The History of Auto Coatings

Paint was applied by man in the early days of the automobile industry. It needs weeks at room temperature to get dry. People applied primitive oil-based enamel or varnish primer and finish coatings by brush! These finishes had somewhat poor opacity which required numerous coats. These coatings did not withstand weather and sunlight very well and tended to become dry and brittle before long. As mass production of cars started in the world, paint was fried in ovens. Nowadays, paint is usually applied by robotic arms and dried in just a few hours.

Until several decades ago lead, chromium and other heavy metals were used in automotive paint. Environmental laws have prohibited this, which has resulted in a move to water-based paints. Up to 85% of lacquer paint can evaporate into the air, polluting the atmosphere. Enamel paint is better for the environment and has become the most widely used paint.