colorexpert P r o d u c t S y st e m s C o l o u r s Tr a i n i n g M a r k e t i n g 20 years Permahyd quality. New

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1 colorexpert P r o d u c t S y st e m s C o l o u r s Tr a i n i n g M a r k e t i n g 20 years Permahyd quality. New clear coat. Permasolid HS Speed Clear Coat For superfast drying. MyTraining. The new online training program Spies Hecker simply closer.

2 2 colorexpert Editorial The multi-media bodyshop. Joachim Hinz, Spies Hecker Brand Manager EMEA. Dear readers, Today s refinish industry is changing faster than ever before. Digital colour measurement, internet access in the mixing room, formula searches using the Cloud for a growing number of refinishers, multi-media increasingly forms part of their everyday working life. This diversity in day-to-day work is reflected in the range of topics covered in this current edition of ColorExpert. Thanks to Phoenix, the new Spies Hecker colour software, the computer has finally arrived in the mixing room. Daily updates and the linking of the software to the bodyshop s network ensure that our formula database offers unprecedented, up-to-date information. The ability to manage this software remotely from a tablet or mobile phone allows bodyshops to be even more professional and flexible. Refinishers are also increasingly using the internet and social media to exchange views. With its new websites, Spies Hecker continues to be simply closer to the trade with practical application examples, video tutorials and networking possibilities on YouTube or Facebook. Refinishers can also take advantage of assistance and recommendations available online or use the internet for further training. Spies Hecker s new online training software, MyTraining, offers refinish professionals a structured approach to extending their technical refinish expertise. On successful completion of the training modules, they can take part in practical certification assessments. This makes our new e-learning tool a helpful resource for continuous training activities and a useful addition to the personalised, practical training we already offer. These are exciting developments for the refinish profession and Spies Hecker is playing an active role. Businesses will benefit from multi-media. It will help them optimise their work processes, as well as their colour management and their practical work in the spray booth. I wonder what other opportunities multimedia has in store for the refinish industry of the future. I hope you will enjoy reading ColorExpert. Yours, Joachim Hinz Spies Hecker Brand Manager EMEA colorexpert tips and information for bodyshops Spies Hecker GmbH, Köln, Horbeller Str. 17, Germany Joachim.Hinz@spieshecker.com Internet: Responsible under the German Press Act: Joachim Hinz Editors: Christina Schaake, Karsten Jürs, Joachim Hinz Layout: Adfactory GmbH, Düsseldorf Text: twinmedia GmbH, Leipzig Reader: LLINGUA, Gelsenkirchen Reproduction, even in part, only by permission of the editors. The data and information on the suitability and usage of our products are not binding and do not release the user from his responsibility to carry out his own tests on their suitability for the intended purposes and processes. The product names mentioned in the articles are predominantly registered trademarks. Axalta Coating Systems UK Limited Unit 1, Quadrant Park Mundells Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 1FS

3 Product 3 A systematic approach brings clarity. By classifying its products into specific systems, Spies Hecker offers paintshops a clear overview of its offering. Spies Hecker has the right solution for every professional refinisher. By ordering products into different systems, we help users to identify the products that best fit together, says Frank Barduna, Spies Hecker Head of Technical Service International. This means they can adapt better to their customers needs. Innovation meets practical experience: passenger car sys tems / product ranges. Easy to use and reliable in application those are the qualities of the Spies Hecker passenger car systems. Karsten Jürs, Marketing Communications Spies Hecker International,, explains: We distinguish between the Hi-TEC Performance System, the Classic System and the Base System. And two special systems Speed Repair and Plastic System complete the passenger car offering. The Hi-TEC Performance System was designed for bodyshops that value high efficiency. Short spray and idle times, and fast drying with optimal gloss levels that s exactly what most of our customers want in their day-to-day work, continues Jürs. The Classic System stands for ease of application and reliability while the Base System was developed to ensure fast paint repairs. The two additional special systems contain products suitable for the repair of small defects and plastic parts. The Permafleet commercial vehicle systems ideal for large jobs. Our Permafleet systems offer commercial vehicle repairers the right product for every eventuality, says Jürs. The Permafleet range is divided into Hi-Class, Top and Economy systems. Hi-Class will meet even the most demanding paint requirements with a 3- or 4-layer system. The Top System was developed for streamlined wet-on-wet application. It is also applied in a 3- or 4-layer system. The Economy System is particularly suited to simple 2-layer system refinish jobs, in other words a primer and a top coat, such as the coating for the chassis, explains Jürs. Organised in this way, Permafleet ensures excellent results regardless of the size of the job. Each individual product system also comprises the appropriate colour tools such as ColorDialog Delta-Scan, Color- Dialog spectro or the corresponding colour documentation. By giving users an excellent overview of each system they can quickly find the products and colour tools they need. Cars - Standard Systems Cars - Special Systems Commercial Vehicles - Standard Systems

