OEM automotive coatings (primer, basecoat, clearcoat)
See also: Mobility
What it is
The modern OEM automotive paint system consists of multiple layers applied sequentially on the production line: e-coat (electrostatic primer, primary anticorrosive protection), primer (typically polyurethane or epoxy, surface correction), basecoat (colored layer, typically polyester-melamine with pigments and effects) and clearcoat (final protection, typically 2K acrylic-polyurethane — the layer that provides gloss, depth and UV protection).
The 2K clearcoat is the most technical application in the system — it must be resistant to chemicals (surface contamination), resistant to UV (maintain gloss for years), resistant to scratches (self-healing desirable) and have perfect Class A finish. It is one of the most sophisticated PU coating applications in the world.
The automotive sector is undergoing significant transformation with migration from solvent-based to waterborne (especially basecoats) — driven by VOC regulations and sustainability pressure. PU clearcoats are still predominantly solvent-based to maintain performance, but also have waterborne versions in development.
Why it matters
Unlock Why it matters on OEM automotive coatings (primer, basecoat, clearcoat).
Quick one-time registration — permanent access to all technical content in the portal.
What to evaluate
Unlock What to evaluate on OEM automotive coatings (primer, basecoat, clearcoat).
Quick one-time registration — permanent access to all technical content in the portal.
Market
Unlock Market on OEM automotive coatings (primer, basecoat, clearcoat).
Quick one-time registration — permanent access to all technical content in the portal.
Value proposition
B2B application between paint supplier and OEM. Key arguments for qualification and business maintenance with automakers:
- Measurable Class A quality: distinction (DOI — Distinctness of Image), gloss, flow/leveling documented in standardized tests — growing requirements from premium OEMs
- Long-term durability: performance in accelerated tests (QUV, xenon arc, cycle testing) correlated with years of real exposure — paint warranty for 3+ years without fading
- Scratch resistance and self-healing: technological differentiator increasingly demanded in premium segments
- VOC compliance: waterborne basecoat already dominant in Europe, accelerating migration in USA and Asia — obsolete products lose contracts
- Competitive cost per vehicle: optimization of thickness, solids and cure time directly impact paint line operating cost, one of the most expensive in the plant
- Coatings for electrification: specialized systems for battery encapsulation and high-voltage components open new revenue segments with electric vehicles
Talk to a Chemtier specialist
We bring chemistry to your shop floor: technical system recommendations, supply and process support.