For the last couple of weeks I have received several unpleasant letters from our suppliers. Unpleasant because the main subject was the price adjustment due to the sharp and unprecedented increase in raw materials. Information is scarce. All we know is that prices for MDI (methyl di-p-phenylene isocyanate), butanediol and derivatives went up. Well, nobody […]
Row materials shortage. Real or artificial? Read More »
By Alexander Aslamazis I am lucky with my job. I will never stop repeating this. Travelling is a big part of my business, while meeting new people in different countries is probably the best part of business travelling. Without a doubt, I primarily get in touch with people from our trade: car paint experts, manufacturers,
What traits that successful car paint store owners have in common? Read More »
These days in Las Vegas the annual SEMA Show takes place. This is one of the most prominent events in the collision repair business. Please pay attention, it is not just an exhibition or fair, but a Show! And it has all the attributes of a show with grand happenings, industry and TV celebrities, vintage
Car refinishing business across Atlantic. 7 remarkable differences. Read More »
by Alexandros Aslamazis The last month was quite challenging for Etalon. We have just started our exports to the UK, Ireland and the United States. Not that the other countries we sell are not challenging, but in the countries I just mentioned the car refinishing industry is extremely saturated. It implies that the customers expect
When we talk about collision repair industry (or, in fact, about any industry) the most frequently used word to describe a brand or business you hear is “quality“. Our clearcoat is of fineness, with that spray gun you will achieve the highest quality finish, in our bodyshop we deliver the highest quality refinishing job …
Quality of products or services in the car refinish industry comes only second to … Read More »
Since many of our readers are actually suppliers of bodyshops, trading partners, I would like to share some thoughts about how different could one product be in the eyes of a bodyshop manager or an owner, depending on their business, size and condition. Perhaps you already have heard about a theory that all products
Selling to a bodyshop. Is your product/service vitamin or painkiller? Read More »
A lot of things have been written about the transition from solvent to water-borne paints technology. Professionals in car refinishing sector were divided into two camps: those who liked the new technology and those who didn’t. Technically speaking, it has both positive and negative sides for a bodyshop. For me personally, more negative, yet
Water-borne paints are environmentally friendly, aren’t they? Read More »
by Alexandros Aslamazis If you attend any of the trade exhibitions nowadays than you will most probably see numerous stands of Chinese companies. You won’t see shiny and slick booth design, welcoming bars and free giveaways. Only smiling faces of Chinese exhibitors and basic, sometimes boring and ugly displays. They won’t try to impress you
Is “Made in China” coming for good to the car paint business? Read More »
by Alexander Aslamazis Aerosol sprays are used widely in a modern car repair shop, including painting area. In the past, spray paints were mainly considered as DIY products, however nowadays aerosols have more and more usage by real professionals. The quality of the finish and spray fan have improved significantly. Moreover, some coatings, like primers
Aerosol paint in auto body shop. Historical snapshot. Read More »
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Welcome to your new TypePad blog! Read More »