4 4 colorexpert Product A mighty anniversary. In 1994, Spies Hecker launched a real revolution in paint systems its Permahyd waterborne base coat. Spies Hecker was one of the first paint brands to successfully develop a completely VOC-compliant paint system with its Permahyd Base Coat 280/285. This year the Permahyd base coat system is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Spies Hecker is marking the occasion with a specially developed anniversary logo, which bodyshops will find on the cans. The colour of the tins has also been given a makeover: a new pale blue label. Permahyd Base Coat 280/285 is part of Spies Hecker s Classic System, whose products are all aligned and tailored to bodyshop needs from primer to clear coat. Permahyd Base Coat 280/285 and Permahyd Hi-TEC Basecoat 480 continue to form the backbone of Spies Hecker s most important product range. A revolution in the refinish market. production line. Based on the waterborne and the high-solid technology, Spies Hecker developed the GREENTEC product range. Products under this label offered bodyshops a practical application of European VOC legislation, says Joachim Hinz, Spies Hecker Brand Manager EMEA. About the Permahyd Base Coat 280/285, Hinz points out, with its pioneering environmentally-responsible technology, Permahyd Base Coat 280/285 led the way 20 years ago. In 1994, its efficient application and good performance were ahead of its time and considered somewhat of a revolution for the refinish market. Over the years, thousands of new colour formulas were developed for this product while technical innovations and customer feedback led to product improvements. Today, Permahyd Base Coat 280/285 has an established place in the market as a dependable waterborne paint system. It is relied on by refinishers in over 76 countries every day. Great efficiency and colour accuracy. One of the key characteristics of the Permahyd Base Coat 280/285 is its high level of efficiency. The paint can be applied in only 1.5 spray passes in a single work step and can be coated wet-onwet. The two application components of the base coat the mixing tint and Permahyd VE Water 6000 make handling very easy. The system also boasts great hiding power and is economical in use. With over 53,000 colour formulas and comprehensive colour tools, excellent colour accuracy is one of the outstanding qualities of this base coat, Frank Barduna, Spies Hecker Head of Technical Service International, emphasises. In application, the best gloss levels and depth can be obtained by combining Permahyd Base Coat 280/285 with any of the Permasolid HS clear coats. It is almost a matter of course that Permahyd 280/285 is approved by leading car manufacturers The 1990s saw a change in attitude to the environment across Europe. Spies Hecker set itself the goal of reducing the solvent content of its products by about 80 per cent in order to be ahead of future VOC legislation. Some car manufacturers were already using waterborne paint systems on their

5 Product 5 The new all-rounder. The new Permasolid HS Vario Primer Surfacer 5340 works universally on a huge variety of substrates. As a high solids product from the Spies Hecker Classic System, the new primer is particularly suited to time-sensitive passenger car repairs. Versatile in application. Whether you re working on bare metal, primed new parts or are using a polyester surfacer, this new primer surfacer will suit a wide range of different substrates, says Frank Barduna, Spies Hecker Head of Technical Service International. It is also compatible with all conventional types of plastic if applied in conjunction with the new Permasolid Plastic Additive The new primer surfacer is just as versatile in application, Barduna continues. Refinishers can use it as a wet-on-wet surfacer or as a sanding surfacer. Both of the available colour versions pale grey and black can be adapted to match the base coat colour. As it dries very quickly, Permasolid HS Vario Primer Surfacer 5340 can promptly be coated with all Spies Hecker waterborne base coats and it provides outstanding gloss levels. Excellent characteristics for fast vehicle repairs. The application properties of Permasolid HS Vario Primer Surfacer 5340 are impressive. Wet-on-wet application in the bodyshop delivers good absorption of overspray, and that is vital if you want to achieve high-quality finishes. The new product also stands out for its good flow, easy sanding qualities and excellent ad- hesion. And as a positive side-effect, this primer surfacer also aids corrosion resistance, Barduna concludes. Fast drying times. Whether a bodyshop chooses to air-dry, oven-cure or use infrared, the Permasolid HS Vario Primer Surfacer 5340 is ideally suited to every type of drying method, completely living up to its name.

6 6 colorexpert Training Making learning fun. With MyTraining, Spies Hecker is offering online training for the first time. Efficiency and quality in the bodyshop increase in line with expertise. That is why Spies Hecker has developed new training software that can be conducted online. It will allow all employees in the bodyshop to expand their paint expertise systematically. Even experienced professionals will find the latest information on colour and product trends, and will learn something new about modern repair processes and techniques, adds Karsten Jürs, Marketing Communications Spies Hecker International, Bite-sized content. The content is split into eight distinct learning modules. They are presented to the viewer through a clear and concise voice-over, and they include a variety of photos, videos and interactive animation to make them engaging, lively and appealing. What makes these training modules stand out is that they can be completed at the user s own pace. Each of the eight modules can be completed separately in approximately one hour. Users can even stop during the course of a module and resume it when they are ready.

7 Training 7 Practical topics. From Safety at Work and Surface Preparation, to Refinish Processes and Plastic Part Preparation and Repair, all relevant subjects for the repair process are covered. The module called Functional Materials in other words, substrates such as aluminium and carbon is particularly interesting. Under Colour Management, refinishers will learn how to obtain the desired colour formulation more quickly using modern colour tools. Another module covers the complexities of modern 3-layer pearlescent and effect paints, amongst others. The last module introduces special product and colour systems. Certification of successful participation. Taking part is really easy: Bodyshops simply register on the Spies Hecker website and request access for all their employees. A password is given with which it is then possible to start straight away. At the end of each module, participants will be asked a number of straightforward questions. Giving the correct answers to these takes them automatically to the next training module. On successful completion of the theoretical part of the training program, participants are issued with a MyTraining certificate. A fair offer. MyTraining by Spies Hecker is a comprehensive training package for all refinishers that comes at a fair price. The licence fee is payable only once and is valid for up to 10 participants of the bodyshop. The training modules are not only available in English, but also in eight other languages: Dutch, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish. This is of particular interest for bodyshops who employ technicians of different nationalities, Jürs points out.

