2007 paint regulations - one for Ivor? jpc?

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Thu Oct 27, 05 11:42 am

So the law says after 1/1/07 "automotive refinishers" are no longer permitted to use solvent based paint.

'spose that puts an end to the 2pack vs celly argument in classic circles if you can't use either any more...

So I guess this means water bourn paint from then on? Or will non-commercial users still be able to buy 2 pack, HS basecoats, etc... Not that technically we're supposed to buy them now anyway.... so i guess not...

I get that feeling I'm being slowly legislated into a corner again. Mind you the last set of laws wheich were said to prevent home sprayers from getting celly or any paint at all really didn't do anything.

Should I start saving up for a new gun at least? Or will my GTi be OK with whatever the new non-solvent paint is? And is it going to be even more unhealthy to use than 2 pack?

Ivor · Post by **Ivor** » Thu Oct 27, 05 12:32 pm

Don't panic Alistair, the directive 2004/42/EC, due shortly to be part of UK law, will involve a permit system simpler than that applied to the existing regulations on solvents.
The simplified authorised arrangements for solvent users are due to come into effect in January 2007.
The present Solvent Emissions Directive's requirement for bodyshops to produce solvent management plans will be replaced by the supply of compliant products from manufacturers.

In short, the high throughput bodyshops repairing loads opf cars will switch to waterborne...specialists and restorers will still be able to use solvent.

There are loads of loopholes anyway, so solvent borne materials aren't going to be disappearing overnight, you can be sure of that

Oops sorry, forgot to say your GTi is fine and I have a feeling John at JPC actually uses Glasurit 90 line waterbase materials, they really aren't that different from solvent based these days...

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Thu Oct 27, 05 1:12 pm

Cool, I had visions of having to stockpile all the paint I'd be needing in December 2006 LOL.

What are the H&S issues with waterborne paints anyway? I'm familiar with some of the more specialist stuff like the AutoAir line which they don't even seem to recommend a mask for! But need over coating with 2 pack clear.

Anything coming up which is a low toxicity option to 2 pack?

I know next to nothing about waterbased/borne paints. Anything that doesn't smel funky and upset the neighbours is cool...

Ivor · Post by **Ivor** » Thu Oct 27, 05 1:40 pm

There are all sorts of things in the pipeline, in fact some are available already, though performance is questionable, including waterborne clears.
But in the final analysis waterborne systems are now almost as simple to use as solvents and as technology advances, the paint companies certainly aren't going out of their way to make things more difficult...as far as the whiff is concerned, I can't say I've noticed much difference!

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Thu Oct 27, 05 1:50 pm

I am interested in any low-whiff products as I have the rather extreme disadvantage of living next to an environmental protection officer...

Ivor · Post by **Ivor** » Thu Oct 27, 05 1:56 pm

I hope that was reflected in the purchase price of the house!

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Thu Oct 27, 05 2:25 pm

Sadly I only found out a few weeks ago. Luckily before I did anything too stupid. But she does keep asking about the cars...