All you need to know about water based paint systems!

Here at Medford Auto Body, we use PPG water based paint systems on all of our paint jobs!

Water based paint systems are just that, water based. They don't have nearly as many chemicals as a solvent based paint, which was the most widely used type of paint. Recently, manufacturers and small shop owners have been switching over due to the ease and benefits of the water based product.

It's great for environment!

Water based paint systems are VOC (volatile organic compounds) compliant, which means the level of VOC in the paint is low and will adhere to the standards set by the state, county or region. The VOCs are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. They are compounds like formaldehyde or benzene, chemicals known to cause health problems, so they must be limited to help the environment and the people in it. Some states or regions, nowadays, even mandate that a water based system must be used.

But most shops have opted to switch to water based paint systems without being told to do so. They  find it to be a better refinishing system with easier cleanup.

While not only great for the environment, it has proven beneficial to painters as well. They don't have to be around noisy mixers, breath in a ton of chemicals and they have more time to get more parts painted. While the water based paint is better for the environment, it is still a chemical paint. So the painter should still wear protective clothing and face coverage.

The time saved by using this type of paint is worth it, alone. Customers definitely benefit from the money saved on labor and materials, which means more business from happy customers. There is also a lifetime guarantee for customers (as long as they own the vehicle), "Lifetime Paint Performance Guarantee".

Outside the booth

Inside the booth

 

Color matching is a breeze!

Toners

Painters are saving more time through easier color matching, using the digital color chips. They will no longer have to create their own color matching chips for each car, PPG already has them made up in the computer with a program called "Paint It". They simply enter the car's year, make and model to get the OEM color. Most OEM cars are painted with a water based system, about 70% of vehicles these days, which only adds to the benefits! This also saves on material by not wasting anything with a bad color matches. The better color matching helps with blending of other body panels. And doing touch ups on a car is easier now that smaller amounts can be mixed, which leads to less paint being wasted.

However, if you do find yourself with extra paint, the painter can add a converter and/or activator to base-coat to turn the colors into semigloss or single stage matte color for use on the car interior and under the hood. Also, the shelf life is four years on unopened toners.

The appearance is noticeable!

Spraying the car with protection

The appearance is smoother and less thick than solvent paints, with about 30% less paint used. The metallic paints stay mixed and positioned better with help from the "anti-settle" technology. That also helps alleviate color streaks and spotting in the paint. The buffing time becomes less from the smoother coats.


With water based paint systems, there is no need for mechanical mixers, which saves space in the shop. All the paint needs is a few tilts back and forth. Which actually promotes a more even mixture of the paint, due to the "anti-settle" technology present. The toners are a pre-balanced, ready to go product, without the need of any additives. However, the clear coat is still solvent based.



The drying system and special equipment needed:

Water based spray gun

The repair shop saves money on booth upkeep costs, by eliminating "baking" the paint through use of an air drying system. For most shops, hand help or stand blowers can do most of the drying, but for high volume shops an entire air drying system may be needed to keep up with the demand. Unfortunately, the water based paints need more time to dry.



Special spray guns are needed, made from stainless steel and composite elements on the inside. And as this may sound different from the older use of solvents, the water based system is fast learning and easy to use with plenty of programs and aide from PPG.

Not all painters know how to use the water based system, so it may be harder to find a painter and you may have to pay more. But in the end, you're saving money on materials and labor times and getting a quality product with a happier customer!