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ColorBox

A Family History at the Service of Auto Body Repairers

Since 1948, we have been serving your interests!

The adventure begins

1948 – The adventure begins

It all began in 1948. Maurice and Pierrette, our grandparents, laid the foundations of our automotive paint distribution company in a France that was just emerging from the war.

At that time, nitrocellulose-based clears were used, air-drying with a long curing time... but a true revolution compared to pre-war artisanal techniques.
Then came the alkyd (or glyceryl phthalate) paints, more resistant, glossy, and compatible with oven baking. This decade laid the groundwork for the professionalization of workshops.

The Technological Shift

1970s–80s – The Technological Shift

In 1968, while Parisians were busy throwing cobblestones in front of the Sorbonne, Michel succeeded his parents and took over the reins of the company, which he would develop brilliantly by forming partnerships with the largest brands. At that time, we became one of the very first distributors of Dupont de Nemours® paints. Michel established partnerships with the most innovative and high-quality brands (3M, PPG, AkzoNobel, Lechler, ...). It was also during the 1970s that the automotive industry introduced two-component polyurethane paints (2K): a leap forward in chemical and mechanical resistance. Then, in 1978, the switch was made to the two-coat system: a colored matte base, followed by a clear coat that ensures shine and long-lasting durability. This system, initially reserved for luxury, became the norm in the 1980s. We also saw the emergence of the first issues with peeling on some poorly formulated clears... which had to be corrected with new hardeners and resins. And what about us? Present in the workshops, closely following product developments, advising, delivering, training, correcting.
The discreet arrival of hydro

1990s – The discreet arrival of hydro

It was in the 1990s that the first waterborne basecoats appeared in automotive production lines, particularly in Germany.
These water-based paints—more environmentally friendly and with lower solvent content—were already responding to increasing environmental pressure.

However, in body shops, the reception was initially mixed:

  • They require controlled temperature and humidity
  • They dry more slowly than solvent-based paints without suitable equipment
  • They require specific spray guns and nozzles

True to our role as a field partner, we began offering these new formulas to pioneering body shops, while providing close technical support.

These were the beginnings of an inevitable shift, which the 2007 regulations would abruptly accelerate.

VOC standards: less solvents, more tips

2007 – VOC standards: less solvents, more tips

In 2007, Europe imposed new limits on VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions. Solvent-based bases gradually disappeared, replaced by waterborne bases, which are healthier for painters and safer for the environment.
This is not just a change in formula: it is a change in approach. It requires rethinking the technique, the equipment, and the drying conditions.

Birth of ColorBox

2010 – Birth of ColorBox

On June 30, 2010, ColorBox, the first e-commerce site for automotive paint and consumables dedicated to professional body repair specialists, was launched not only in France but also in Europe.

This site is a revolution in the industry: ColorBox puts the body repair specialist back on a pedestal! We truly innovate:

  • Direct access to the best brands
  • Savings of at least 30%
  • Short supply chains, massive stocks
  • Available immediately
  • Technical advice, not just talk

We offer online what body repair specialists didn't even dare to ask their distributors for: freedom.

The best brands, without detours

The best brands, without detours

Paints and related products:
Cromax · Ixell · Standox · Spies Hecker · PPG · Nexa Autocolor · Max Meyer · RM · Glasurit · Sikkens · Lechler · Lesonal

Consumables and tools:
3M · Norton Saint-Gobain · Sata · Devilbiss · Gys · Mirka · Sifa · Henkel · Sia Abrasives · Farécla

We provide everything you need, from primers to clears, abrasives to spray guns, fillers to sanders, including detailing, masking, PPE, and more.

Shifting into high gear

2021 – Shifting into high gear

With the support of the Ciclad fund, we are investing in our logistics, our catalog, our customer service, our tech. The result?

  • More than 2 million products shipped
  • More than 18,000 auto body repair clients
  • Profitable, controlled, useful growth.

We are awarded the title of Best Automotive Distributor 2022, but what matters most: your loyalty.

Already 300 machines installed!

2025 – Already 300 machines installed!

In a few years, ColorBox has transitioned from a local distributor to a national and European distributor through digital means.

Why are our machines so successful? The quality of the paint brands (colorimetry!), the expertise of our technicians, fair pricing, and the freedom guaranteed to body shops.

This same year is marked by the merger with the French industrial group Novarc. This new step provides us with more resources to go further, faster, stronger — without ever losing what defines our identity: the agility of an SME, a culture of service, and the freedom to think differently.

We give you back

From the very first day, we give you back control. Over your margins. Over your suppliers. Over your autonomy. Freedom to choose. To compare. To order whenever you want. To no longer depend on a salesperson who "sees what they can do." And we are proud of that!

Automotive painter giving a thumbs up