Auto Technical Reference Library
Auto Refinishing: Technology Developments
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Waterborne (water-based) paints have been in use in the automotive industry since the early 1970’s. Currently, approximately 90 percent of all OEMs use waterborne base coat systems – and the percentage is rising. Waterborne paint development was prompted by environmental concerns, specifically the release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as solvents evaporate from the paint mix. As its name implies, waterborne paints are mixed with water-based solutions only. When used, waterborne paints release significantly fewer VOCs than conventional solvent borne systems.
Waterborne paints (acrylic enamel) differ from traditional solvent-based paints (urethane) in several areas including:
Extremely low VOC emissions — typically less than 2.0 lbs./gallon vs. more than 4.6 lbs./gallon for VOC compliant solvent-based primers and basecoats
Waterborne paints can only be applied within certain humidity and heat limits
No pot life issues or restrictions
Paint can be applied with no flash time between coats
Efficient application and coverage with only 1 1/2 to 2 wet coats required
Typically, waterborne base coats are clear-coated with solvent-based products although water-based clears have recently become available to the refinish market in the European nation.