8 8 colorexpert Product Attention wheel! The repair of wheels is often required, but can be problematic. There are hardly any car manufacturers who have approved the repair of wheels, which are so critical for vehicle safety. Light metal wheels also used to fall into this category, says Frank Barduna, Spies Hecker Head of Technical Service International. But modern metal putties and paint materials, as well as current repair processes, do allow for the surface repair of light metal wheels, but only if you follow certain strict rules. Wheel guidelines ensure safety. Spies Hecker has therefore developed a new set of wheel guidelines. Refinishers will find an overview of all current directives, as well as specific examples with images showing defects and explanations on repair techniques, he points out. Our wheel guidelines provide bodyshops with reliable professional information to help them with light metal wheel repair jobs. Focussing on optical repairs. The Spies Hecker wheel guidelines explain that an optical repair generally means the expert technical repair of visual defects to the wheel. The Spies Hecker guidelines ensure all necessary tasks are listed in great detail, from sanding to the use of putties and painting. What can be repaired and painted? The Spies Hecker guidelines state that a repair is possible if the defect is less than 1 mm deep and the area to be repaired is not too close to the wheel flange, Barduna explains. Refinishers should note that they may only use putties on cast light metal wheels with the references AISi 7 Mg and AISi 7 Wa. Forged light metal wheels may only be painted. Practical tips and repair methods. The wheel guidelines from Spies Hecker also contain a list of restrictions, showing which wheels may not be repaired. Barduna says: We outline ways in which refinishers can quickly establish what they can and cannot do. Images show many different paint defects on the visible side of the wheel. In addition, the guidelines provide recommendations on which repairs are possible. The practical part of the wheel guidelines describes exactly how light metal wheels can be repaired, Barduna stresses. The information from Spies Hecker describes in detail every single step in the repair process from masking to colour matching, retrieving the colour on the CRplus Colour Software and sanding. It also gives product recommendations. The aim is to make the repair of wheels easier for refinishers.

9 System 9 Great drying power. Effective and economical: Increasing numbers of bodyshops are relying on the IRT PowerCure dryer. Spies Hecker has tested it. Recently the range of IR (infrared) drying systems on the market has increased, says Frank Barduna, Spies Hecker Head of Technical Service International. Over a year ago the paint manufacturer began a series of tests on the IRT PowerCure dryer. We have conducted extensive tests over a long period of time using our range of products. We wanted to assess the dryer s function precisely as well as the effect it might have on the quality of the final result, he continues. Operating parameters must be right. IR drying is a sensible alternative to convective drying if operating parameters are maintained, Barduna points out. It is important that all basic materials are dried using IR technology and that film thicknesses are adhered to exactly. It is also essential to select the right program for every substrate and colour, so that the surface temperatures are in the optimal range. Which products work with the IRT PowerCure? The Hi-TEC Performance System from Spies Hecker is a product system that is particularly suited to IR drying. During our tests, the new Permasolid HS Performance Filler 5320 turned out to be especially suitable, Barduna says. Our proven Raderal IR Premium Putty 2035 can be used for substrate preparation when dealing with minor damage. Optimum corrosion protection of metal substrates is assured by the Priomat Wash Primer The Spies Hecker Permahyd Hi-TEC 480 waterborne base coat system is also ideal for IRT PowerCure drying. And a good choice for the finish is Permasolid HS Optimum Plus Clear Coat Growing interest. Spies Hecker knows there is a growing demand in the market for alternatives to traditional drying, in particular where economical solutions are concerned. The IRT PowerCure is operated via a touch panel and has been built for integration into the spray booth. A spokesperson from Herkules Hebetechnik, who distributes the drying system, says, the computer-supported drying process saves time and energy. The IRT PowerCure shortens drying times, which translates into increased throughput and shorter downtime. If using the recommended Spies Hecker paints, the result is faster, high-quality curing.

10 10 colorexpert Colour The future is called Phoenix. The internet has become part of the working day in bodyshops. Spies Hecker is one of the first refinish brands to offer its customers a web-based colour software. The new Phoenix software will allow for daily formula updates via the internet, Color-Cloud, and linking to the spectrophotometer as well as the automated Daisy Wheel dosing system. This opens up a host of new opportunities for refinishers. Rapid access to the latest formulas. Updates and mixing formulas on Phoenix will be released daily, and automatically, via the internet from the Spies Hecker offices in Cologne, Germany. This gives refinishers much quicker access to the latest mixing formulas. With the increasing use of new OEM effect colours and, in particular, coloured clear coats on new vehicle models, the use of a web-based colour software is of critical importance for professional bodyshops, says Spies Hecker Colour Specialist Dietmar Wegener. managed remotely with a tablet or smartphone. This solution should also appeal to bodyshops with multiple sites, making customer-specific mixing formulas available to all refinishers in the organisation, wherever they may be located, Wegener continues. This allows Spies Hecker customers to take advantage of reliable digital colour management provided by their bodyshops in the form of a synchronised solution that ranges from colour matching to mixing. Remote control using mobile devices. In addition, colours that have been mixed can be stored in the My Color Web Color- Cloud. The mixing room can be linked into a bodyshop s network and can be

