How has Porsche paint technology evolved?

Automotive paint dates back to the hand-applied varnishes used on horses and carts, before moving to enamels, which were faster to apply and gave a deep gloss. To speed that process up further, application changed to spraying a solvent-based material: pigments were carried in solvents, which permitted spray application.

Baking in an oven then evaporated the solvents. That same process is broadly where we are today, only using a base coat, then clear coat process rather than single layer. The principal difference is that rather than use harmful solvents, automotive paints are now water-based.

“The change came in the early 1990’s”, says Steve Shore, of Shorade Accident Repair Centre, who switched to water-based paint in 1998. Initially intended simply to limit the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) used in the paint industry, water-based paint brought other benefits, too, explains Steve. “They’re better for the environment, safer for staff to handle and apply, need less clear coat, and give clearer and brighter colours, along with increased durability”. He’s used Porsche GB-approved Glasurit paints since 2001, when they became a Porsche Recommended Repairer.