High Solid varnishes

They are well known in the professional automotive painting and body repair world. These bodywork varnishes were the "best new" HS paints at the time, synonymous with strength, shine and durability.

In recent years, these finishes have been ousted and replaced by UHS, whose abbreviation stands for "Ultra High Solid". Following progress in paint chemistry, and also following the tightening of standards, the old "High Solid" have now become prohibited.

HS varnishes for car and motorcycle bodywork

Let's talk a little about chemistry, glues, resins and paints of all kinds : most contain polymers, additives and also solvents. These solvents are used to thin and disperse, but also to evaporate. They are called VOCs (volatile organic compounds). These VOCs are harmful to the environment and the laws are trying to reduce their use.

HS varnishes are quality varnishes because they contain a high rate of dry matter after evaporation (solids rate). Let's take an example: if 50% of a product evaporates and a wet layer of 100 microns has been applied, then after evaporation, a dry layer of 50 microns will remain. It's not bad, but today, we require an evaporable matter rate below 42% (420g/L).

Exceptions to the rule

The VOC rules are strict and all paint products must contain less than 420 g / L. However, there are certain exceptions to the rule, with a series of products that still have the right to exist! These are special paints, special varnishes, primers, thinners and degreasers, as well as aerosol paints.
Thus, in order to continue to sell HS varnishes, certain manufacturers have given them special qualifiers, for example : HS anti-scratch varnish.

VOC paint standards

Since January 1, 2010, paint manufacturers have been subject to a European directive imposing VOC limits on ready-to-use products*. These thresholds are expressed in grams per liter (g/L). Products that do not comply with them are prohibited and cannot be manufactured or marketed.
By “ready to use”, we mean “mixed product”, for example clearcoat + hardener.

Discover UHS BS830 bodywork varnish, its hardener and thinner.

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