PPG launches automated stirring tech to improve paint mix consistency
PPG now offers “Mix’n’Shake,” an automated stirring technology that the company says is designed to eliminate traditional manual stirring methods in the automotive refinish industry.
The system improves paint mix consistency, reduces consumable waste, and saves time for painters and body shops, according to a PPG press release. It features pre-programmed settings for primers, basecoats, and clearcoats.
Eliminating manual stirring ensures consistent color accuracy, reduces rework, and boosts productive work hours by up to 6%, according to PPG data. The release says a fully homogenized, ready-to-spray paint mix is delivered via the automated stirring device combined with a notched cup that attaches to the spray gun.
“The PPG Linq digital ecosystem and PPG Moonwalk automated mixing system have transformed color identification and paint mixing in the refinish industry, but the repetitive final step of stirring has remained largely unchanged,” said Alban d’Epenoux, PPG automotive refinish global marketing director, in the release. “The PPG Mix‘n’Shake system addresses this, ensuring that painters achieve an accurate mix every time without the inefficiencies and inconsistencies of manual stirring, ultimately freeing up time for higher value tasks.”
He added that the system also reduces the cost of consumable waste, such as stirring sticks, mixing cups, strainers, and other disposables, by up to 10%, while also eliminating spills and splashes. It is also compatible with waterborne and solvent-borne formulations and integrates with PPG Linq.
The system will be marketed and distributed in the U.S. and Canada under PPG’s SEM brand.
PPG and Axalta issued new paint and material (P&M) cost increases, effective July 1 and Aug. 1, respectively.
PPG implemented increased prices on Automotive Refinish collision brands by a weighted average of 2.84%. Previous pricing remained in place for PPG Velocity, Shop-Line, Omni, and Super Value product lines.
Axalta increased all of its Refinish brand products, which it attributed to a cost increase on imported products. Prices were adjusted by a weighted average of 3.88%.
BASF also implemented a 3.9% increase, effective Sept. 8, on its Glasurit, R-M, baslac, and LIMCO products, according to a company announcement.
AkzoNobel will implement a 3.78% increase on Sikkens, Modern Classikk, Wanda, Sikkens Autocoat BT, U-TECH, Dynacoat, Valorem, Imperium, and non-paint brands effective Nov. 1, according to a company announcement.
Paint material increase announcements tracked from Q1 2020 into Q4 2025 show an additional average cumulative increase of 64.2%.
Images
Featured image: PPG says its Mix’n’Shake automated stirring technology replaces manual stirring processes to ensure a homogenized paint mix, complete color accuracy, and a better workplace. (Provided by PPG)