COMPLIANCE WITHOUT COMPLICATION – SHERWIN-WILLIAMS AUTOMOTIVE FINISHES CORP. (SWAFC) AWX® - A PREMIUM WATERBORNE PAINT SYSTEM

November 2009

Warrensville Heights, Ohio - Body shop owners in California are switching over to waterborne finishes in droves, but collision centers nationwide also have a premium solution from a name they can trust – Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corp.

SWAFC has seen a significant acceptance and conversion to AWX®, its innovative waterborne basecoat/clearcoat system. Utilizing a proprietary resin system that behaves like the solvent borne systems of today, is designed to meet the strict VOC emissions limits in California and Canada, while adhering to the environmentally-friendly guidelines that may be implemented throughout the Midwest and Northeastern United States.

"The bottom line is AWX Waterborne System provides compliance without complications. Our goal when we convert a shop to AWX is to get it right up front. We work through a comprehensive facility assessment and eliminate issues from the beginning. There are significant amounts of anxiety surrounding conversion to waterborne. Our trained technical representatives use a fail proof process to guarantee success," said Nick Bartoszek, SWAFC Director – Global Product Management. "Because AWX has solvent borne-like application properties, technicians will be familiar and comfortable with the process already, requiring minimal training and start-up costs."

So what's been the reaction to AWX Waterborne System? Shop managers like George Fernandez of Valley Motor in Van Nuys, Calif., are finding the switch can be made with minimal training and investment. "Sherwin-Williams provided great support during the AWX install and afterwards for follow up. Anytime we had a question, there is always someone there to call back and help," says Fernandez. And others agree:

"We are very pleased to switch to this new coating system and will continue to give our customers superior results for their collision repairs, as well as improve our air quality," said Mark Smith, General Manager, Krapohl Ford dealership, Mount Pleasant, Mich. "We didn’t switch because we had to, but because it’s a win-win situation. By transitioning to the new AWX system we've made a commitment to our customers and the community."

"I have found AWX is easier to use than solvent-borne paint and I am using less material. It also dries faster and blends better," according to Mario Cuellar, Eddy’s Auto Body in Long Beach, Calif.

"Overall, the AWX product works great. Application and coverage is terrific, and the entire switch to waterborne has been seamless and smooth," Vincent Quintana, Painter, North Fresno Collision, Fresno, Calif.

There are low capital investment costs in transitioning to the AWX Waterborne System as well. According to Bartoszek, "One of the key benefits of our waterborne system is that it doesn't require new or specialized equipment in order to use it effectively."

Additional benefits of the premium AWX solution ensure it is productive and profitable to use, including: 

·        Fast drying waterborne basecoat

·        Simple, compact toner line that is easy to mix

·        New PROSPECTOR® global color tool – produced with actual AWX color

·        Quick flash times between coats

·        Clearcoats that don’t require a bake cycle

·        Sandable basecoat repairs quickly to remove imperfections

·        Blending process produces consistent, mottle-free finishes

SWAFC is committed to providing waterborne solutions that not only improve the environment, but also help collision centers maintain profitability and productivity. Sherwin-Williams maintains one of the largest teams of company trained technical representatives and is currently adding training facilities to meet training needs of collision centers facing conversion.

For more information on the premium AWX basecoat/clearcoat waterborne solution, visit www.sherwin-automotive.com or call 1-800-SWULTRA (1-800-798-5872).