VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Body - Sheet Metal, Paint & Wood Water base vs solvent base paint?

Other than environmental considerations what are the pro vs con in using water based versus solvent based auto paints?

I'm planning ahead for that part of the work on my '46 half ton.

Thanks, 37Blue.

I don't think that water based audomotive paints worked out very well.....

Anyone had actual experience in using the water based paint? I'm wanting to base a decision on as much factual information as I can collect. I've talked to two suppliers, one for each base type. Their information is useful and helpful, but I'd like to learn more from those that have actually experienced both types. I've seen completed product for both and the results looked comparable in quality. But....?????

I may be wrong but I think that water based base coats get standard clear urethane top coat. I've used WB primer and it handles very well. Sands just fine either wet or dry. There are Forums on the Net if you Google this question. Al W.

Hi
I haven't shot any water born stuff yet, I'm sure I will because it's the only thing available for me. We took the American Austin to Amelia Island in 2009 and I talked to a few people who restored some Auburn's. He used Sikkens paint (as I do) and it was water born. I asked him what he thought of it and I was surprised at his answer. He really liked it, I was expecting the opposite. It is like what 67vetteal said. The base coat is water born and the top coat in a urethane that chemically adheres to the base coat so the top coat is still a hard durable finish. The guy said if you make a mistake shooting the base coast you can just wash it off with water, very user friendly. Let us know how it works out for you

Starting to pique my interest...car needs paint...I got equipment...landlord of my warehouse frowns on auto painting but maybe I can sway him...and of course California Laws...

I made a spray booth inside my Garage with heavy plastic, put AC filters on the top of one side, on the other there was a door photo (The link was supposed to be one photo but if you scroll through them you will see the make shift spray booth). I put two fans blowing out at the bottom of the door (on what would be a screen door). I also found out that if I misted the vapors on the exhaust side of the fans with water that the smell was not very bad. I also told the neighbors I was going to paint something and not worry if they smelled any thing just to make sure. It all worked out OK. I'm not going to tell you what I think about the EPA or California laws....

You will need a gun with the proper head to spray it with and it has to be dried with hot air (longer dry times). You do not thin it with regular water. It covers very well, better than solvent but takes a good bit of practice to spray if you have never used it before. If you are not an experienced painter you may fair better sticking with the solvent base for now.

Guys:
Thanks for all the helpful info. As indicated in the OP, I am many months away from this stage, but I am planning ahead. I have done a fair amount of spray painting over the years, but that has been mostly on cabinetry,furniture and some car parts.