Imron vs Cromax vs Nason: Axalta Coatings | StrobelsSupply

Imron vs. Cromax vs. Nason: The Complete Axalta Paint Systems Comparison

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Key Takeaway: Axalta makes three primary refinish paint systems Imron (maximum durability for industrial and fleet use), Cromax (professional collision repair speed and color accuracy), and Nason (budget-friendly refinishing for independent shops and DIYers). The right system depends on your application, your shop's setup, and your budget.

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If you've spent more than ten minutes searching for Axalta paint information, you've probably run into one wall over and over: Axalta makes a lot of paint lines, and almost nobody explains the differences clearly.

Imron. Cromax. Nason. Standox. Spies Hecker. ChromaSystem. The product list goes on.

This guide focuses on the three Axalta refinish lines that body shops, fleet managers, DIYers, and industrial applicators ask about most Imron, Cromax, and Nason and gives you a straight answer about which one belongs in your booth.

At Strobels Supply, we're an authorized Axalta distributor. We've helped customers across the industrial, automotive, and fleet sectors select the right Axalta system for their specific job. Here's what we know.

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What Is Axalta? (The DuPont Connection, Explained)

Before getting into the product comparison, one question comes up constantly: Is Axalta the same as DuPont?

The short answer is yes and no.

Axalta Coating Systems is the company that was formerly known as DuPont Performance Coatings. DuPont sold the division to The Carlyle Group in 2013, and it was rebranded as Axalta Coating Systems. The company traces its origins back to 1866 and has roots in the same German coatings firm (Herberts GmbH) that became DuPont's coatings arm.

The core paint formulations and brand names carried over. If you sprayed DuPont Imron on equipment in the 1990s, you're still buying Imron today it's just sold under the Axalta name. The same applies to Nason, which DuPont developed and Axalta continues to produce and develop.

Cromax replaced the older ChromaBase and ChromaSystem lines as Axalta modernized its waterborne and solvent-borne basecoat offerings.

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Axalta Imron: Industrial-Grade Durability

Imron is Axalta's flagship polyurethane enamel line, designed for applications that demand maximum toughness and longevity.

Imron has been the coating of choice for commercial trucks, locomotives, aircraft ground support equipment, and heavy industrial machinery for decades. It uses an isocyanate-based hardener system that cures to an extremely hard, chemically resistant film the kind of finish that holds up to jet fuel, road salt, UV exposure, and abrasive cleaning cycles.

What makes Imron different from other paints?

The key is the polyurethane chemistry. When Imron cures, the isocyanate and polyol components cross-link into a dense polymer network. The result is a film that resists:

• Chemical exposure (fuels, solvents, cleaning agents)
• UV degradation
• Abrasion and impact
• Corrosion, when applied over the correct primer system

Imron is available in multiple product versions, including Imron 3.5 HG+ (high-gloss polyurethane topcoat, widely used on locomotives and commercial vehicles) and Imron 2.1+ (a lower-VOC formulation for regulated environments). Imron Industrial products extend the line into aerospace and heavy manufacturing applications.

Who should use Imron?

• Fleet operators repainting commercial trucks, trailers, and buses
• Aviation ground support equipment maintenance
• Railroad and locomotive refinishing
• Industrial equipment OEMs and MRO operations
• Anyone who needs a finish that must last 10+ years in a harsh environment

Imron safety requirements

Imron requires specific PPE that isn't optional. The isocyanate hardeners used in polyurethane paint systems are serious respiratory hazards. A standard dust mask is not adequate.

At minimum, you need a supplied-air respirator (SAR) or a full-face respirator with organic vapor/P100 combination cartridges rated for isocyanates. Many professional applicators and safety officers require a continuous-flow fresh-air system when spraying Imron in any volume.

If you're spraying Imron for the first time, contact us before you set up your booth. We'll walk you through the SDS requirements and make sure you have the right PPE from our safety supply line.

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Axalta Cromax: Collision Shop Speed and Color Accuracy

Cromax is Axalta's professional collision repair system, built for body shops that need fast cycle times, accurate color matching, and consistent results across high volumes of vehicles.

Cromax is a waterborne basecoat and clearcoat system (with solvent-borne options) designed for the pace of a working body shop. It's the system behind Axalta's "coat and a half" application technology — Cromax Pro can deliver full coverage in fewer passes than traditional basecoats, cutting flash time and reducing material usage.

What makes Cromax different?

Cromax is engineered specifically for the automotive refinish workflow:

• Color matching technology: Cromax integrates with Axalta's digital color matching systems, giving shops access to accurate formulas for thousands of OEM colors across every major vehicle manufacturer.
• Waterborne and solvent options: Cromax Pro is the waterborne line; Cromax solvent-borne products are available where environmental regulations or shop setup make waterborne impractical.
• Cycle time focus: Cromax Pro is formulated for faster flash times and shorter bake cycles, which directly impacts throughput in a busy collision center.
• SelectClear clearcoat integration: Cromax works seamlessly with Axalta's SelectClear product family for a complete, integrated system from prep to topcoat.

Who should use Cromax?

• Collision repair centers doing high-volume OEM refinish work
• I-CAR trained technicians working on insurance-covered repairs
• Shops that have invested in proper waterborne spray equipment and booth setups
• Any operation where color accuracy and matching speed are business-critical

Cromax application note

Waterborne basecoats like Cromax Pro require specific spray gun setups and adequate air movement in the booth to achieve proper flash. If your booth wasn't designed for waterborne, upgrades may be needed before switching. We can help you assess what your current setup requires.

