Coatings World - January 2013

PPG Brings Innovations to the Classroom

As part of an ongoing community outreach program, PPG Automotive Refinish business development manager Steve Topczewski and elite painters Jeremy Seanor and Jason Lutton recently went to Hudson Middle School, Hudson, Ohio and spent the day providing eighth grade students with an insider’s look at automotive refinish color and technology.

PPG’s experts brought in painted panels and shared the intrica-cies of paint application and its technological advancements with five art-and-technology classes taught by Terry Stump. The classes combine computer skills such as Adobe Photoshop, GarageBand for iMovies, and Quicktime with the rigorous and creative demands of drawing and design, the science surrounding cars, racing and fuel and the practical use of all these skills in a business setting.

Students listened and watched as Seanor, a pinstriper, and Lutton, an applications expert, demonstrated a range of refinish possibilities. Using free-hand techniques, Seanor pinstriped daggers, flames and various abstract designs. Lutton focused on colors and effects including metallics and flakes. Seanor and

“It’s important for these kids
to know there’s an industry
ready to embrace their talent,
creativity, ideas and energy.”

Lutton also discussed the new advances in waterborne coatings and their benefits. In addition the PPG representatives spoke about career opportunities in the automotive refinish industry.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to become involved with a local school system,” said Cristina Fronzaglia, communications manager, PPG Automotive Refinish. “It’s important for these kids to know there’s an industry ready to embrace their talent, creativity, ideas and energy.” CW

PPG painter Jason Lutton shows students in Terry Stump’s art-and-technology class at Hudson Middle School in Ohio a flame-painted panel. Lutton joined Steve Topczewski, PPG business development manager, automotive refinish, and fellow painter Jeremy Seanor at the school to demonstrate and discuss painting techniques and technology.