11 International 11 An investment in the future. Spies Hecker has opened a new Training Academy near London. Lewis Hamilton sent his best wishes. Spies Hecker has opened a new Training Academy in Welwyn Garden City, north of London. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology in the training rooms, mixing rooms and spray booths, the Training Academy can accommodate up to 250 refinishers per year and give them the chance to expand their know-how and skills. Adrien Schrobiltgen, Axalta Vice President Refinish Systems EMEA, cut the red ribbon in a ceremony on 15 May He emphasised the significance of this project for Spies Hecker in Great Britain. Our new Training Academy is an investment in the future, he said. It offers refinishers the opportunity to train with the very latest products and equipment in a fresh and modern work environment. Everything has been designed and built to ensure course participants get the very best training experience and return to their bodyshops with increased confidence and competence. One of the most famous well-wishers on the day was Formula One Champion Lewis Hamilton. In a video message at the official opening, he wished the entire team all the best. He is familiar with the Spies Hecker quality the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One race cars are painted with Spies Hecker paints in the team s English workshop. In his speech to mark the opening of the Training Academy, Marketing Service Manager Anthony Cashel said: For us, coatings are just the beginning. With 132 years of experience and know-how behind us, we are committed to helping customers advance. We work closely together with them, because when they are successful, we are successful. This new Training Academy highlights the commitment of Spies Hecker to its customers and to the UK market. On the day of the official opening, guests were able to experience the latest Spies Hecker products in action, including the new Permasolid HS Vario Primer Surfacer 5340 and the superfast drying Permasolid HS Speed Clear Coat The day also saw the presentation of MyTraining, the new e-learning software for refinishers and trainees. Training courses are already taking place at the new Training Academy. For further information on course contents and dates, please visit

12 12 colorexpert International In which new business areas are Swiss bodyshops planning to expand, for example ones in which they weren t previously active? Here, a large number of Swiss paintshops and bodyshops said that they are increasingly focussing on repairs of small defects with the help of the car4rep franchise system. In addition, they are continuing to expand in industrial coatings. Where do Swiss bodyshops see the greatest opportunities to win new customers? The fleet management sector offers the greatest potential, but estimates for insurance companies are also promising. The ability to win private clients is, however, declining. CH Coatings supports its customers when they tender for work by helping them with recommendations, guarantees and compliance with test guidelines. Selçuk Özgül, CH Coatings Business Manager What s on my mind? In this column, ColorExpert introduces bodyshops from different countries. For this edition, our importer CH Coatings reports on the topics that are relevant to bodyshops in Switzerland today. Loading times, work processes, estimates in which areas are bodyshops optimising their processes? Swiss bodyshops increasingly want to optimise work processes. Frequently, CAD leads to a reorganisation of the workstations. Many businesses are thinking of introducing software-based methods to record work times. Employees receive intensive training in the efficient handling of estimates. This represents a real potential for business. Bodyshop owners are also investing in tailored programs for the management of materials with the aim of improving cost control. In which technical equipment are Swiss bodyshops investing? Swiss paintshops and bodyshops invest primarily in drying equipment, in particular in Ionitec IR gas drying equipment. This is one way to increase throughput. Are Swiss bodyshops satisfied with the training opportunities in their country? Training for up-and-coming young refinishers and car body professionals is extremely important. The best approach is two-pronged: at the bodyshop and at school. This is reflected in the professional WorldSkills championships, in which Switzerland achieved the best national score within Europe in It is nonetheless difficult to find qualified trainees in Switzerland, which is why the Swiss Association of Bodyshops, the VSCI, has, as its key aim, to support young professionals through increased investment in job fairs and similar informational events. The VSCI has also created the Top Training Business project to counter the threatening skills shortage. This is a project designed to support and to reward paintshops and bodyshops. On the one hand, it provides businesses and trainers with a range of tools to help them with their demanding training work and, on the other, a promotional offer for those bodyshops providing good training opportunities. The association rewards them with the Top Training Business award and offers them a number of associated marketing tools targeted at school leavers, parents, secondary school teachers and career guidance counsellors. These steps help to secure recruitment of up-and-coming refinishers and benefit the reputation of the refinish sector. What is the situation like in Switzerland for further training? And what is the current trend? There is a large supply of further education. According to the bodyshops we spoke to, further training and seminars promote knowledge and the thirst to share that. This could result in refinishers leaving the hands-on role, becoming more marketable and taking on other jobs, for example, as expert consultants or technical advisers for industry associations and suppliers. There is therefore a shortage of skilled refinishers. Are Swiss bodyshops concerned about the qualifications of employees? The bodyshops interviewed said seminars are always of interest. That is why CH Coatings AG conducts individual training in bodyshops, be it to brush up on existing knowledge, to show new em-

