say GOODBYE to urethane, enamel, and lacquer paint-soon

looks like common sense is finally going to prevail- painting a car should be no more difficult than painting your house at home- it should not be dangerous- and water based paints are going to completely replace urethane- very soon


see it here


http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=1496&itemType=CATEGORY&iMainCat=688&iSubCat=1496

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=590 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Paint your car with water?
By Rich Boone, Product Manager and Eastwood Expert [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=590 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=590 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Water-based paints are the future of automotive coatings. The near future. All automotive paint manufacturers are working on this technology and many have already released water-based products into both the O.E.M. and refinish markets. The transition from solvent-based paints such as urethanes to water-based is not a difficult one. Although there are differences, there are many similarities between water-based and solvent-based paints.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Both technologies are the same in their core composition. Each are composed of a pigment for color and a binder for a film. The pigments used are often the exact same, allowing water-based paints to have the same light fastness and color options as a solvent-based paint. The binders, while chemically different, are both forms of an acrylic and each are made specifically for exterior uses, giving water-based paints the durability necessary for an automotive coating. The key element which separates the two is the carrying agent, that is what is used to bring the pigment and binder from the gun to the substrate. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Solvent-based paints use solvent which rapidly dissipates from the surface for chemically controlled time windows whereas water-based uses water which evaporates at a slower rate dependant upon temperature, humidity and air flow. The cost of the solvent-based paintjobs quicker cure times are the noxious release of fumes into the air which water-based does not. However, as water-based paints continue to evolve, mild co-solvent reducers and additives are being introduced to improve performance and drying times. While not as severe as solvent-based paints, there is a slight release of a noxious element when such reducers are used with water-based paints. This is why it's important to always use proper respiratory protection when painting with any type of paint.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Water-based and solvent-based paints are most often very compatible. Urethane primers, paints and clears work perfectly well with water-based paints. Some water-based systems, such as Auto Air Colors, depend upon using a urethane primer and clear along with its paint for a complete finish. The key behind the compatibility is that water-based paints are non-reactive and able to accept and bond with any type of solvent provided the content of the solvent is not too harsh or volatile. Urethane paints, modern lacquer with lower V.O.C. contents work well. Some enamels and lacquers are have too harsh a solvent for compatibility with water-based and will degrade its composition. A test panel is advisable if a product's use and compatibility is not recommended by the manufacturer.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Water-based primers and paints are not a new technology for automotive coatings. They've been around for almost 15 years. Their increased exposure is new and development has been sped up to meet with increasingly demanding environmental compliance. Water-based top coat clear technology has not developed to the point where it is a suitable replacement for urethane clears. Fortunately, the two are compatible and when used properly, a beautiful finish is possible in which the V.O.C. exposure is significantly reduced while no compromise is made in the quality of the finish[/FONT]
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/08/toyotas-water-based-car-paint-rollout-complete/





Toyota completes water-based car paint rollout

Posted Apr 8th 2006 4:06PM by Joel Arellano
Filed under: Green, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota
Back in 1999, Toyota Motor Corp. started to shift top coat painting for its automobile lines in Japan from organic-solvent paints to metallic water-borne paints as part of its goal to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOC). The company has just completed the rollout at its Motomachi plant.

The rollout completion, which is part of the automaker's Third Toyota Environmental Action Plan, has reduced emissions to an average of 30g/m2. Toyota plans to go even further to reducing VOC emissions to 25g/m2 by the year 2010 by switching to the water-borne paints to the middle coat and bumper painting lines.

Both Ford and Mazda have developed new paint procedures to deal with the VOC issues as well.

 

http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/113_0507_auto_air_colors_water_based_automotive_paint/index.html

The Future of Automotive Paint is Water?

Water-based paints made by manufactures such as Auto Air Colors are very likely the future of automotive paint technology


By Glen Wilkinson
photographer: Glen Wilkinson







Auto Air Colors had this display set up in Nashville, TN for Day 4 of the HOT ROD Power Tour 2005.

On Day 4 of the HOT ROD Power Tour 2005 we ran across an interestingdisplay tucked in a corner of the m***ive parking lot at the GaylordOpryland Hotel in Nashville, TN. Auto Air Colors was putting on apainting exhibition that at first glance might look like just anotherguy with an airbrush showing off his skills - but it was way more thanthat because the paint being used was water-based.
Auto Air Colors are water-based base coat paints intended for completepaintjobs and for graphic applications over existing finishes. Thepaints are similar to conventional urethane paint in that they are madewith the exact same pigments, but the main difference is the binder andcarrying agent utilized.


Artist Mickey Harris at work with Auto Air Colors water-based paints.

