Industrial Coatings Made Easy: A Deep Dive into PPG Selemix

Why the PPG Selemix Paint System Matters for Light Industrial Coating

The PPG Selemix paint system is a comprehensive, modular coating solution designed for light industrial applications. It offers a complete range of solvent-based systems, including primers, topcoats, and ancillary products for almost any industrial coating need.

Quick Overview: What You Need to Know

• What it is: A flexible, professional-grade industrial paint system from PPG Industries.
• Key advantage: Modular design with concentrated colour bases and multiple binder options.
• Colour range: Access to nearly 10,000 formulations, including Australian Standard Colours, RAL, PANTONE®, British Standard, and NCS.
• Product types: 2K Polyurethane, 2K Acrylic, 2K Epoxy, Hammer finish, Direct To Metal systems, Tintable Etching primer, Performance Enamel Topcoat and much more.
• Applications: Machinery, agricultural equipment, structural steel, transport, and general manufacturing.
• Quality standard: ISO 12944 certified for the light industrial coating market.

For coating industrial equipment, machinery, or structural steel, you need a system that delivers consistent colour, long-term durability, and chemical resistance. The Selemix system achieves this through a clever approach: concentrated colour bases (tinters) are combined with different binders to create thousands of colour and finish combinations. This gives you access to a massive colour range without needing to store hundreds of pre-mixed cans.

At Eastern Auto Paints, we've supplied Selemix products and even entire paint syatems to manufacturers and refinishers across Australia for years. This guide draws on our experience to walk you through the entire Selemix ecosystem, from understanding the core concepts to selecting the right products and navigating safety requirements for professional results.

What is the PPG Selemix Paint System?

The PPG Selemix paint system is PPG Industries' purpose-built solution for the light industrial coating market. It is a comprehensive, modular system that delivers professional-grade results across a huge range of applications, from agricultural machinery to structural steel.

Backed by PPG, a global coatings manufacturer founded in 1883, the Selemix brand benefits from extensive research, development, and quality control. What makes Selemix different is its modular design. Instead of stocking hundreds of pre-mixed colours, the system uses concentrated colour bases (tinters) and a range of binders. This intelligent approach creates incredible flexibility, allowing you to formulate countless colours and finishes from a streamlined inventory.

The system includes both one-pack and two-pack (2K) formulations. Whether you need a fast-drying topcoat or a corrosion-resistant primer, there is a Selemix configuration for your project. The entire range is certified to ISO 12944 quality standards, ensuring proven performance backed by rigorous testing for the light industrial market.

You can explore the online range at our Selemix Coatings page. Please note not all products are available for purchase online as of yet, for more detailed information follow this link https://en.selemix.com/en/products/system-finder/#

The Core Concept: Binders and Tinters

The Selemix system revolves around two key components: binders and tinters.

• Tinters are concentrated colour bases that create the required colour.
• Binders are the chemical foundation that determines the paint's performance, including durability, flexibility, chemical resistance, and drying characteristics.

By combining the right tinter with the appropriate binder, you create a custom formulation on demand. This mixing scheme delivers remarkable flexibility, allowing you to meet exact project specifications while maintaining consistent quality. A major practical benefit is dramatically reduced stock holding. Instead of warehousing dozens of pre-mixed colours, you keep a compact inventory of tinters and binders that can create thousands of combinations when needed.

A Partner in Performance

At Eastern Auto Paints, we see the PPG Selemix paint system as a genuine partner in achieving professional results. It is engineered to improve efficiency and productivity in your coating operations. The modular system means less time searching for colours and more time painting.

The system also delivers a smart cost balance, as you are not paying for extensive inventory or wasting material on rarely used colours. PPG backs Selemix with dedicated technical support, providing access to specialists who can recommend the right system for tricky substrates or challenging conditions. Most importantly, Selemix delivers long-lasting results with industrial-grade protection that stands up to UV exposure, chemicals, and harsh Australian conditions.

Key Benefits and Diverse Applications

The PPG Selemix paint system is engineered for demanding work environments where coatings face daily challenges. The formulations offer key benefits essential for industrial assets.

