Paint has undergone a variety of changes over the years. Perhaps most notable was the removal of lead, but other issues of solvent toxicity have also lingered. Water-based alternatives are a more “friendly” option, but many still feel the quality has not yet caught up. GM is hoping to change their minds.
The Buick Verano may look a little different, but it isn’t just styling that stands out. The paint is unique too. The process for painting the Verano departs significantly from
According to a GM press release and associated FastLane article, 70% of the energy required during assembly and finishing is used in the painting process. That adds up to 2.5 megawatts of power, which is enough to power a home for nine weeks.
Even small changes in this sort of process can reap significant benefits, but they weren’t looking for small. They changed the entire process by developing a “three-wet” paint system which negates the bake between coats. All three coats are applied sequentially and then baked together.
The change results in a reduction to only 1 megawatt per car, or a 60% reduction in energy use. Doing something cheaper with less environmental impact is one thing, but doing it right is another.
If you are envisioning a future of peeling paint, like on late 80s/early 90s cars, don’t. Durability and initial quality are said to be top-notch, “Everyday nuisances like tree sap, bird droppings and water spots can leave a mark on any clear coat, but a vehicle like the Verano is more resistant to such factors because of the paint process. The stronger chemical bond of our two-component clear coat makes the surface harder to chip, scratch or damage…”
Better materials allow for more efficient processes. Hopefully that recipe is truly as dependable as they promise, both for the energy-saving aspect of it as well as the fact they are rolling the process out in other plants in the U.S. and China.
Image: General Motors