Waterborne Paints

[Greg L.]

Has anyone used the newer waterborne paints for automotive yet? I just heard that Califorina and if you can believe it Canada of all places are doing away with solvent based paints at the end of this year. Anyways I was wondering if anyone can comment on it's pros and cons and what the paint match is like for our older cars.

[John H.]

Re: Waterborne Paints

Only the basecoats are waterborne (assembly plants have been using waterborne basecoats for about ten years); the clearcoats are still 2-component solvent-borne urethanes. Nobody has yet commercialized a waterborne clearcoat that works.

[Terry M.]

Re: Waterborne Paints

So if I understand Greg's post corectly, and with John's information -- NO ONE in California or Canada will be able to paint a car anything but primer in 2009. It will be back to the '50s lead sleds.

What do you suppose is wrong with that picture?

[Chuck S.]

Re: Waterborne Paints

Yep, sounds like ole Gregster will have to buy his paint as a powder in those round bulk cartons like we used back in kindergarten. Just pour out what he needs, add water, stir, and spray. Color choices, however, will probably be limited to "primary" colors.

[Greg L.]

Re: Waterborne Paints

Yep, sounds like ole Gregster will have to buy his paint as a powder in those round bulk cartons like we used back in kindergarten. Just pour out what he needs, add water, stir, and spray. Color choices, however, will probably be limited to "primary" colors.

Nah...I'll just have to make some "midnight runs" to the good ole USA for my next project! Just like I'm doing with my lacquer.

Terry I think that we may already be able to get some of the waterborne paints up here so I think I'll make some local calls and see what's up.