Since the introduction of waterborne base coats and three-stage coatings on selected luxury vehicles, automotive paint processes have stayed mostly unchanged even as the complexity of vehicle technology continues to rise. But there is more to the world of automotive refinishing than meets the eye, and several producers are bringing about the next revolution in refinishing. Refinishing operations are closely related to whether to repair or replace the vehicle’s components on an estimate, so as more components are returned, more labour hours will be needed for refinishing because jambs must be cut in, panel undersides must be cut in to be painted, and blend activities are necessary. Costs for paint and materials increase as a result.
In terms of the entire market for automotive refinish paint in 2016, the polyurethane resin category held the most significant market share. This market’s demand for primers, the clearcoat, and base coat layers is supported by their ideal weather, corrosion, and mechanical resistance.
The three most crucial layers to the car refinish coating processes are primers, basecoats, and clearcoats. Primers offer corrosion protection and best adhesion to the substrate, base coat offers colour, and aesthetic appeal. The clearcoat being a transparent layer gives the basecoat protection from the UV lights and weather impact and provides a glossy and smooth appearance as needed. In the process of applying automotive refinish coatings, basecoat and clearcoat are regarded as two layers systems.
The passenger car category drove the market for automotive to refinish paint, and it is anticipated that it will continue to hold sway during the projection period. The segment is being driven by an increase in the demand for automobiles in developing nations like China, India, Mexico, and other places. Additionally, supporting the expansion are the middle-class population’s rising income levels and an increase in post-collision auto repair inclination. Asia-Pacific is predicted to experience the most considerable growth in the automotive refinish paint market during the projected period.
Emerging economies like those in China, India, and Southeast Asia are luring a number of significant businesses to set up manufacturing bases in the Asia-Pacific region. As the demand for refinish coating from various end-users in these nations rises, these producers are racing to reach a large consumer base in places like China and India.
As a result of the increasing cost of raw materials, many customers, especially in India, look in a different direction than contacting authorised service stations. If you go to a local mechanic, you may have to compromise on quality, even if it’s a cosmetic enhancement like denting and painting work to be conducted. However, you may consider using a reputable workshop in your region that specialises in particular tasks, such as repaint jobs. You must be attentive while choosing the technician if you plan to visit the neighbourhood business. Even while it’s ideal, not everyone has the time to watch the neighbourhood mechanic work on their automobile. Paint protection is a segment of the automotive aftermarket. Due to the abundance of exotic automobiles for sale in India, refinish companies have prospered and helped consumers save a lot of money. A car’s exterior paint can last for many years if properly cared for, but if neglected, India’s extreme weather can seriously harm a car’s exterior. The selling of second-hand or pre-owned vehicles has significantly increased within the Indian automotive industry. The used automobile market has become increasingly important over the last several years and is even predicted to surpass new car sales in a few. In India, the demand for second-hand cars is expected to grow from 38 lakh units in 2020–21 to a staggering 70 lakh units in 2025–26, according to a recent industry report. Automotive paints and consumable solutions will also grow as a result of this sudden increase in the used vehicle market. As a result, you must have faith in your local mechanic to do his job if you visit the neighbourhood workshop. It would be beneficial if you remembered that even the top local workshops might not produce high-calibre work.
A Short-to Medium-Term Prognosis for Automobile Coatings Across Segments
The market for automotive paints is predicted to experience a respectable increase in demand as the Covid-19 situation improves, which will be backed by favourable market conditions across the automotive industry and the government’s push for infrastructure and Electric Vehicles (EVs). As far as business value goes, we anticipate returning to pre-pandemic levels. A number of regulations, including the new scrap policy and shifting market dynamics, are causing several favourable developments over the long term, as can be seen. India’s automotive paints market is positioned to recover as Covid-19 recedes and normalcy returns. According to recent industry predictions, from 2021 to 2026, the Indian market for automotive paints and coatings is anticipated to expand at a Compounded Average Growth Rate (CAGR) of over 30%.
