Who makes the best automotive paint?
There is no single universally “best” automotive paint brand. In practice, the top contenders—PPG, Axalta, AkzoNobel, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes, Kansai Paint, and Nippon Paint—lead in different regions and for different applications, from OEM finishes to aftermarket refinishing.
This article analyzes what “best” means in automotive paint, how professionals evaluate finishes, and which brands dominate various segments worldwide. It covers performance criteria, major players, and practical considerations for choosing a paint system.
Defining "best" in automotive paint
Determining the best paint system depends on several real-world criteria used by body shops, manufacturers, and car owners. The following factors shape overall performance and desirability:
Key performance criteria
Experts weigh durability, color and finish accuracy, ease of application, repairability, environmental compliance, and total cost of ownership when judging a paint system.
- Durability and resistance to chipping, fading, and chemical exposure
- Color matching accuracy and stability across repairs and fades
- Finish quality, including gloss, orange-peel, and clarity of metallics or pearls
- Ease of application and shop efficiency (coverage rates, cleanup, drying times)
- Environmental compliance (VOC limits, solvent or waterborne systems)
- Availability of formulas and color libraries for quick, exact matches
- Support and training from the manufacturer
In practice, a brand's strength in one market may be less critical in another, and shops often choose a system based on the equipment, labor force, and regulatory environment they operate in.
Leading global manufacturers
Independent testing and shop feedback consistently point to a group of global suppliers that supply both OEM and aftermarket coatings and offer extensive color libraries and technical support.
- PPG: A diversified coatings group with large automotive refinish and OEM businesses, known for urethane basecoat/clearcoat systems and robust color matching.
- Axalta: Owner of Cromax/Spies Hecker brands in many markets, with strong waterborne basecoat lines and finishing systems.
- AkzoNobel: Sikkens and Dulux brands offer automotive refinish products with extensive color formulas and training programs.
- Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes: A major aftermarket supplier with comprehensive basecoat/clearcoat systems and global availability.
- Kansai Paint: A leading regional player in Asia and growing presence in other regions, with compatible refinishes and OEM programs.
- Nippon Paint: A major Asia-focused provider with global reach and partnerships across repair networks.
These brands dominate large networks of collision shops and tend to offer the most complete color libraries, extensive training, and strong R&D pipelines. Regional leaders may differ, but these companies shape the standard options available to most shops worldwide.
OEM vs aftermarket paint systems
Automotive paint programs differ between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) finishes and aftermarket refinishing. The right choice depends on the customer's needs, shop capabilities, and the vehicle in question.
- OEM finishes are calibrated for long-term performance on original vehicle panels and may come with strict color and process specifications; they often rely on two-component urethane systems with a clearcoat layer for durability.
- Aftermarket refinishes rely on a mix-and-match ecosystem of basecoats and clearcoats available to body shops; color libraries are extensive and updated regularly, with many systems offering waterborne options to meet VOC regulations.
- Both segments emphasize color matching, but OEMs typically provide manufacturer-prescribed formulas via authorized suppliers, while shops rely on refinish catalogs and computerized color matching for repairs.
In practice, body shops choose the system that best aligns with their equipment, technician training, environmental rules, and the car owner's expectations for durability and appearance.
Regional market highlights
Market leadership varies by region, reflecting regulatory environments, automotive production, and local service networks. The major global players are supported by strong regional brands and distributors.
North America
- PPG, Axalta, and Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes are dominant players in both OEM and aftermarket networks here; color libraries and training are widely available.
- Local partnerships with OEMs and collision chains shape the preferred systems in repair shops and dealership service centers.
In North America, shops often weigh environmental compliance, fast turnaround times, and access to reliable technical support when selecting a paint system.
Europe and the Middle East
- AkzoNobel, PPG, and Sherwin-Williams maintain strong footprints, with Kansai and Nippon Paint expanding in some markets.
- Regulatory emphasis on low-VOC waterborne systems has accelerated adoption of modern basecoat/clearcoat technologies.
European shops value long-term color stability and a broad network of approved body shops and training programs, driving consistent color performance across brands.
Asia-Pacific and Latin America
- Kansai Paint and Nippon Paint are major regional players; international brands from PPG, Axalta, and AkzoNobel are widely used as well.
- Local manufacturing and distributor networks help deliver fast color updates for popular regional vehicles and markets.
In these regions, the mix of waterborne and solvent-based systems is influenced by local regulations and vehicle mix, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and throughput.
Choosing the best fit for your shop
Shop owners and body technicians evaluate several practical factors when selecting a paint system. The following considerations guide a decision that aligns with capabilities and customer expectations.
- Equipment compatibility: Does the system work with existing spray equipment, booth ventilation, and curing methods?
- Training and support: Are there accessible technical resources, color libraries, and on-site training?
- Regulatory compliance: Are VOC limits and environmental regulations met by the system?
- Color library quality and repair coverage: How quickly can you match popular colors and complete repairs without blending issues?
- Cost of materials and throughput: What is the per-car cost and how does it affect shop efficiency?
Ultimately, the best paint system for a shop is the one that balances performance, cost, and service availability in the local market and meets the owner's reputation and warranty goals.
Summary
The automotive paint landscape is shaped by a handful of global leaders who provide both OEM and refinishing programs. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to "who makes the best automotive paint" because needs vary by vehicle, region, and shop capability. In practice, PPG, Axalta, AkzoNobel, Sherwin-Williams, Kansai Paint, and Nippon Paint consistently rank highly for color accuracy, durability, and support, and the best choice hinges on your specific application, regulatory environment, and service network.
