Auto Body Paint Shop in Culver City
Auto body paint is an important aspect of car care. It keeps your car looking new and protects it from the elements. If you’re looking for quality auto body paint in Culver City, CA, come to Manuel’s Body Shop. We offer a wide range of colors and finishes to choose from, and we’ll work with you to find the perfect match for your car.
We use only the finest paints and materials available, so you can be sure your car will look great for years to come. We also offer a wide range of services, from basic repairs to full-blown restoration projects. No matter what type of car you have or what type of repair you need, we can help.
Come to Manuel’s Auto Body today for all your auto body paint needs. We have many satisfied customers in Culver City, so stop on by or give us a call today to speak with one of our knowledgeable associates.
Cromax paint vs BASF: The Pros and Cons
As more car manufacturers turn to water-based paints, the debate has taken on new intensity.
But whose solution is really more environmentally friendly—and who makes the better product?
The fierce competition between two of the titans in automotive finishes—Germany-based BASF and Cromax USA, of North Carolina—has spilled over into a shouting match on both sides of the Atlantic.
Short-term tactics have emerged: Plant tours, cross promotions and technical seminars all aim to prove that one’s paint formulation is superior and ultimately good for business. It can get ugly when it gets personal, which it did at this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas when Cromax CEO Tom Anagnostopoulos took a swing at BASF’s coatings boss Detlef Jahn.
The appearance of a car is a very personal thing, and no two people will have the same opinion on which paint looks best. Some prefer the glossier look of Cromax paints, while others prefer the subtler sheen of BASF’s Eco-Line.
BASF’s Eco-Line system may use solvent-borne acrylics, but the company has invested heavily in environmental initiatives and its products are designed to reduce emissions at every stage of production. The bottom line: Both companies make high-quality paints that meet or exceed the latest environmental regulations.
These two paint solutions both aim to help auto manufacturers comply with the EU’s VOC (volatile organic compounds) regulations, which will limit OEMs’ exposure to harmful gasses beginning in 2010.
But critics point out an important distinction: Cromax USA is a water-based product that uses vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE) chemistry, while BASF’s Eco-Line system is a solvent-borne coating that relies on acrylic chemistry.
The debate is always close when the discussion turns to which paint formulation will last longer. That is why choosing a paint can be a tough decision for any car owner or garagista. To find out which paint is best we have compiled some of the most common arguments from both sides and have come up with a verdict.
Argument: Cromax is more environmentally friendly because it uses water-based paint.
Verdict: BASF’s Eco-Line system may use solvent-borne acrylics, but the company has invested heavily in environmental initiatives and its products are designed to reduce emissions at every stage of production. The bottom line: Both companies make high-quality paints that meet or exceed the latest environmental regulations.
Because Cromax uses water-based paint its application can be easier than that of Eco Line, which needs to dry for longer periods of time. However the drying time needed by Eco Line reduces solvent emissions significantly resulting in a better result. This also means lower risk for mistakes at the paint shop because less reworking/redoing will be necessary due to early curing times compared with Cromax.
The bottom line: Eco Line’s shorter drying times lead to significantly reduced solvent emissions, but applying it well remains an art form requiring hours of training and experience.
Both coatings require an undercoat to achieve the desired finish, and this should be applied in an environment with proper ventilation. The type of primer and topcoat used will also affect the durability of the paint job.
Both Cromax and BASF produce high quality paints that will last for a number of years if applied and maintained properly. So, which paint is best for you? That decision ultimately comes down to personal preference.
The price of Cromax is typically about 10% more than the price of BASF’s Eco-Line, but for a water-based paint Cromax is still a good value. The bottom line: In the battle of Cromax vs BASF’s Eco-Line, both paints come out winners.
However cromax paint carries the day by being a better environmental product and having a higher durability. When taking all of these factors into account, cromax is the clear choice for the environmentally conscience and those looking for a quality paint job that will last.
In terms of durability, both paints are excellent. The duration of each paint depends on how it is applied and maintained, but the average durability is about 4-5 years.
Cromax paint is more environmentally friendly because it uses water-based paint, while BASF’s Eco-Line system is a solvent-borne coating that relies on acrylic chemistry which produces harmful gasses.
Final words
At the end of the day, it is up to the individual to decide what is best for them in terms of environmental friendliness and durability. Both Cromax and BASF produce high quality paints that will last for a number of years if applied and maintained properly. So, whichever paint you choose, you can be sure you are getting a great product.
If you are looking to paint your auto, be sure to visit Manuel’s Body Shop. We have partnered with Cromax Paint to give you the best paint job you can possibly imagine using our water-based paint.
We offer easy financing through AFFIRM and free estimates for all paint inquiries.
Be sure to visit our gallery to check out our auto body paint work.