Built for Real-World Demands

• High Durability: Stands up to constant wear and tear on sites and in the field.
• Chemical Resistance: Protects equipment from oils, fuels, and aggressive industrial substances.
• UV Stability: Maintains colour and gloss even after prolonged sun exposure, preventing fading and chalking.
• Corrosion Protection: Provides a robust defence against rust, extending equipment lifespan.
• High-Quality Finish: Delivers a high gloss finish that is easy to clean and maintain, with options for custom gloss levels to match brand standards.

Industries Served by Selemix

The versatility of the PPG Selemix paint system allows it to adapt to a wide range of sectors.

• Agricultural and Construction Machinery: Coatings that handle UV exposure, abrasion, and contact with chemicals, fertilisers, and hydraulic fluids.
• Commercial Transport: Ensures brand colour and finish consistency for fleet operators across different climates.
• Structural Steel: Primers and topcoats work together to shield steel beams and infrastructure from rust and environmental degradation.
• General Industrial Manufacturing: Provides protection and a quality finish for everything from electrical cabinets to production line components, shop fittings, and equipment in the oil and gas industry.

Common Application Examples

We have worked with customers across Australia who have achieved outstanding outcomes with the PPG Selemix paint system.

• Refurbishing used equipment: A proper Selemix refinish on assets like used generators can significantly increase resale value.
• Coating earth-moving equipment: Finishes tough enough for construction sites, resisting impacts from rocks and debris.
• Finishing international fleet liveries: The system's colour-matching capabilities ensure branding is identical across all vehicles, regardless of location.
• Painting airport ground support vehicles: High-visibility colours and extreme durability are critical for safety and operational efficiency.

A Deep Dive into Selemix Products and Technologies

PPG offers digital resources like the System Finder and Product Finder to help you select the right solution. These tools recommend the most appropriate Selemix system and products based on your project specifics. Detailed Technical Data Sheets (TDS) provide mixing ratios, application guidelines, and safety information.

It is also important to understand the difference between one-pack (1K) and two-pack (2K) systems. 1K systems are ready to use and dry via solvent evaporation, making them convenient. 2K systems require a hardener to be mixed in, triggering a chemical reaction that creates a much harder, more durable finish.

Exploring the PPG Selemix Paint System Topcoats and Primers

The strength of the PPG Selemix paint system is its range of chemistries, each engineered for specific performance characteristics.

• 2K Polyurethane: The workhorse for durability, chemical resistance, and UV stability in harsh environments.
• 2K Acrylic: Excellent gloss and colour stability with fast drying, great for solid colours.
• 2K Epoxy: Superior adhesion, toughness, and chemical resistance; used as primer or robust topcoat.
• Rapid Drying Enamel: Fast drying for quicker project turnaround in general industrial applications.
• Performance Enamel Topcoat: Improved durability and finish quality for more demanding industrial needs.
• Hammer Finish Enamel: A unique, textured finish that effectively hides surface imperfections while providing robust protection.
• Direct To Metal (DTM): Combines primer and topcoat for streamlined application and corrosion protection.
• Tintable Etch Primer: Offers superior adhesion and corrosion resistance, especially on challenging metal surfaces, and can be tinted for optimal topcoat coverage.

Best Colour Matching Capabilities

Colour accuracy is critical for brand consistency and safety compliance. The PPG Selemix paint system provides access to almost 10,000 colour formulations.

This library covers all major international standards, including RAL, British Standard (BS), PANTONE®, and NCS (Natural Colour System). It also includes specific references for transport, agricultural, and industrial equipment. This capability is powered by PPG's PaintManager software and the physical SELEMIX® TICS Colour Box. At Eastern Auto Paints, our trained staff use this technology to achieve precise colour matches, and can even produce custom aerosol solutions.

Essential Ancillary Products

A complete system requires the right supporting products.

• Hardeners: Essential for 2K systems to trigger the chemical reaction for a durable cure.
• Thinners: Adjust paint viscosity for your application method and conditions. Standard and slow options are available to control drying times.
• Degreasers: Critical for removing contaminants like oil and grease to ensure proper adhesion.
• Additives: Provide fine control over paint behaviour, such as improving flow or reducing gloss.

We stock the full range of Selemix ancillaries. You can Shop for hardeners and reducers and other essentials online.

Safety, Compliance, and Application Best Practices

Working safely with industrial coatings like the PPG Selemix paint system is fundamental. At Eastern Auto Paints, we know that quality outcomes start with safe practices.