13 Marketing 13 ployees the ropes, or even familiarise refinishers with the use of new products. CH Coatings has a comprehensive training offer, including web-based training such as e-learning by Spies Hecker. The company is currently also investing in a new Training Center in which work processes can be taught and optimised. On the safe side. Spies Hecker is simply closer to its customers and provides them with a quick solution for small paint scratches in the form of Stick n Go!. For bodyshops this also translates into great added value. What s on the mind of Swiss apprentices? In the context of its training programme, CH Coatings has spoken to trainees. Did they find it difficult to secure an apprenticeship after deciding to become refinishers? After deciding to become refinishers, it was relatively easy to find apprenticeships. Many cited the wide range of employment opportunities available in this industry. Will they continue to work as refinishers once they have completed their apprenticeships or will they change profession? All respondents were clear that they would continue in this field for several years to come. What motivated them to learn this profession? Apprentices mainly cited their interest in cars and colours, as well as being predisposed to it for family reasons. Many also mentioned the opportunity to work creatively without having to carry out physically demanding work, as is the case for car mechanics or panel beaters. How would they judge the further training on offer? Do they or their collegues take advantage of it? The apprentices explained this is sometimes part of the contract. And there are times these opportunities are not taken up. If they are, it is often in the form of one-to-one training in the bodyshop. Stick n Go! The name applies to a paint plaster that kills two birds with one stone. On the one hand, it offers customers short-term protection for smaller paint defects. On the other, it is a clever marketing tool for bodyshop businesses. Stick n Go! is an ideal value-added service, whether your bodyshop is small or large, says Spies Hecker Brand Manager EMEA Joachim Hinz. Painted in the refinish colour. This is how Stick n Go! works: A special adhesive film is coated with highquality, original Spies Hecker refinish paint in the vehicle colour during the refinish process. When returning the refinished vehicle to its owner, the bodyshop gives the customer the Stick n Go! paint plaster. It is presented in a convenient steering wheel or rear-view mirror hanger, which clearly explains how to use it. Promoting bodyshop loyalty. The next time the vehicle gets a small irritating paint scratch, the paint plaster is ready for use. Vehicle owners simply have to cut the film into the right shape to cover the scratch. On the reverse of the hanger is an area where bodyshops can stamp their contact details. This means vehicle owners will always have the address to hand. With higher printruns of Stick n Go!, bodyshops also have the option to have their logo printed on the front of the hanger to personalise this practical give-away. Stick n Go! can be tailored not only to the vehicle owner, but also to the bodyshop, Hinz, Brand Manager EMEA, points out. The Stick n Go! instructions explain that vehicle owners should bring the vehicle into the bodyshop no more than three months after the small defect occurred. Bodyshops can also point this out to customers when handing back the car. Stick n Go! offers customers the ability to carry out short-term cosmetic paint repairs, giving them the time to then take the vehicle to the bodyshop of their choice, Hinz concludes.

14 14 colorexpert International In the fast lane. Formula One stars from around the world are regular customers of the German helmet designer Jens Munser. In 1989, Jens Munser began working with an airbrush set in his parents cellar. That s a long time ago. Today, his team of painters and graphic designers is among the most respected helmet designers in Europe. His customers include many motor sports drivers. My first attempts were only a moderate success, the 42-year-old Munser reveals. It took a lot of trial and error until I developed the right technique. His role model was the American pioneer of helmet painting, Troy Lee. A breakthrough into the premium sector. In the beginning, Munser painted helmets for friends and acquaintances. At the time, he was himself still active in motocross. His work was soon noticed among fellow motor sport enthusiasts. After many appearances at races and trade fairs, his hobby turned into a profession in When the manufacturers of the motor sport helmets Arai and Schuberth became aware of the Munser design, he achieved a breakthrough. His success in Formula One was fast. The first order came from Japan. Toranosuke Takagi, who was driving for Tyrrell at the time, wanted a special chrome design. Then suddenly we were designing Michael Schumacher s helmets. Work for Mark Webber, Rubens Barrichello, Ralf Schumacher, Giancarlo Fisichella, Nick Heidfeld, Nico Rosberg, Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso and many others followed quickly. Munser and his team are currently working with multiple Formula One Champion Sebastian Vettel. He is a loyal customer and had his first kart helmet made by Munser when he was eight. A creative team. Currently, the company has ten employees. Everyone here has a special talent. Our success is the result of creative teamwork, says Munser. The team consists of refinishers, media producers and a media designer. The paint on the helmet. The helmets arrive in two versions: primed white or as a rough carbon shell, which we prime and sand to make it fireresistant. The first application is of the base colour. For this, we use the Spies Hecker Hi-TEC product range, which has proven to be the perfect foundation for the subsequent layers of effect paint, the helmet designer says. The paint is applied exclusively with SATA s optimal Minijet 3000 spray guns. Products by Mirka are used for sanding and polishing. The one-handed orbital sander is just perfect for helmets. After a protective coat comes the positioning of lines and shapes. Preparatory work is really important for this. The graphic design is created on the computer and all the templates are plotted. Everything has to be in just the right place, he adds. The subsequent paint layers produce the unmistakable designs, which often require special glazes. We use raw pigments dissolved in solvent to achieve the effects we want, Munser explains. In special cases, other materials such as leaf gold, coarse mica flakes and transfer printing are also used. The Spies Hecker Clear Coat 8055 produces the final finish. It meets all the requirements of Formula One. High speed, high expectations. The helmets are worn when the cars are travelling at speeds over and above 300 km/h. At that speed a stone turns into a missile. To simulate these conditions, we use an air rifle to test the helmet and the paint. The curves and edges of the helmet, as well as the necessary weight reduction, are also a challenge. Once we get the shell of the helmet, we only have around 50 grams to play with. We can t add more weight than that. Achieving that is an art in itself, Munser says. The top address. The Formula One customers are fascinated by the helmet design from Salzgitter in Germany. Every last centimetre on the car and overall is tied up. A helmet is a trademark and the only space the driver has left to express his individuality, Munser concludes.

