VOC Compliant Industrial Coatings

Painting Questions

What are the differences between regular EX-2C and Low VOC EX-2c topcoat?

The Low VOC version of EX-2C will continue to have all the same physical characteristics from the non compliant version. Please click here for an application comparison chart between EX-2C and EX-2C low VOC

My Paint consumption seems to be higher with the low VOC products, why is that?

It is important to always check film builds, especially when using a new product. The VOC compliant solvents* in EX-2C low VOC allow for higher film builds per coat, which can result in higher mils being sprayed. Please be sure to check your wet film thickness to ensure that you are within the specified film build.

• The solvent system in EX-2C low VOC is much faster than regular EX-2C.

Regulatory Questions

Do I need To switch to Low VOC Coatings?

If you are a refinisher and are painting equipment defined as a motor vehicle or as mobile equipment you must comply with the regulations and use VOC compliant coatings. Manufacturers, OEM’s, and anyone that is painting an object that is not defined as a Motor Vehicle or as Mobile Equipment are exempt from the regulations and can continue to use non-compliant coatings.

What are the definitions for Motor Vehicle and Mobile Equipment?

Mobile equipment

Any equipment, other than a motor vehicle, that is capable of being pulled on a highway.

Motor vehicle

Any self-propelled vehicle, but does not include:

1. An aircraft as defined in subsection 3(1) of the Aeronautics Act
2. Rolling stock as defined in section 6 of the Canada Transportation Act
3. A boat, ship or craft designed, used or capable of being used solely or partly for navigation in, on, through or immediately above water.

For a complete list of terms and definitions, please see the glossary page.

With the new regulations can I continue to use solvent borne coatings?

Yes, you can continue to use solvent borne solutions. Automotive refinishing products can be solventborne coatings or waterborne coatings as long as they meet VOC concentration limits.

Why should I continue to use solvent borne coatings as opposed to water borne?

1. Endura’s solvent borne coatings are VOC compliant with government regulations.
2. With solvent borne systems, there is no need for expensive changes to booths, equipment or spraying techniques.
3. Solvent borne coatings work in the largest range of ambient conditions ( high or low humidity levels, wide temperature curing range.
4. Solvent borne coatings provide the highest level of chemical and abrasion resistance, increasing the life of the coating, and minimizing the need to repaint.

Do the Government regulations apply to all automotive products, whether they are new manufacture or not?

The Regulations do not apply to coating products that are applied to motor vehicles or mobile equipment, or their parts, during manufacture.

What coatings are affected by the regulations?

Environment Canada’s VOC-limit regulations apply to automotive refinish coatings and surface cleaners – such as primers, clear coats, basecoats, adhesion promoters – which are applied to motor vehicles and mobile equipment (including cars, motorcycles, trucks, truck trailers, street cleaners, and farm equipment) to refinish or decorate the surface. For a chart outlining VOC limits by product type please click here.

What coatings are NOT affected by the regulations?

These Regulations do not apply to automotive refinishing products set out in column 1 of the schedule that are

1. Manufactured in Canada for export
2. Imported, offered for sale or sold in a non refillable aerosol spray container or manufactured to be packaged in that type of container
3. Imported, offered for sale or sold in a container with a volume of 14.8 ml (0.5 fl. oz.) or less or manufactured to be packaged in that size of container
4. Manufactured, imported, offered for sale or sold to be applied to motor vehicles or mobile equipment, or their parts, during manufacture on an assembly line
5. Manufactured, imported, offered for sale or sold to be used as a solvent in a laboratory for analysis
6. Manufactured, imported, offered for sale or sold to be used in scientific research
7. Manufactured, imported, offered for sale or sold to be used as a laboratory analytical standard.