Automobile refinishing (repainting) is a source of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. The study was conducted to evaluate available techniques that can be used to reduce VOC emissions from this source. The document provides information on the steps involved in the refinishing process which result in emissions, available emission reduction techniques, VOC emission levels, VOC emission reductions, and costs associated with the reduction techniques. Techniques investigated include (1) reduced-VOC cleaners, (2) replacement of lacquers with enamels, (3) replacement of enamels with polyurethanes, (4) replacement of solvent-borne primers with waterborne primers, (5) replacement of conventional clearcoats with higher-solids clearcoats, (6) installation of cleanup solvent recovery systems, (7) replacement of conventional spray guns with higher transfer efficiency equipment, and (8) add-on controls. The primary conclusions from the study are: (1) the use of available techniques could result in VOC emission reductions ranging from 3-50% of the current estimated baseline emissions from typical refinishing shops; and (2) the annualized costs for many of the available techniques are less than the cost of current practices.

"October 1988." Prepared for Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards Includes bibliographical references. "EPA-450/3-88-009."