Ecology Coatings patents new eco-friendly automotive coatings
Just what is "liquid-nanotechnology", and why would I want my car covered in it? First, "liquid-nanotechnology" is what Ecology Coatings calls their product. Second, because unless you are driving a Delorean or a future Citroën, your car is most likely painted, maybe a few times at that. So, if your car needs to be coated to keep it from oxidizing, why not use an eco-friendly paint? That is what Ecology Coatings is trying to accomplish. They say, "Since 1990, Ecology has been singularly focused on developing products that enable inexpensive mass production with atomic-level precision, using solid materials cured under UV light to create coatings that are not only viable but are also clean and efficient."
Their coatings are apparently 100 percent solids which require no carriers (water, chemicals) to get from the spray-gun to the substrate. Because of these properties, the coatings should be more environmentally friendly and safer to use.
[Source: Ecology Coatings]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tony Belding 8:26PM (9/26/2007)
I've heard that up until now the use of more eco-friendly paints has resulted in paint jobs that look good but are softer and less durable, more subject to rock chips and such.
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Phil L. 9:32PM (9/26/2007)
I hope technology like this makes it down to the DIY level. It's nice that big, fancy factories can do it - but how about the rest of us?
I remember when powder coating was the latest thing - and quality, reasonably priced DIY equipment showed up a few years later. Strong, consistent, clean coatings that dry in moments without heat? I'd be willing to invest in some UV equipment to get that...
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ThunderStik 9:17AM (9/27/2007)
Hey Phil, what are some good diy powdercoating systems?
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Phil L. 10:53AM (9/27/2007)
There are a number of DIY powder coat systems out there. Full disclosure: I don't currently own one, but a friend got a system from Eastwood a few years ago.
If you wanted to get started cheap, take a look at Harbor Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94244
There's always Sears:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917288000P?vName=Tools&cName=Paint+%26+Accessories&keyword=powder+coat&sLevel=2
Hmmm - It looks like Eastwood is using the same supplier as Sears these days; I don't think they used to:
http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=17540&itemType=PRODUCT
Note that you need an oven to cure parts. But old ovens are pretty easy to come across cheap (don't even consider using your kitchen oven for powder coating). My friend found a spiffy used lab-style oven on eBay. After some practice, he has had excellent results with his system.
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ThunderStik 11:27AM (9/27/2007)
Thanks for the info Phil.
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