Paint Maker ADAS Radar Optimized Color Resources: Axalta

Posted on 13 March 2024

Changes in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) radar technology are introducing new refinishing considerations. We know that paint film thickness can affect the performance of ADAS radars, but color formula selection may also be a contributing factor. What resources do repairers have available? Let’s see what Axalta has to offer.

We reached out to Axalta for available resources relating to ADAS radar optimized color formulas. Our contact provided the following:

Axalta Coating Systems Technical Bulletin Advance Driver Assistance Systems

Overview on why Radar Approved Paint formulas are created
Shows how Axalta designates Radar Approved Paint formulas in ColorNet

Axalta Coating Systems Automotive Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Considerations

Quick guide for Radar Approved Paint
Tips for retrieval, preparation, and painting

Axalta Advanced Driver Assistance Systems technical bulletin states:

"Certain types of coatings can affect ADAS differently than others. Coatings that contain high concentrations of aluminum can cause decreased radar signal transmission, negatively affecting ADAS operation. When the radar signal is blocked by a coating, the ability to accurately detect objects can be affected."
"For colors where the radar transmission loss exceeds the threshold set by the vehicle manufacturer, in certain circumstances, Axalta will be able to create a Radar Approved Paint formulas ("Radar Approved Paint”) that will not affect the radar system."
"In ColorNet, Radar Approved Paint formulas will now have an icon associated with them... ColorNet will also display a pop-up message that will read: “This formula was created to facilitate radar transmission.""

Improper color selection and application may cause ADAS to malfunction and potentially fail. Check OEM repair information to identify what restrictions may apply to the repairs you are considering. Always verify that the ADAS is functioning properly after completing repairs.

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:

Related I-CAR Courses

Toyota/Lexus/Scion Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Thursday, 28 July 2016
As the industry continues to ask if pre- and post-repair system scanning is necessary, Toyota/Lexus/Scion provides their answer.
Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Statements Wednesday, 9 January 2019
Are you wondering if a particular OEM or organization has a published statement on pre-repair and post-repair scanning? We have compiled a list of most of the statements on the subject, so you can...
ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot Monday, 14 January 2019
Since advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), scanning, and calibration first started becoming relevant, members of the collision repair industry have required as much knowledge as possible on...
BMW Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE Friday, 10 April 2020
BMW has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning. The statement applies to All vehicles equipped with on board diagnostics II (OBD II).
Honda/Acura Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE Wednesday, 22 May 2019
Honda /Acura has updated their position statement on pre- and post-repair scanning to give more clarification on what is expected for scanning.
Quickly Identifying Outer Quarter Panels w/Rolled Hem Flanges Monday, 5 March 2018
The I-CAR best practice article, Recycled Outer Quarter Panels w/Rolled Hem Flanges has gotten a lot of interest from the collision repair industry. It’s important to know which vehicles are...
General Motors Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Friday, 21 October 2016
As the industry continues to ask, are pre- and post-repair scans necessary, General Motors provides their answer.
Restraints Wiring Repairs Monday, 23 May 2016
Over the past few months, we've been sharing OEM position statements on restraints wiring repairs. Now we're bringing them all together in one place for easy reference.
FCA/Stellantis Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning Thursday, 9 June 2016
FCA/Stellantis has released a position statement related to pre- and post-repair system scanning.
Typical Calibration Requirements For Forward Radar Sensors Wednesday, 12 October 2016
Technicians should be aware of what’s required to keep advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) running safely after a collision. Whether that be aiming a camera, which can cause a system to not...

Back-To-Basics: Squeeze-Type Resistance Spot Welder Maintenance Friday, 17 April 2026
Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Squeeze-type resistance spot welder (STRSW) maintenance is essential to ensure it functions...
Ford On Target 2026: Volume 1 Tuesday, 14 April 2026
Ford has released the first installment of their On Target publication for 2026.
I-CAR Repairers Realm: Plastic Repair Solutions - Coming Soon Monday, 13 April 2026
I-CAR is having a discussion on advancements in plastic repair.
Volvo Collision Repair And Electromechanical Repair Overview Courses Friday, 10 April 2026
I-CAR has developed courses that provide an overview of collision repair and electromechanical repair for current Volvo vehicles.
Honda/Acura Oil Requirements For A/C Systems With R-1234yf: UPDATE Thursday, 9 April 2026
Did you notice the A/C refrigerant that is in the 2016 Honda Civic? It's R-1234yf and it’s no typo that Honda is requiring POE compressor oil for this system and not PAG (like other OEMs).
Body Repair Manual Symbols: Mazda Wednesday, 8 April 2026
While looking at repair procedures in a body repair manual (BRM) you may notice that symbols are used to indicate specific operations or parts to be used during the repair process. Most BRMs provide a...
Backup Battery And Low-Voltage Disconnect: General Motors Friday, 27 March 2026
When an accident happens, how will you call for help? Maybe the telematics system, equipped with a backup battery, could automatically do this, even if the main power is cut off. What are the repair...
Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: Tesla - UPDATE Thursday, 26 March 2026
A simple bumper repair on a modern vehicle may not be as simple as it seems. New technologies like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)...
Repairers Realm: FCA/Stellantis Corrosion Protection Updates - Now Available Wednesday, 25 March 2026
I-CAR discussed aluminum corrosion protection with FCA/Stellantis.
Genesis Position Statement: Pre- and Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE Friday, 20 March 2026
Genesis has a position statement relating to pre- and post-repair system scanning.

Paint Maker ADAS Radar Optimized Color Resources: Axalta

Related I-CAR Courses

Top Ten Vehicle Specific Questions

Top Ten I-CAR Specific Questions