The Benefits of Waterborne Automotive Custom Paint

Here at Customs and Hot Rods of Andice, we take every part of a vehicle's restoration process seriously -- and that includes the final touch of adding custom paint. We are proud to house several state-of-the-art paint booths manned by experienced and talented individuals. This paint department includes several fully stocked prep stations and includes full mixing booths for both waterborne and solvent-based PPG paint products so that our team can ensure you get that perfect automotive custom paint you've been dreaming of.

But before you finalize your color choice, you'll likely hear us ask if you have a preference between waterborne and solvent-based PPG paint. While both have their benefits, waterborne custom paint is a bit newer and so some of our clients may be unfamiliar with it. The following is a quick look at its benefits to better help you when you're ready to choose the custom paint for your classic car or hot rod project:

The Benefits of Waterborne Automotive Custom Paint

1. Better for the environment and human health. Waterborne paints have increasingly become in vogue as the United States has begun enacting bigger regulations regarding the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) common in spray paint. VOCs both pose human health risks that range from eye, nose and throat irritation to increased cancer risks, and harm the environment via negative impacts on the air quality. With waterborne automotive custom paint, only about 10% of the concentration consists of a VOC solvent (compared to 84% for traditional ready-to-use conventional base coats).
2. Less clearcoat needed. Waterborne automotive paint isn't just better for the environment and human health, it's also better for the pocketbook if you're going for multiple hues or striping. That's because it lays down thinner and requires less clearcoat for evening out.
3. Tends to be cleaner and brighter. While results will vary depending upon which brand you use, in general, it seems waterborne automotive custom paint results in a crisper and brighter finishing. The application of waterborne paint is interesting to watch as when wet it will have a different hue but as it dries, it'll gradually take on the true and desired finishing color.

Again, it's important to note these are general benefits and the final results of any one paint will vary depending upon the manufacturing company. Whenever you choose an automotive paint (or even house or similar paint type), it's important to consider the shelf light and stability of the product. While waterborne coatings themselves have been around for a while, the new surge in popularity due to the federal regulations means that many companies are testing out new technologies to improve the color, appearance, and durability of this type of paint. Our team has experimented and continues to experiment with different brands and products lines so that we can find the best all-around solution for our clients

Learn More at CHRA

At CHRA, we take paint seriously. Take a look at our gallery to see some examples of our past work. Learn more about waterborne automotive paints and our favorite brands and colors by visiting us at CHRA.