Downeast Auto Body has Gone Green

Downeast Auto Body has taken a proactive stand in protecting the environment by going “green” with its paint finishing system. Our state of the art collision center switched to a low-VOC PPG waterborne basecoat from a conventional solvent-based system over three years ago.

“Our use of waterborne basecoat for refinishing our customers’ vehicles significantly reduces the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere,” said Bob Filanowski, the manager of Downeast Auto Body for the last 24 years. “This move further helps us do our part to improve the quality of our air and contribute to an overall healthier work environment.”

VOCs are chemical compounds commonly used in paint coatings and cleaning products. When released into the atmosphere they help create ozone and smog. When compared to a conventional solvent-based basecoat , PPG Envirobase® High Performance can reduce basecoat sourced VOC emissions by up to 80%.

Waterborne basecoat is the latest coatings technology that’s typically used by manufacturers to create the original color on today’s vehicles. According to PPG, the introduction of its waterborne color toners for use in collision centers provides the enhanced ability to match a vehicle’s original finish.

“This is a major technological advancement with no downside,” says Filanowski. “It was a win – win situation, better for the environment, better for our employees and great color matches for our customers.”