Auto Technical Reference Library
Auto Refinishing
Auto Technical Reference Library |
Topic
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Enamel
A paint that flows out smoothly when applied and dries with a glossy appearance. This paint dries by evaporation of the solvents and through chemical reaction. While there is usually a slight amount of surface roughness (orange peel) in an enamel film, too much will cause a lower gloss. This type of paint is available in both single-stage colors and basecoat/clearcoat.
Acrylic Enamel
A paint that has the same characteristics as enamel. However, in addition it contains an acrylic plastic-like material used to increase gloss and durability. This type of paint is available in both single-stage colors and basecoat/clearcoat.
Acrylic Urethane Enamel
A higher performance enamel using a polymer characterized by the presence of chemical linkages. Urethanes are noted for their durability and abrasion resistance. This type of paint is available in both single-stage colors and basecoat/clearcoat.
This automotive paint type requires three products: the color, a reducer to thin the color to the right viscosity for the spray gun, and a catalyst used to accelerate drying time. Once the paint is mixed, it must be used quickly and unused paint must be discarded. Catalyzed uurethane paints do contain isocyanates, toxic compounds that are absorbed into the body through the lungs and skin. It also requires strict safety precautions.
Waterborne/Waterbase Coating
Waterborne paint is exactly what the name implies. Solvent-based paints use solvent to suspend the paint pigments and deliver them to the surface to be covered, while waterborne paints use special water additives (not tap water).
An advantage to waterborne paint is it delivers better coverage with fewer coats. Where it would take three to four coats to cover a panel with solvent-based paint, it will only take one to two coats with waterborne, using less material overall. One thing to note is that only the base color coat of the paint system is waterborne; all other layers, including the clear coat, are still solvent based and sprayed in the traditional manner.
Waterborne refinishing differs in almost all aspects to solvent based products. This includes the mixing, application, & drying processes.
