Auto body shop goes green with paint

By Pamela matexas

05/20/2009- The Republican

CHICOPEE - Green is the new color of choice at Don Roy's Auto Body.

Donald J. Roy, shop owner, and Karen D. Rattell, his daughter and general manager, have announced the business, at 1416 Granby Road, has converted to using eco-friendly Envirobase waterborne paints by Pittsburgh Plate Glass Industries, considered a leader in auto body paint supplies.

"We care about our community and our environment," said Roy.
"Rather than the solvents that are used in most auto body paints, waterborne paint dries through the evaporation of water," Rattell explained. "This reduces the amount of volatile organic compounds by 80 percent. Simply put, it means better air quality for everyone."

According to Pittsburgh Plate Glass in Pittsburgh, Pa., if a shop mixes an average of one gallon of base coat per week, using waterborne auto paint reduces the emissions of more than 1,000 cars per year.

According to Roy, currently only California-based repair facilities are mandated to use waterborne paint technology, as they are held to stricter regulations.

"We wanted to stay ahead of the game," he said. "Very soon, all U.S. repair shops will be mandated to adhere to these tighter controls. What are we sacrificing to go green? Nothing, other than the obvious up front costs we've incurred: investing in materials and supplies."

Roy says "color matching, metallic control and blending characteristics are as good, if not better, than with solvent-based paints. This means that we can ensure that your vehicle repairs are seamless and we can do it in an environmentally responsible manner.

"This is the new and upcoming technology and the newest innovation in the paint industry," said Rattell, noting the business has been using this paint for approximately two months.

Auto body workers "still wear masks" when painting, but the new paint is not flammable and does not produce the odors the other paint does, said Rattell.

The auto body shop has been in business since 1992, has 10 employees and is a member of the Better Business Bureau and the Certified First Network, which oversees auto industry regulations and requirements.