Abstract: A technique of treating an automotive coating to modify surface-specific physical properties thereof while retaining bulk physical properties of the automotive coating includes the step of generating a plasma discharge in a plasma generating assembly. The automotive coating is treated with the plasma discharge. The automotive coating is completely cured prior to treatment with the plasma discharge. To treat the automotive coating, either 1) a precursor material is introduced into the plasma discharge to form a thin film on the automotive coating, or 2) the plasma discharge is free of a precursor material and weak bonds are destroyed on or near the surface of the automotive coating.

Abstract: A clearcoat composition and method reduce the ability of rain to bead on a film of the clearcoat. The clearcoat includes a resin, a cross-linking agent reactive with the resin, and a water-soluble surfactant. Upon exposure of the film to the rain, the surfactant reduces the ability of the rain to bead on the film and certain properties, such as resistance to etch from acid rain, are improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test method for simulating outdoor exposure conditions for testing a coated substrate to evaluate environmental etching of paint caused by acid rain. The test method requires that the test substrate have an acid solution having a pH of less than 6.0 applied thereto by spray or in atomized droplets. The substrate is held in a substantially horizontal position of less than 15° to the horizontal and exposed to heat of above a black panel temperature of 30° C. and light during testing. The light source must emit light in the spectral distribution of at least visible and ultraviolet light, including the spectral distribution of sunlight. Following exposure to testing the substrate is evaluated for environmental etch.

Abstract: A clearcoat composition and method reduce the ability of rain to bead on a film of the clearcoat. The clearcoat includes a resin, a cross-linking agent reactive with the resin, and a water-soluble surfactant. Upon exposure of the film to the rain, the surfactant reduces the ability of the rain to bead on the film and certain properties, such as resistance to etch from acid rain, are improved.