15 Colour 15 Sample panel provides peace of mind. Colour matching without the aid of colour chips: Modern colour management offers refinishers a host of new options. There s no doubt about it. Innovative techniques make refinish work much simpler, Spies Hecker Colour Expert Dietmar Wegener says. However, technology has its limitations. The comparison is what counts! Only a sprayed sample panel gives the refinisher a visual comparison with the original paint of the damaged area, Wegener believes. It is the decisive criterion when checking that the colour matches exactly. Even the use of cutting-edge colour technology is unable to replace this comparison. The visual comparison with the vehicle is what gives refinishers peace of mind. Helpful for colour documentation. However, the sample panel has another role to play. Wegener says: Bodyshops compile their own colour documentation by using sprayed sample panels. Spies Hecker helps them manage this colour documentation with a barcode reader and label printer. This makes colour formula retrieval quick and easy. Colour fan deck: always up to date. A colour database makes colour matching in the bodyshop much easier whether you use digital tools or classic ones, such as the colour fan deck. But what happens when new colours and variants show up in everyday work? That is when a fan deck update is required. Sometimes there are as many as 250 new colour swatches in an update, Weil stresses. Variants occur when original equipment manufacturers use a colour in production for a very long time. And environmental influences can also lead to variants. Desert climates or salt water affect colours. Another cause for variations lies in the varying application of paint or different vehicle shapes, she concludes. From Wuppertal to the whole world. The variants for the fan deck are brought up to date several times a year. For Permahyd we carry this update out twice a year, for Permahyd Hi-TEC, three times a year, says Monika Weil, who is responsible for the colour documentation department in the colour marketing division at Axalta Coating Systems. How variants are developed. The addition of a new variant to the Spies Hecker colour documentation is often based on car parts that we are sent and on feedback we get about vehicles that are impossible to repair with existing formulas, Weil explains. The colour of the car part may be lighter or darker, or contain more blue, green, yellow or red than the original OEM colour. In this case, Spies Hecker will provide bodyshops with the appropriate formula and the new fan deck swatch at the same time. The cause: long series production times. The new variants for the updates are sprayed with Spies Hecker paint using the original mixing formulas. The updates containing the new fan deck swatches and mixing formulas are then sent out to customers across the world in a central distribution process. Fan deck swatches are a common tool. Although technical progress has made great inroads in bodyshops, the use of fan decks in everyday work continues. Many bodyshops continue to rely on colour fan decks and the regular updates. Many refinishers want to have something tangible to compare colours, Weil knows from experience. Despite rising numbers of spectrophotometers in the market, fan decks continue to be well used by bodyshops.

16 16 colorexpert Product A unique clear coat for superfast drying. Exceptional gloss combined with extremely short drying times the new Permasolid HS Speed Clear Coat 8800 from Spies Hecker produces an absolutely brilliant, efficient finish. Spies Hecker has developed a completely new clear coat based on an innovative binder technology. With a drying time of only five minutes at 60 C object temperature, the new Permasolid HS Speed Clear Coat 8800 offers a top-ofthe-range solution. Process times are noticeably shorter and bodyshop efficiency increases enormously. The new clear coat is in a league of its own, enthuses Frank Barduna, Spies Hecker Head of Technical Service International. This allows refinishers to complete work more quickly and it reduces downtime in the spray booth.

17 Product 17 Very high product quality. Efficient application. The new Permasolid HS Speed Clear Coat 8800 can be applied efficiently, with guaranteed results, and it produces a very even flow. After drying at room temperature, the clear coat can be polished only 90 minutes after cooling. It is also very flexible in use from Speed Repair to multi-panel repairs. Brilliant, superfast and simply better! The new Spies Hecker clear coat combines top quality performance with efficient application. The appearance of the new superfast clear coat also reaches new heights, offering extreme gloss, first-class depth and a very hard surface finish after just one day. The Permasolid HS Speed Clear Coat 8800 simply offers exceptional product performance. The extraordinary gloss levels become apparent in the almost mirror-like surface. It s just brilliant, Barduna says. The new clear coat can be adjusted to suit various drying conditions by using two different hardeners and so conserve energy. The clear coat can be dried not only at high temperatures, but also at low temperatures in the spray booth or be left to dry at room temperature. The flexible drying options allow refinishers to optimise individual work processes, which translates into an economic benefit for the bodyshop too. Energy consumption can be reduced noticeably with the new Permasolid HS Speed Clear Coat 8800.

18 18 colorexpert System Everything in its place. The refinish industry is in constant motion. Those who want to keep up have to be flexible and make the most of efficient solutions for bodyshop processes, such as using the multifunctional workbay. Optimised processes. The multifunctional workbay can help bodyshops of all sizes optimise their processes, particularly when dealing with small defects and smart repairs, says Wolfgang Feyrer, Spies Hecker Energy Efficiency Expert. From cleaning and using putty, to IR drying and the final finishing, the multifunctional workbay combines all work processes in a single location. This allows bodyshops to work more efficiently. There is no need to move vehicles, which is time-consuming, and that in turn eliminates waiting and idle times, and avoids congestion in front of the spray booth. The multifunctional workbay makes it possible to process more orders and also benefits work safety, Feyrer continues. The multifunctional workbay is separated from other work areas by electronically-operated dividers. The bays are open towards the front and can be closed off manually with curtains. Air extractors, tool trays, workshop lighting and hydraulic lifts ensure optimal working conditions. By linking everything to computer-supported IR technology, the multifunctional workbays also ensure a high-quality paint finish, but consume less energy. All chassis and section-specific processes, as well as the application specifications relating to coating and colour, have already been entered into the IR software, Feyrer explains. Drying is controlled via a touchscreen. After curing, refinishers can immediately begin on polishing and finishing. Individual solution. The multifunctional workbay is a tailored solution. It makes sense to be realistic when assessing working conditions and processes in the bodyshop, Feyrer advises. Anyone who decides to install multifunctional workbays should be prepared to change their process management. This includes a willingness of employees to adjust to new work processes. Only then can efficiency be increased with lasting results. Regular coaching and well-trained staff are therefore prerequisites. If these conditions are met, the multifunctional workbay can cut process times by up to 25 per cent. Depending on throughput and operations flow, the payback period is between two and four years.