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Axalta Nason: Budget-Friendly Refinish for Independent Shops

Nason is Axalta's value-tier refinish line a complete paint system (primers, sealers, basecoats, topcoats, and clearcoats) designed for independent shops and cost-conscious applicators who still want professional results.

Nason has been around since 1947 (the brand predates even the DuPont era) and has a loyal following among small body shops, restoration hobbyists, and independent operators who want a reliable Axalta product without the premium price tag of Cromax or Imron.

What makes Nason different?

Nason is a solvent-borne system optimized for simplicity and accessibility:

• Full system lineup: Nason offers everything from etch primers and sealers to basecoats, single-stage enamels, and urethane clearcoats a complete refinish system that works together.
• Lower entry cost: Nason products are priced below Cromax, making the system accessible for shops that don't have the volume to justify a premium system investment.
• Straightforward application: Nason products are formulated to be forgiving for applicators who aren't spraying every day. The learning curve is flatter than Cromax Pro.
• Compatible equipment: Nason's solvent-borne chemistry works well with conventional HVLP spray guns and standard booth setups. No specialized waterborne equipment required.

Who should use Nason?

• Independent body shops on a tight materials budget
• Restoration hobbyists doing occasional full repaints
• Fleet maintenance operations repainting non-critical assets
• Shops that need a reliable Axalta system without the overhead of a full Cromax program

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Imron vs. Cromax vs. Nason: Side-by-Side Comparison

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Which Axalta System Is Right for You?

Not sure which line to choose? Use this quick guide:

Choose Imron if:

• You're painting commercial trucks, buses, trailers, or heavy equipment
• The finish needs to hold up to chemicals, fuel, or abrasive cleaning
• Long-term durability (10+ years) matters more than application speed
• You have or can acquire proper isocyanate PPE and a compliant spray environment

Choose Cromax if:

• You run a body shop doing collision repair and insurance work
• Color accuracy and OEM match are non-negotiable
• You want the fastest cycle times in a professional spray booth
• Your shop is equipped (or willing to equip) for waterborne application

Choose Nason if:

• You're an independent shop looking to lower materials costs without sacrificing quality
• You're a hobbyist or occasional applicator who wants a complete, manageable system
• You need a reliable Axalta product that works with conventional equipment and standard booth setups
• Budget is the primary constraint

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Where to Buy Axalta Coatings

Axalta products are sold through authorized distributors, not retail hardware stores. This matters because Axalta's paint systems are professional-grade products they require proper training, correct mixing ratios, and often specific PPE. Buying through an authorized distributor means you get the right product for your application, not just the product on the shelf.

Strobels Supply is an authorized Axalta distributor. We carry Imron, Cromax, Nason, and the full range of Axalta accessories including primers, reducers, hardeners, clearcoats, and mixing equipment. We can help you select the right system, confirm what PPE you need, and get your order placed quickly with typical lead times of 1–2 weeks on Axalta products.

[Browse Axalta products at StrobelsSupply.com →]

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Axalta the same as DuPont?

Axalta Coating Systems is the company formerly known as DuPont Performance Coatings. DuPont sold the division to The Carlyle Group in 2013, and it was rebranded as Axalta. The Imron and Nason product lines that DuPont developed are still produced and sold under the Axalta name today.

Is Imron paint still made?

Yes. Imron is an active Axalta product line available through authorized Axalta distributors. The current lineup includes Imron 3.5 HG+, Imron 2.1+, and Imron Industrial variants for different applications and VOC compliance requirements.

What respirator do I need for Imron paint?

Imron polyurethane enamels use isocyanate hardeners, which are a serious respiratory hazard. A standard dust mask or even a basic half-face respirator with organic vapor cartridges is not sufficient for spraying Imron. You need a supplied-air respirator (SAR) or a full-face unit with combination organic vapor/P100 isocyanate-rated cartridges. Many professional applicators use a continuous-flow fresh-air system. Always consult the product SDS before spraying.

What replaced DuPont Centari?

DuPont Centari was an acrylic enamel line that was discontinued as Axalta transitioned its product lineup. The closest current Axalta equivalents are products within the Nason line for value-tier enamel applications. For more specific cross-referencing from legacy DuPont products to current Axalta equivalents, contact us directly.

Is Nason paint good for a car restoration?

Yes. Nason is a complete, professional-grade refinish system that works well for restoration projects. It's particularly popular with hobbyists and independent shops because of its lower cost, conventional equipment compatibility, and full product lineup (primers through clearcoats). It won't deliver the cycle times or OEM color-match depth of Cromax, but for a restoration project where those factors aren't critical, Nason is a solid, reliable choice.

Can I use Cromax without a waterborne booth?

Cromax Pro is a waterborne basecoat system and does require adequate air movement in the booth to flash properly. Spraying waterborne in an unmodified solvent booth can result in extended flash times and potential quality issues. Axalta does offer solvent-borne Cromax products for shops that aren't set up for waterborne. Contact us to discuss your specific booth setup.

How do I order Axalta products from Strobels Supply?

You can browse and order Axalta products directly at strobelssupply.com/brands/axalta/, email [email protected], or call 844-836-4025. Typical lead time on Axalta products is 1–2 weeks. We can also help you request a quote for larger volume or custom orders.

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Strobels Supply is an authorized Axalta distributor serving industrial, automotive, and fleet customers. Our team has direct product knowledge across the Imron, Cromax, and Nason lines. Questions about your specific application? Contact us we'll help you get it right.