PPG and 4Plastic launch advanced texture coatings enabling durable, sustainable repair of non-painted automotive plastic components with OEM-level accuracy.
PPG’s SEM® Products division, working closely with 4Plastic, has introduced an advanced texture refinishing system designed to meet the evolving needs of the automotive collision repair industry. The newly launched solution focuses on the repair of non-painted, textured plastic components—parts that are increasingly being used by automakers as exterior design and manufacturing preferences shift away from traditionally painted panels.
According to PPG, this industry transition has created a significant challenge for repair professionals. As more vehicles incorporate exposed textured plastic parts such as bumpers, claddings, and trim, accurately restoring these surfaces after damage has become far more complex. Larry Trexler, global allied products technical market support manager for Automotive Refinish at PPG, explained that replacement parts frequently fail to match the appearance of aged plastics already on the vehicle. Differences in fading, gloss, and surface texture can be noticeable, leading to inconsistent finishes and dissatisfied customers. As a result, the ability to repair and retexture original components rather than replace them has become a valuable and in-demand capability for body shops, insurers, and OEM-certified repair programs.
The jointly developed SEM and 4Plastic texture coating range directly addresses this gap. The coatings are engineered to closely replicate the most commonly used OEM textures, enabling repair technicians to restore damaged plastic parts with a high level of visual accuracy. To further simplify the process, body shops can rely on the dedicated 4Plastic mobile application, available on both iOS and Android devices. The app allows technicians to identify existing textures on a vehicle and select the most appropriate match, reducing guesswork and improving consistency across repairs.
Performance and durability were key priorities during development. Internal testing demonstrated that the texture system delivers robust, OEM-grade results under demanding conditions. Accelerated weathering tests confirmed strong resistance to environmental exposure, showing only slight gloss changes that align with the natural aging seen on factory-installed plastic components. Adhesion testing verified a durable bond to plastic substrates, while abrasion and solvent resistance evaluations showed that the coatings can withstand everyday wear, cleaning, and chemical exposure without color transfer or surface damage.
Beyond technical performance, the system is designed with practical shop realities in mind. The products offer fast application times, predictable outcomes, and streamlined training requirements. This means that even entry-level technicians can achieve consistent, high-quality finishes, helping repair centers improve productivity while maintaining standards. By enabling repairs instead of full part replacements, shops can reduce costs, shorten repair cycle times, and improve overall operational efficiency.
Michael LoPrete, managing director of 4Plastic, emphasized that while OEMs have rapidly adopted textured plastics as part of their design strategy, repair solutions have lagged behind. He noted that this new system brings together advanced formulation science, thorough testing, and real-world usability to provide collision centers with a true “repair-first” option. Restoring existing plastic components not only lowers costs but also supports sustainability goals by reducing plastic waste and cutting emissions associated with manufacturing and transporting replacement parts.
The launch will be supported by a complementary range of specialized tools and equipment aimed at further simplifying plastic repairs. These include innovative tools designed to push out dents and refine bodylines on plastic bumpers, expanding the scope of repairs that can be performed efficiently. The complete SEM and 4Plastic texture refinishing line is now available throughout the United States and Canada.