19 Web 19 Fast help for refinishers. In redesigning its website, Spies Hecker stays true to its principle of being simply closer to its partners and customers. Closer to the customer. This principle applies to all the completely revamped Spies Hecker web pages. That s because the relaunch not only includes the spieshecker.com website, but also the country pages for Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The relaunch of the website focusses even more on Spies Hecker s product ranges. We have done this because we know our customers are often most interested in viewing the product pages online, Monika Fehn, Spies Hecker E- Marketing Specialist, explains. The users of our web pages are largely refinishers. They have the right to expect that every page offers them added value, she says. That s why we introduced a new search tool, the Product Finder. Refinishers can simply enter their search criteria, for example clear coat or speed repair, and the list of results will immediately show them the right products. Expert information. The Spies Hecker principle simply closer finds its way into several other things on the new website. Experts and refinishers talk about specific practical examples, for example. End users are also included. This exchange of views helps refinishers in their day-to-day work, says Fehn when explaining the proactive use of testimonials. The way in which the colour tools are shown has been designed with the customer in mind. Visitors to the website are provided with recommendations on the most suitable colour management system for their work. Networked links. Each new website page also offers useful links. The use of the colour tools, for example, is explained with the help of a video. People interested in Speed Repair can, with one click, be taken to the corresponding Spies Hecker training overview. A strong presence, even on the go. Spies Hecker is one of the first large refinish brands to utilise responsive design for its digital content. This means that navigation, text and images automatically adapt to the size of the screen on which they are viewed. That means our presentation on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets is always as good as on the desktop PC itself, Fehn says. Optimised contacts. As a contact person is shown on many of the pages, refinishers can get in touch with the team at Spies Hecker even more easily than before. An additional service sees the introduction of improved contact forms. Sharing via social media. Each page view offers the option to share content on Facebook and YouTube. This makes it easier for visitors to the site to share interesting topics with friends, acquaintances and co-workers, Fehn believes.

20 20 colorexpert Colour White continues to be popular in Europe. The number of OEM colours keeps growing. But despite this, white is becoming increasingly popular with car owners. Oona Scheepers, who was a colour designer at Porsche and Audi and now fulfils the same role at Volkswagen, is well aware of this trend. White experienced a real breakthrough when Apple reinforced the existing colour trend with its iphone and ipad, she explains. The figures for the German market prove her right. In 2003, there were around 77,000 newly registered white vehicles; by 2013 the number of new vehicles registered in white had risen to more than 527,600. VW mainly uses the OEM colour Oryx White. It is made up of a two-and-a-half multi-layer metallic coating in the course of which a pearlescent effect paint is applied on top of a solid base coat, Scheepers explains. This is a challenge for the car manufacturer s paint line and for refinishers. But the colour is very popular with drivers. We believe this trend will continue, Scheepers says. Multi-layer coatings are on their way. Other colours also use this approach of combining solid base coats with effect paints. Volkswagen can cite another example: The new Golf Plus was first presented to the world sporting the multilayer effect colour Baladi Orange. The XL1 concept car from Volkswagen was also painted with this colour, which is characterised by an extreme flop effect. Multi-layer coatings will be seen increasingly on vehicles of the future, Scheepers predicts. The trend towards intermediate colours with changing hues or ultra-deep glossy paints using coloured clear coats is clearly taking off. OEM coatings are becoming more flexible. Car manufacturers will offer vehicle owners an increased colour choice. It is unlikely that we will be able to manage with only eight colours per model in the future, Scheepers tells us. Why? The desire of car owners to have greater input into the individual colour of their new car, she says. This poses a challenge for production technology. Paint lines will need to speed up when it comes to changing colours. Paint brands and car manufacturers are currently looking for a solution that will make it possible to clean the ring feeders for painting in series without leaving any residue.

21 Marketing 21 Customers attract new customers. Customer satisfaction is a bodyshop s greatest capital. If vehicle owners are happy, if they feel they can put their trust in the person who receives their car for repair, and if service is friendly, then they are likely to pass the name and address of the bodyshop on to friends and acquaintances. As many surveys have proven, the best advert for a bodyshop is and always will be a happy customer, says Joachim Hinz, Spies Hecker Brand Manager EMEA. Great powers of persuasion. But how can bodyshops make the most of customer satisfaction to attract new business? Experts believe the real potential lies in caring for loyal customers. Bodyshops can use satisfied customers to make contact with new ones, Hinz believes. The best approach is to let your customers advertise for you, voluntarily. That is extremely persuasive. A proactive approach. Mail shots and competitions are a particularly suitable way of proactively motivating customers to recommend the bodyshop to new customers, Hinz says. Reward your customers if you gain a new contact thanks to their recommendation. Customer satisfaction surveys are another useful way to market a paintshop or bodyshop. They show the real satisfaction level of your customers. You should communicate about positive results, for example through letters to customers, on your website or in advertisements. Take action! The lesson is clear: Often bodyshops don t have the time to think about strategic marketing through recommendation, despite the fact that it offers the greatest chance of success in attracting new customers. Take the time to proactively contact your existing customers at least once a year, Hinz recommends. It s worth it. Even a simple mail shot has the ability to leave your customers with a positive impression. Outstanding service is key. Of course, customers will only want to recommend the bodyshop if service and work are of a high quality. And that covers everything from a welcoming reception area to a trouble-free repair process. Surprise your customers with attentive service, and work in a way that anticipates their needs, Hinz emphasises. A friendly and punctual service is always appreciated. These are all things that are expected as standard today, but sometimes they can get lost in the daily work routine, he continues. That is why it is vital to discuss the importance of good customer relations with the bodyshop team. Training and seminars will help employees provide outstanding customer service.

