New paint gleams like liquid metal

Münster / Sindelfingen. Liquid Metal, a new paint developed together by DaimlerChrysler and BASF Coatings gleams like – liquid metal. The successful integration of a special-effect pigment into a waterborne paint system is behind the extreme metallic look. This makes the visual attention-getter environmentally friendly and means it complies with all environmental legislation. The project teams from DaimlerChrysler and BASF Coatings began working together in 2004. A great deal of research work and tests was required before the new effect class could be launched.

Liquid Metal stretches around the metal parts like a metallic skin, emphasizing the design lines and vehicle contours more strongly than any other finish and making them even livelier through targeted light reflection. Mercedes is the world’s first car manufacturer to use the process that makes this all possible. The special-effect particles are thinner and flatter than the particles in regular metallic paints. This makes the light reflect more intensively and intensifies the gloss, producing an extremely metallic look that cannot be achieved with conventional metallic colors.

Liquid Metal calls for an elaborate preparatory process prior to painting, beginning with the substrate of the vehicle body. It needs to be extremely smooth and even in order to prevent any unevenness from showing through.

The new paint is offered by Mercedes as part of its designo program.

About BASF Coatings
BASF Coatings, the Coatings Division of the BASF Group, develops, produces and markets a high-quality range of innovative automotive OEM coatings, automotive refinishes and industrial coatings as well as decorative paints. BASF has significant market positions in the Coatings sector in Europe, North America, South America and the Asia/Pacific region. In 2006 BASF Coatings achieved global sales of about 2.3 billion euros. The Internet address of BASF Coatings is www.basf-coatings.com

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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