Commercial Vehicle Painting: Technology, Materials, Prices

Specifics of Commercial Vehicle Painting

Commercial vehicles (trucks, trailers, buses, refrigerated trucks, special equipment) differ from passenger cars in their operating conditions: significantly higher mileage, aggressive environments, and large surface areas. This requires a fundamentally different approach to selecting coatings and application technology.

Key Requirements for Coatings for Commercial Vehicles

• UV stability — the body is constantly exposed to sunlight; standard acrylic systems yellow within 2–3 years
• Chemical resistance — diesel fuel, lubricants, de-icing agents
• Mechanical durability — stone chips, scratches from cargo
• Large surface areas — the material must have good hiding power to reduce costs
• Wash resistance — daily pressure washing must not damage the coating

Recommended Coating System for Commercial Vehicles

Stage 1: Metal Preparation

• Sandblasting or sanding P80–P150
• Degreasing with anti-silicone or wax remover
• Application of acid wash primer (1 coat, 15–20 µm)

Stage 2: Anti-Corrosion Primer

• 2K epoxy primer — 2 coats at 40–60 µm each
• Special attention: weld seams, joints, cavities
• After sanding P180–P240

Stage 3: Filler Primer (if required)

• 2K acrylic HS primer — for surface leveling
• Sanding P320–P400

Stage 4: Topcoat

• Axalta Imron 700 — 2K PU topcoat, 2 coats, DFT 60–80 µm
• Color: RAL to order or fleet corporate colors
• If required — matte finish (3–5% gloss)

Why Imron 700 Is the Standard for Commercial Vehicles

Axalta Imron 700 was developed specifically for commercial-class vehicles. System features:

• Class I UV stability per ACT (>5 years without fading)
• Over 1,500 RAL, NCS, BS, and Pantone colors
• Available in gloss, semi-matte, and matte variants
• Approved for aviation ground services and railways
• Used on Volvo, Scania, MAN, and Renault vehicles on production lines

Material Consumption and Calculation

Approximate consumption for a standard tractor unit + trailer (area ~120 m²):

• Acid primer: 3–4 L
• Epoxy primer: 15–20 L (with hardener)
• Filler primer: 10–15 L
• Imron 700 topcoat: 15–20 L (with activator and thinner)

Application Tips for Large Surfaces

• Use a spray gun with a 1.5–1.8 mm nozzle for increased productivity
• Large areas (trailer side panels) — paint with horizontal passes at 50% overlap
• Monitor temperature and humidity: +15..+30°C, relative humidity <80%
• When painting outdoors — avoid direct sunlight and wind