First, always use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). For 2K systems, this means quality respirators or air-fed masks, chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing. Adequate ventilation is also critical to disperse solvent vapours. For larger projects, dedicated spraying shelters can contain overspray and improve air quality.

The PPG Selemix paint system is compatible with various application methods, including conventional spray and air-assisted airless systems. Mastering your chosen technique is key to a professional result.

Understanding VOCs and Isocyanates

The PPG Selemix paint system includes products that address evolving environmental and safety standards.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that contribute to air pollution. Selemix offers both solvent-borne and water-based options. The water-based alternatives comply with stricter regulations, reduce solvent emissions, and create a healthier working environment.

Isocyanates, found in many 2K polyurethane products, require serious attention. When sprayed, they become airborne and can cause severe health problems if inhaled. Recent legislation mandates that anyone handling products containing isocyanates must complete specific online training. This certification is mandatory. We strongly recommend completing this training and always using appropriate respiratory protection, like an Air Fed Mask, when spraying these materials.

Achieving a Flawless Finish

• Surface Preparation: Success starts here. Always consult your Selemix product's Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for precise cleaning, degreasing, and sanding steps. Preparation varies significantly by product and substrate.
• Correct Mixing Ratios: For multi-component systems, exact ratios of paint, hardener, and thinner are critical for proper curing. Always refer to the product's TDS for these specific details.
• Choosing the Right Spray Gun: Your Selemix product's TDS often recommends specific spray gun types, nozzle sizes, and pressure settings for optimal atomization and a smooth finish.
• Application Technique: While general techniques apply, specific Selemix products may have unique requirements for flash times, coats, or film thickness. These vital details are always in the TDS.
• Applying Clear Coats: If your system includes a clear coat, its application specifics are detailed in the relevant TDS. For any questions on these steps, contact PPG customer service or Eastern Auto Paints.

Frequently Asked Questions about the PPG Selemix Paint System

Here are answers to the most common questions about the PPG Selemix paint system.

What makes the Selemix system so versatile?

The Selemix system's versatility comes from its modular design. It combines a wide range of binders with concentrated tinter bases, allowing for the creation of various paint technologies, from durable 2K epoxies to fast-drying acrylics. This enables it to cater to countless industrial substrates and applications, all from a single, streamlined mixing scheme.

Can I get a specific brand colour, like for a tractor or piece of machinery?

Yes. The PPG Selemix paint system provides access to almost 10,000 colour formulations via PPG's PaintManager software. This includes specific colour references for major agricultural and machinery equipment manufacturers, international fleet liveries, and all major international colour standards like RAL, British Standard (BS), and PANTONE®. At Eastern Auto Paints, our advanced colour-matching technology ensures we can mix the perfect shade for your project.

Is Selemix suitable for direct-to-metal application?

Yes, the Selemix range includes specific Direct To Metal (DTM) products. These are designed to provide excellent adhesion and corrosion protection on properly prepared metal substrates, streamlining the painting process by combining the primer and topcoat into a single application. While DTM products are highly effective, for projects requiring maximum corrosion protection, we still recommend using a dedicated primer system like our EPO 2K Primers before applying the topcoat.

If you have specific questions, our expert team at Eastern Auto Paints is here to help. Contact us for personalised advice.

Your Partner for Industrial Coating Success

For any industrial coating project, from refurbishing agricultural equipment to finishing structural steel, you need a system that delivers reliable, professional results. The PPG Selemix paint system is that solution.

We have covered how its modular design, diverse chemistries, and extensive colour-matching capabilities provide the versatility to handle any job. The durability and chemical resistance built into these coatings ensure your projects will stand up to harsh industrial environments, extending asset life and reducing maintenance costs.

At Eastern Auto Paints, we've supported professionals across Australia for over 34 years. We're proud to be an authorised distributor for PPG products, including the full Selemix range. Our Melbourne-based team serves the entire country, combining advanced colour-matching technology with practical know-how. This means your project, from Victoria to Queensland, to SA and beyond, gets precisely what it needs.

Ready to experience the difference a professional-grade industrial coating system can make? Explore our full range of industrial mixed colours to see how Selemix can lift your next project. For detailed product info and all current Technical Data Sheets (TDS), visit the official PPG SELEMIX information site: selemix.com. For personalised advice, Contact Us today