Mat-effect paints are the latest trend

Münster. Mat-effect paints of BASF Coatings, one of the world's leading paint manufacturers, are one of the major trends trends which is causing a sensation at car shows all over the world, for example at the coming Auto-Salon Geneve (March 8 to 18). The texture of the car’s surface and its material are taking on special significance, complementing color as a major feature. Surface texture is a key factor for both women and men when it comes to individuality in purchasing a car. In addition to the color of the finish, the automotive design is taking on another stimulating dimension. No wonder that more and more cars with “mat finishes” are being presented at car shows. The silky soft appearance of surfaces coated with mat-effect paints attracts drivers as if by magic.

Both industrial and private consumers desire more individuality for their cars, and a mat finish helps reach this goal. For instance, DaimlerChrysler’s SLK Class model is sporting a mat finish made of BASF Coatings’ mat-effect paints at the motor shows in Paris and Detroit. The colors are called Magno Allanite Gray and Magna Sabbia. To begin with, a small series was set up. The first project of this type jointly carried out by BASF Coatings and DaimlerChrysler was the highly successful Mercedes CLK class model, also named the “Armani Edition” in honor of the designer. The project ran from 2003 to 2004 and was a big success. However, in principle, any car can be finished with BASF Coatings' mat-effect paints.

Mat-effect paints are two-component clearcoats. The key difference between mat-effect paints and high-gloss lacquers is the addition of a matting effect that gives the clearcoat—the fourth layer of paint—a mat appearance that contrasts with the “standard” glossy finish. Currently the application of mat-effect paints is a special procedure that requires painstaking handling, since the paint cannot be finish-sanded or polished. In response, BASF Coatings is carrying out development projects to refine the clearcoat for use in the standard OEM application process.
And if the mat finish should need to be repaired after an accident, BASF Coatings has also developed paints for refinishing mat finishes. They can be used to repair any damage and restore the “mat gloss”.

Trendsetter white perfect for mat finishes

The BASF Coatings color forecast sees the color white as the trend. It’s the perfect color for mat finishes, and BASF Coatings is already carrying out color styling activities for combining these two new trends.

BASF : A major international player in coatings

BASF Coatings AG belongs to the global Coatings Division of the BASF Group. In 2006 the Coatings Division achieved world sales of about 2.3 billion euros. The Coatings Division develops, produces and markets a high-quality range of innovative automotive OEM coatings, automotive refinishes and industrial coatings as well as decorative paints, and also the processes needed to apply them. In this business, eco-efficient water-based, powder and high-solids coatings as well as radiation-curable systems play a special part. In Brazil, the company has been successful in the decorative paints market for years and holds the leading position. BASF has a major, global presence in the Coatings sector, with significant market positions in Europe, North America, South America and the Asia/Pacific region, for example with affiliates in Australia, China, India, Japan, and the Philippines. The internet address of BASF Coatings is www.basf-coatings.de

BASF Automotive Solutions. Performance Passion Success

BASF – The Chemical Company – is a leading-edge source of intelligent sustainable solutions to automotive manufacturers and their suppliers worldwide. With a full portfolio of technologies that include coatings, catalysts, engineering thermoplastics, polyurethanes, pigments and colorants, coolants and brake fluids for a broad array of exterior, interior, chassis and under-the-hood applications, BASF – The Chemical Company - develops and delivers the innovations that help the automotive industry improve the quality, appearance, safety, cost competitiveness, performance, comfort, fuel efficiency, sustainability. Website: www.automotive.basf.com

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