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Winter 2005 - Article 1

Wood Finishes and VOC's
Water-Based Coatings Positioned
for Growth

Essential’s Sport Kote® customers are positioned for tremendous growth opportunities in 2005. Why? On January 1, 2005, new VOC regulations (350 g/L or less) became effective in six eastern states along with the District of Columbia. Three more states will be joining the VOC regulation bandwagon in 2006 (see chart below). With a lengthy existing list and the addition of new states on a regular basis, this is a tremendous opportunity to increase Sport Kote sales.

In effect, states are pushing users towards water-based finishes. Sport Kote has a VOC level of less than 275 g/L. This puts it well within all existing regulations. The benefits of Sport Kote are well known but worth repeating. It is easy to prep and apply, dries and cures quickly, has a low odor, is easy to clean up and performs like an oil-modified coating.

Users who continue to use non-compliant products in states with restrictions also face the possibility of fines. Users can be fined up to $500 per gallon for use of non-compliant products such as high solvent OMU's. Distributors can be fined up to $4,000 per offense and manufacturers up to $10,000 per offense. Hence, it makes practical and economic sense to switch to Sport Kote water-based finish.