GM Files Patent For Multi-Tone Paint Application

GM has filed a patent application for a multi-tone paint application process. The application was assigned patent number US 2025/0050378 A1 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and was published on February 13^th, 2025. The GM patent application was originally submitted on August 7^th, 2023, and lists several U.S.-based engineers as the inventors, including Hua-tzu Fan, Marcel James Isrow, Ryan J. Odegaard, John Patrick Spicer, Michael J. Moore, Robert Dale Burns, and Jorge F. Arinez.

It’s unclear if the paint application process outlined in this particular patent is already in use, as SAIC-GM is now offering two-tone Buick models in the Chinese market, as GM Authority covered previously.

The multi-tone paint application process described in the GM patent application outlines a way to apply multiple paint colors to a vehicle with greater precision and reduced processing time. The process begins with applying a base coat of a single color to the entire vehicle, which is then cured using a traditional oven-baking method. Once the base color is set, a second color is applied selectively to specific areas of the vehicle using a non-atomizing paint applicator. This technique ensures that the paint is placed only where intended, preventing overspray and reducing the need for extensive masking. Rather than requiring another round of oven curing, the second paint layer is hardened instantly using ultraviolet light.

This method can be repeated for additional colors, with each new layer applied and cured using the same UV light exposure. Notably, this system allows for intricate multi-tone designs, including stripes, waves, logos, and geometric shapes, offering more flexibility when it comes to vehicle customization. The use of UV curing speeds up the process significantly compared to conventional methods, which rely on multiple rounds of oven baking. It also reduces energy consumption, making the process more efficient and potentially more environmentally friendly. The elimination of overspray and masking requirements further streamlines production, saving time and labor while improving overall paint quality.

Compared to traditional multi-tone painting techniques, which typically require separate spraying and curing steps for each color, this new method simplifies the process. Conventional approaches can also lead to paint bleed, long processing times, and higher costs due to the complexity of masking and additional curing stages.