Introducing Sikkens Autowave Optima – a new generation waterborne basecoat to improve body shop productivity and enhance sustainability

We are excited to announce the North American launch of Sikkens Autowave Optima, the new generation one-stop application waterborne basecoat that supports body shops in delivering the perfect combination of productivity and sustainability while providing the quality and performance for which AkzoNobel’s premium basecoats are renowned.

Building on our 30-year heritage of waterborne expertise, our researchers, scientists, technical and sales teams from around the world have developed, tested and refined this new generation basecoat alongside selected Sikkens customers.

This new basecoat helps body shops achieve up to 50% faster processing times compared to conventional basecoat application methods. With perfect coverage in just 1.5 layers due to its high pigmentation, this results in paint material savings of approximately 15% on average.

The one-stop application, without needing to flash-off between layers, only requires the technician to go into the spray booth once. The fast application times translate into 60% lower energy costs and a reduction in carbon emissions of 60% compared to a conventional basecoat* along with 380 g/l VOC (10% lower than the 420 g/l legislation). This new generation waterborne basecoat technology demonstrates that sustainability, productivity and profitability can exist in harmony.

Autowave Optima is easy to apply and blend and can be used for any type of repair in any climate. Its complete toner assortment covers a wide range of solid, metallic, pearl, candy and special effect car colors in the market. In combination with our portfolio of fast-drying premium fillers and clearcoats, the new basecoat further increases system performance while meeting the highest OEM quality standards.

Autowave Optima basecoat delivers the highest color accuracy and a reliable color match through a seamless 100% digital color process with our Automatchic® spectrophotometer and MIXIT® color retrieval software.

Launching over the next several months throughout North America, body shops looking to multiply their productivity and increase performance can now benefit from the all new Sikkens Autowave Optima basecoat. Please review the distributor portfolio (linked below) that we have prepared to help equip you to join us in bringing this exciting new product to market. Please contact your AkzoNobel Account Manager if you are interested in stocking Sikkens Autowave Optima or for any inquiries.

*The performance data quoted is based on AkzoNobel’s benchmark testing.