Ford is currently testing, with US transport company U-Haul, what they believe may be a more economical and environmentally friendly method of refinishing than water-based technology. Called ‘3-Wet’, the high-solids formulation contains more colour pigment and thus requires less paint to cover a vehicle.

The primer, colour coat and clear coat are all applied one-on-top-of-another and then baked once, rather than baking the paint in between coats. Although solvent based, Ford claims the paint method produces less air pollution than waterborne paints and has the bonus of using existing solvent-based spraying techniques and equipment. The 3-Wet paint formulation contains newly developed polymers and other additives that prevent running and sagging during the application process.