P2: Auto Body Shop Material Substitution

Use water based paints when possible.

Water based paints have become much more acceptable for use in auto body shops. There may still be problems with limited availability, longer drying times, and the need for corrosion-resistant spray painting equipment. It may also take some practice to apply water based paints effectively. However, there are also many advantages, including:

• Reduces volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions
• Reduces health risks for employees and creates a better working environment
• Eliminates the need for cleaning solvents

Use high solid paints/low VOC paint.

High-solid paints can reduce emissions up to 75%.

• Reduces volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions
• Reduces health risks for employees and creates a better working environment

Use powder coatings.

Powder coatings are 100% solid and do not contain any volatile organic compound (VOC) solvents. The part is heated and the powder is electrostatically charged so there is no solvent required.

• Overspray can be collected and reused
• Reduces VOC emissions
• Reduces health risks for employees and creates a better working environment

Use paints with little or NO toxic ingredients.

• Wastes containing paints with lead, chromium, cadmium, or mercury are hazardous wastes
• Using paints that do not contain these heavy metals may allow some wastes, such as paint booth filters, to be disposed of as non-hazardous waste.

Use non-phenolic strippers.

• Reduces toxicity associated with phenol and acid additives.

Replace lacquer with enamel-based paints.

• Enamel-based paints contain less solvent, reducing of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
• Enamel-based paints are less likely to react with fiberglass filler, so the need to repaint is reduced.

A Green Product Buyers Guide has been developed for Auto Exec Magazine. It includes products ranging from biodegradable cleaners to hydraulic lifts and efficient lighting.

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