time.

    BMW and Volvo are the first auto makers to use the clear powder topcoat
finishing technique on production lines. America's Big Three -- GM, Ford, and
Chrysler -- have formed a consortium called USCAR to test clear powder topcoat
application techniques and end product durability. Japanese manufacturers, as
yet, have not invested in powder coating.

    BMW now uses topcoat on 80% of its models. By the end of the year, all of
the models will be topcoated. Volvo is putting the new finish on its C-70
sports coupe and convertible. Volvo spokesman Dan Johnston says the company
will be producing 20,000 powder topcoat cars this year at its plant in
Uddevalla, Sweden. No estimates were available for next year's production.

    Initially, BMW and Volvo started switching over from liquid paint to the
dry powder method because of tightening environmental waste controls.
According to BMW spokesman Wieland Bruch, liquid paint emits ozone-forming
gases that contribute to the greenhouse, global warming effect. Liquid paint
spray also produces sludge that has to be disposed of.

    Powder topcoat, on the other hand, not only preserves the car's finish, it
helps preserve the environment. According to BMW's Bruch, the minimal amount
of powder particle overspray is nearly 100 percent recyclable.

    During the powder coating process, powder particles are electrically
charged, sprayed onto metal, and heated. The result is a smooth, consistent,
and durable finish.

    Powder coating is rapidly gaining popularity among manufacturers. It is
currently applied to a wide range of products, including household appliances,
lawn and garden equipment, sporting goods, and computer casings and keyboards.

    When purchasing a new automobile, consumers should ask the dealer if a
powder topcoat has been applied.