AkzoNobel launches Sikkens Autoclear Optima to help bodyshops increase throughput and reduce energy use

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AkzoNobel has introduced Sikkens Autoclear® Optima, a new high-performance clearcoat developed to help bodyshops improve productivity, maintain premium finish quality and support more sustainable refinishing operations.

Designed specifically for the demands of modern automotive repair environments, the latest addition to the Sikkens range combines rapid processing times, advanced finish performance and energy-efficient drying technology within a single solution.

Developed for today’s increasingly fast-paced repair sector, Sikkens Autoclear Optima has been engineered to help bodyshops meet growing pressure to increase throughput while managing operational costs and maintaining consistently high repair standards.

The product has been designed to integrate seamlessly into existing workshop processes while helping technicians work more efficiently across a wide range of repair applications.

Completing the Optima System for modern refinishing

Autoclear Optima completes the full Optima System and has been specifically formulated to work alongside Autowave® Optima and Autosurfacer® Optima. Together, the system provides a fully integrated refinishing solution from preparation through to final finish, supporting greater consistency and process reliability throughout the repair cycle.

By combining the three products into one compatible refinishing workflow, AkzoNobel aims to help bodyshops reduce process complexity while improving repair speed and finish quality.

The complete system has been developed to deliver the premium standards long associated with the Sikkens brand while also helping workshops increase operational efficiency and reduce unnecessary downtime.

As demand continues to rise for faster vehicle turnaround times and more sustainable repair methods, bodyshops are increasingly looking for technologies that can support both performance and energy reduction objectives. The Optima System has therefore been designed with low-temperature curing capability and reduced energy demand at its core.

Low-temperature curing helps reduce energy consumption

One of the key advantages of Sikkens Autoclear Optima is its flexible drying capability, allowing technicians to choose the most suitable curing method for their workflow and production targets. The system supports reduced booth occupancy times while still maintaining high-quality finishing results.

Drying options include:

Low bake: Ready to handle from 7 minutes at 40°C
High bake: From 5 minutes at 50°C
Ambient drying: From 50 minutes at 20°C*

*Dry to handle time, depending on repair size and method used.

The fast low-temperature bake capability allows bodyshops to increase productivity while helping reduce long-term energy costs. At the same time, the ambient drying option offers workshops an opportunity to significantly reduce energy consumption during the refinishing process, supporting wider sustainability goals and helping businesses manage rising energy prices more effectively.

For UK bodyshops facing increasing pressure to improve efficiency and reduce operational expenditure, energy-saving paint technologies are becoming an increasingly important investment area. Low bake automotive coatings and fast curing clearcoats are now playing a major role in helping repair centres balance profitability with environmental performance.

Designed to improve bodyshop productivity

Autoclear Optima has been developed with technician usability and workflow efficiency in mind. The product features a smooth 1.5-coat one-stop application process designed to reduce material consumption and shorten application times without compromising finish quality.

Its consistent flow characteristics and high gloss performance help technicians achieve an OEM-level finish across a wide range of repairs. The simple 100:50 mixing ratio also supports faster preparation and helps minimise the risk of application errors within busy workshop environments.

Additional benefits include a wide humidity-independent application window, allowing dependable performance across varying workshop conditions. Technicians also benefit from easy polishing capability, whether immediately after curing or the following day, providing greater operational flexibility for repair scheduling and finishing processes.

The Optima System has also been designed to streamline materials management by removing the need for hardener in basecoats or pre-coats. This simplified approach can help reduce material waste, improve stock efficiency and support more cost-effective workshop operations.

Supporting sustainable automotive repair operations

Sustainability continues to become a major focus across the automotive refinishing sector as bodyshops work to reduce carbon emissions, energy usage and material waste. Rising electricity costs and increasing environmental expectations are driving demand for more energy-efficient repair technologies that do not compromise turnaround times or finish quality.

Solutions such as Sikkens Autoclear Optima are helping workshops transition towards more sustainable repair practices by lowering curing temperatures and reducing overall energy demand during the refinishing process. Combined with shorter drying cycles and reduced process times, these technologies can also help improve workshop capacity utilisation and operational output.

For high-volume repair centres, this combination of energy efficiency and productivity improvement can provide significant long-term commercial benefits while supporting wider environmental objectives.

Industry response to the launch

Commenting on the launch Rob Lagendijk, Director of Marketing & Product Management Automotive & Specialty Coatings, AkzoNobel said: “Bodyshops are under increasing pressure to improve repair throughput while controlling energy costs and maintaining finish quality.

Autoclear Optima has been developed to help customers achieve that balance through fast drying, broad application flexibility and full system compatibility. It supports more efficient processes, lower energy use and consistent, high-quality results.”

UK and European rollout underway

Sikkens Autoclear Optima is now available across the Netherlands, UK and Germany, with rollout continuing across additional international markets over the coming months.

The launch further strengthens AkzoNobel’s position within the automotive refinishing sector and reflects the wider industry trend towards integrated, energy-efficient bodyshop repair systems designed to improve throughput, reduce environmental impact and maintain premium finish standards.

For more information about Sikkens Autoclear Optima or to explore the full Optima System for your workshop, visit Sikkens UK or contact your local Sikkens commercial representative.