Technology provides body shops with coating solutions for bare plastic components
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 19, 2025 – PPG (NYSE: PPG) today announced that its SEM® Products business, in collaboration with 4Plastic, has unveiled a new generation of texture coatings engineered specifically for the repair of non-painted, textured plastic components.
SEM and 4Plastic are excited to introduce the full texture refinishing system line, now available in the U.S. and Canada to elevate the plastic repair process.
“As automakers increasingly replace traditionally painted panels with textured bare plastic external components, the collision repair industry needs solutions to accurately restore these surfaces after damage,” said Larry Trexler, PPG global allied products technical market support manager, Automotive Refinish. “It is a significant challenge for repair shops, insurers and OEM programs, as textured component replacements often do not match the existing faded plastics on a vehicle, so the ability to repair and retexture them has become a high-value capability.”
The SEM and 4Plastic texture range directly addresses this need with advanced coatings formulated to replicate the most common OEM textures. Body shops can use the 4Plastic App, available both for iOS and Android platforms, so that the right texture can be easily identified and matched for the repair.
The SEM and 4Plastic texture system demonstrated exceptional durability and performance in internal testing. Accelerated weathering tests verified environmental resistance, with only minor gloss changes that mirror natural OEM aging, confirming an OEM-grade finish built to endure everyday conditions. Adhesion testing confirms a strong, long-lasting bond, while abrasion and solvent resistance tests showed that the coating withstands real-world wear without damage or color transfer.
The products offer fast application, predictable results, and simplified training, allowing even entry-level technicians to achieve consistent finishes. This makes the repair of textured components both operationally efficient and commercially attractive, reducing unnecessary replacement costs and shortening cycle times.
“OEMs have moved decisively toward textured plastics as part of their design and manufacturing strategy, but the repair industry has not had an advanced system to restore those textures accurately until now,” said Michael LoPrete, managing director of 4Plastic. “The SEM and 4Plastic range bring together scientific formulation, rigorous testing and practical usability, giving collision centers a true repair-first option for textured components. The ability to restore these parts rather than replace them not only reduces costs but also supports ongoing sustainability initiatives by preventing plastic waste and reducing parts-related emissions.”
The SEM and 4Plastic line will be complemented by a range of tools and equipment designed to simplify and speed up plastic parts repair, including an innovative tool designed for pushing out dents and refining bodylines in plastic bumpers. The full line is available across the U.S. and Canadian markets.
For information, visit semproducts.com/products/4plastic.
PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD®
At PPG (NYSE: PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty products that our customers have trusted for more than 140 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.8 billion in 2024. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.
SEM, the PPG Logo and We Protect and Beautify the World are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
The 4Plastic Logo is a trademark of Plasmonic.
PPG Media Contact:
Michelle Deemer
Automotive Refinish
+1 412 434 3419
mdeemer@ppg.com
ppg.com