PPG launches Deltron D8178 fast-drying clearcoat in EMEA, offering flexible drying options, energy savings, faster repairs, and high-quality automotive refinish performance.
PPG has announced the expansion of its automotive refinish portfolio with the introduction of a new fast-drying clearcoat designed to improve efficiency and sustainability in repair workshops. The company revealed that the product will be added to the widely used PPG DELTRON automotive refinish range across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). The new product, known as Deltron D8178 Rapid Low Energy clearcoat, incorporates advanced drying technology that significantly reduces both drying time and energy consumption compared with conventional baking methods used in body shops.
The Deltron D8178 clearcoat has been developed to provide flexibility for a wide range of body shop environments and operational setups. By offering multiple drying options, the product allows technicians and painters to select the most suitable process based on their workflow requirements and available equipment. According to the company, the clearcoat can dry in just five minutes at 50 degrees Celsius, or in 10 minutes at 40 degrees Celsius. In addition, it can reach a dust-free state within 15 minutes when dried at 20 degrees Celsius, and it becomes polishable after approximately 45 minutes under the same temperature conditions.
One of the most notable features of the new clearcoat is its air-dry capability at 20 degrees Celsius. This option eliminates the need for traditional high-temperature baking and can deliver energy savings of up to 60 percent when compared with a standard clearcoat that typically requires baking for around 20 minutes at 60 degrees Celsius. These energy reductions can help automotive repair facilities lower operational costs while also supporting broader sustainability and environmental goals.
Beyond energy savings, the product is also designed to streamline the refinishing process and enhance productivity in busy repair centers. Shorter drying times allow body shops to complete more repair jobs in less time, improving workflow efficiency and enabling painters to better manage their schedules. As a result, repair facilities can increase their overall output and profitability while maintaining consistent quality standards.
Juan Navarro, Marketing Operations Director for Automotive Refinish at PPG in the EMEA region, highlighted the benefits of the new technology. He noted that the company’s latest clearcoat solutions enable body shops to achieve excellent results in terms of performance, efficiency, and finish quality. Navarro added that the product’s capabilities were confirmed through an extensive testing program involving 21 body shops across seven countries, where technicians carried out hundreds of repair jobs using the new clearcoat.
The testing phase demonstrated that the product not only accelerates repair processes but also gives painters greater control over their work routines. This increased flexibility allows technicians to choose the most efficient drying method for each job without sacrificing finish quality. According to Navarro, this level of control ultimately enhances the experience for body shop customers, as repairs can be completed more quickly while maintaining high standards.
In addition to efficiency improvements, the Deltron D8178 clearcoat is engineered to deliver premium finishing performance. The formulation ensures a smooth, durable, and high-quality surface that meets the expectations of professional refinishers and vehicle owners alike. By simplifying repair procedures and delivering consistent results, the new clearcoat helps build confidence among painters and technicians.
Overall, PPG’s latest addition to the Deltron product family reflects the company’s focus on innovation in the automotive refinish sector. By combining rapid drying technology with energy efficiency and high-quality finishing capabilities, the Deltron D8178 clearcoat aims to support body shops in improving operational performance while contributing to sustainability goals.