22 22 colorexpert In Practice A good foundation. From work processes to the use of materials and professional know-how, how can bodyshops plan their substrate preparation better? What should bodyshop technicians, refinishers and bodyshop owners bear in mind if they want to work efficiently and to high quality standards? Many considerations need to be taken into account when sanding old paint, surfaces, fillers, putties, etc. Everyone is agreed that it is important to look at the sanding process as a whole. Decide on processes and work steps. We have standardised the sanding process step by step, says Moritz Enneking, Managing Director of a bodyshop in Damme, Germany, speaking of his experience. He has analysed the individual steps of the work process in his bodyshop together with Mirka, a supplier to bodyshops and reorganised them. Now his business only works with four different sanding settings. This has led to a strong awareness of the value of substrate preparation to achieve a brilliant refinish result. Scrutinise processes. part GmbH another supplier to the automotive aftermarket also considers the sanding process as a whole. We are consciously pursuing a sustainable solution using the VIPCheck, says Managing Director of part GmbH, Jochen Gaukel. At work, technicians take the time to scrutinise processes, ensure they are working within easy access of the tools required and improve the sanding result, all in order to optimise workflow. Working systematically. Festool Automotive Systems banks on system solutions and has developed a sanding concept that uses only four work steps. The first: When sanding the putty, they recommend initially using grade P 80 in combination with an orbital compressed air sander LEX (grinding stroke 7 mm). Second: The first intermediate sanding of the putty can be carried out using grade P 180 (grinding stroke 5 mm). Third: The second intermediate sanding is carried out with grade P 280 (grinding stroke 5 mm). And finally the fourth: The filler is sanded with grade P 400 (grinding stroke 3 mm). Accuracy is vital. Alongside the many different abrasives and an organised work process, accuracy is critical for achieving an optimum sanding result. In winter in particular it is important to remove salt and dirt residues from adjoining car parts, says Frank Barduna, Head of Spies Hecker Technical Service International. Before starting the actual work on the area that is to be repaired, the entire surface should be checked for additional damage and tested for its load-bearing capacity. The selection of the sanding grades is a good first step to reduce the work involved in that stage of the repair. Dirk Hansen, Application Technician at part GmbH, says, By setting up a system based on a few selected grades for all types of applications, refinishers can reduce work times. We have a golden rule: Do not increase grades in steps larger than 100. Sticking to this rule prevents the occurrence of sanding scores. Corrosion protection and edge markings. Barduna emphasises, Corrosion damage and scratches have to be sanded out right down to the substrate. This is the only way to eliminate all corroded particles and to create a fine transition to existing paintwork. But, be careful: Depending on the repair recommendations of the manufacturer, corrosion protection must be applied before using a filler, for example the Spies Hecker Wash Primer Only then can a 2K filler be applied. Treat materials the right way. Different types of steel, plastic, aluminium and carbon Spies Hecker and every sanding equipment manufacturer have system information available to ensure the correct professional preparation of any substrate. Refinishers need to be particularly careful with aluminium, Festool points out. The sanding materials and discs should only be used for aluminium and not also on steel parts as this can lead to later contact corrosion. Conclusion: Take a closer look. It is time to optimise sanding processes. Every paintshop should keep a close eye on its work processes as well as on the materials and the equipment used. If they do, they will create a good foundation for brilliant paint results.

23 International 23 Small Mini, grand design. Small cars don t have to be nondescript. That s what Benjamin Myllyluoma proved with his Mini Classic dating from Warm shades of brown make this classic glow both inside and out. The real eyecatchers, however, are the roaring lions painted on the driver and passenger doors as well as on the interior. To match the design, the car has been fitted with a complete Ground Zero sound system including subwoofers and amplifiers. parts, he used Permasolid 9050, Permafleet 8330 as the clear coat and Permacron 8085 for the matt finish. Multiple champion. Benjamin, a trained builder, spent more than 3,000 hours restoring the Mini. In 2013, he covered more than 7,000 km driving across Finland to take part in different competitions. But these were not competitions in which the performance of the engine mattered, but rather the exceptional appearance and powerful music system of the car. In 2013, he was named Finnish Champion at five different show car events and sound competitions. Pictured in the 2015 Spies Hecker Calendar. Further details about the development of this unusual car can be found at In addition, the Ground Zero Mini will be pictured on one of the pages of the 2015 Spies Hecker Calendar. Restored by hand. It was initially just intended as a hobby, but it got a little out of hand, says the 27-year-old Finn. Benjamin rebuilt 90 per cent of the car on his own. When he orig-inally bought it in 2008 he only had the outer shell. The Mini was painted by one of Benjamin s friends, refinisher Johnny Sjöblom, whose creativity was given free rein in the design. Johnny painted the Mini with Spies Hecker Permacron 3300 and 293. For flexible

24 Always up to date focussing on topical issues. When you come to Spies Hecker for training, you can be sure that the topics covered are interesting and will make every day in the bodyshop more efficient: Learn the new repair methods first-hand and try out the latest product developments. Our training sessions are focussed on you, specifically designed around practical experience and current trends. Spies Hecker simply closer. An Axalta Coating Systems Brand.