FinishMaster, a national distributor of automotive paints, coatings and paint-related accessories, has announced that its waterborne division, WaterMasters, has completed 405 waterborne conversions in California.
The conversions, which replace solvent-based paints with waterborne paints at collision repair centers, brought the facilities in compliance with new stringent air quality rules that became effective January 1, 2009.
The new air quality rules, originally adopted by two major districts in California, were established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOC) which are emitted from use of chemically-formulated consumer products. Converting to waterborne products allows collision repair centers to meet the VOC limit for a “color coat application.”
The WaterMasters conversion process includes a complete training program with both off-site and on-site training. It starts with a shop assessment to determine the waterborne readiness of the facility. WaterMasters then works with the shop owner to determine the appropriate equipment upgrades and product line.
A third major district in California has elected to adopt the new air quality rules effective September 30, 2009. WaterMasters expects to complete over 150 additional waterborne conversions prior to the enforcement date.
FinishMaster is the largest national independent distributor of
automotive paints, coatings and related accessories to the automotive
collision repair industry. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., FinishMaster operates three major distribution centers and 177 branches
in 39 of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the country.
For more information on WaterMasters, call (888) 311-4678 or visit www.finishmaster.com and click on the WaterMasters logo.
