As two new three-layer Mazda colours get set to pose major challenges in the refinish paint shop, PPG has already developed local solutions for customers to take advantage of.
Mazda believes colour is a crucial element of its vehicles and, as a result, it has continued to develop new, expressive colours in order to enhance the attractiveness of its products. This has seen two new options join the colour palette for local buyers:
- Rhodium White Premium 51K – A pure white inspired by Japanese aesthetics which find beauty in simplicity and the absence of superfluous elements. Its fine grain accentuates the shadows on the vehicle’s surface, complimenting the metallic texture of this finish.
- Artisan Red Premium 51F – Marking the 10th year since the first Soul Red Premium was released, this new finish conveys the impression of a red colour that was created by skilled artisans. It takes shape as highlights hit by light portray a fine-grained transparent red shining brightly and a dominant shade produces an intense depth and richness with high contrast.
While both of these new colours are three-layer finishes, they introduce a different approach compared to past three-layer Mazda finishes, warns John Hristias, PPG Sales Director Australia.
“Refinish technicians need to be on alert for these new Mazda colours arriving in their paint shop. The 51K three-layer white is made up of a basecoat layer – like a traditional three-layer – and a translucent mid layer and a clearcoat layer but, for the first time, it’s not a pearl in the mid layer – it’s a metallic.
This makes it a very challenging colour to refinish and we would not recommend attempting it without technical support. The 51F Artisan Red takes the same path as 46V Soul Red Crystal. It utilises ANDARO pigment in the clearcoat and requires a double bake process that increases cycle time," he says.
"Thanks to the strong relationships we have with global vehicle OEMs, including Mazda, we were able to access early information about these colours and take the opportunity to develop a solution for our local refinish customers. Using the combined expertise of our local Colour Laboratory at PPG Clayton and our training and technical teams across the region, we have done a lot of work on application and blending techniques. To access that information, simply contact your PPG Territory Manager or your local PPG Training Centre.
"We would also recommend looking up the paint code when the vehicle is still as the estimating stage. This means your team is forewarned that these more challenging colours are coming through the system, allowing you to gather the necessary technical information and factor in training and extra job time to successfully complete them.”