"Auto Air Colors," explains Craig Kennedy, V.P. of Sales and Marketingfor Auto Air Colors, "is an acrylic resin which utilizes water to carryit to the substrate as opposed to urethane which uses solvent as acarrying agent. The difference being as Auto Air Colors cure, watervapor is released without emitting any volatile organic compounds(V.O.C.) as do urethanes." So, in other words, their paint isessentially non-toxic while urethane paints are.
The advantages to using Auto Air Colors are many. They are ready to usestraight out of the bottle. Reducers, hardeners and other mixed productsare not required. The paint may be simply put into the spray gun andapplied. There are also no time windows to work under. Auto Air Colorsbind through a mechanical process compared to urethane paint's chemicalprocess. The result is a paintjob free of time restrictions andlimitations. Plus, the average car can be completely painted with twoquarts compared to almost a gallon with urethane paints, which equals acost savings.




"Auto Air Colors are also non-reactive," continues Kennedy, "and willnot release trapped solvent into top coat layers allowing for multiplecoats to be applied quickly without fear of 'solvent-pop', a symptomwhich occurs with urethane paintjobs when time windows are not followed.Additionally, due to the lack of solvent-release, Auto Air Colorspaintjobs are quicker than urethane paintjobs in a controlledenvironment such a heated spray booth."
The use of a primer is not required for adhesion to the substrate. AutoAir Colors may be applied direct to metal, aluminum, fibergl***,urethane plastic, and other common paint surfaces. A concept used by afew motorsport race teams for weight savings including Worsham Racing'sCSK NHRA Nitro-Cl*** Funny Car team. Being solvent-free, there is nopot-life to the paint. Paint left in the spray gun may be saved for afuture paint job that is months if not years away without any loss ofperformance.
There is a real good chance water-based paints are going to be thefuture of automotive painting as the technology, ease-of-use, andnon-toxic, environmentally friendly qualities are just too beneficial tobe ignored. Paint manufactures are currently devoting much of their R&Dinto water-based paints. Fortunately, as Kennedy explains, theperformance of water-based paint is already equal to urethane.




"As environmental concerns develop, water-borne (urethane paints derivedof solvent which are reduced with water to lessen its V.O.C.) will giveway to water-based paints. The performance of thewater-based paints is excellent and there is not a compromise in thefinish. The future development of water-based will focus on the topclear-coat material and expended use of water-based in high-productionenvironments."
Auto Air Colors has more than 200 colors and effects, all of which are intermixable for endless color creations. Colors include pearls, pearl-flakes, metal-flake, metallic colors, chameleons, chameleon-pearl flakes, candy colors, iridescent colors and more. Sizes available are 4oz., 16oz. 32oz. and 1 Gallon.For more on Auto Air Colors check out their web site at <AHREF="HTTP: www.autoaircolors.com?TARGET="_new">www.autoaircolors.com

 

Paint has been going downhill since they took the lead and good chemicals out!

 

boy- this new stuff sounds easy to use. Any down side?

 

I believe I am correct in saying that California will require the use of water based paint exclusively by Jan 1 2009.

The problem with Auto Air is that they do not offer factory colors. Say you see a late model color you really like and it has to be spot on - you ain't going to be able to get it from Auto Air. They only offer their own custom colors.

 

The biggest thing with water bourne is you need a really good airflow over the paint so that it will dry. Because it is water it evapoates but the water vapor will just hang over the painted area unless it is moved by air so that it can continue to dry. Obviously the humidity in the air will affect drying times as well. If it is really humid it will take longer to dry than if it is very dry out. All base coats in Canada have to be converted by Jan 2010.

 

A friend of mine runs a local, large independent body shop. He has been painting with with Spies Hecker waterborne paints for years with no issues. Saves them a ton of money in thinners and increased production significantly.

 

Amen brotha! Not a huge fan of Urethanes... More of an Acrylic Enamel guy myself. Funny thing is I live like 25 minutes from the Dupont plants, I haven't been able to get any Dupont paints for almost 1 1/2 years around here! I used to love my Centari!

 

Same here, Centari was great. Nothing glossed out nicer/easier for me. Oh well.

My friends at a local rod shop here have begun using the water-based stuff and said that it is surprisingly good. I want to see how well it stands the test of time before I commit.

 

I thought Saturn (GM) has been using water based longer than Toyota.

 

They have been using water-based paints in Europe for over a decade. The technology is not new just starting to catch on in North America.

 

Manufacturers have been playing with water-based paints for nearly 20 years now on a production basis. Their first problems dealt more with issues of long reliability and adhesion. First paints failed miserably (Ford late 80's). They are getting better, but this round is really round 2 for all intents and purposes. I still believe you will see issues with this round, but I do think they will get it right - just not for another 10-15 years.
The last time I toured the PPG R&D plant they were working on powdered paints (very similar to powder coating) that flowed and cured under UV lamps. WAY harder against the stone chips, better look, way cheaper to cure, less waste, easier to store and ship (smaller containers). They have it to the point where clears can cure under UVA in 1 minute, UVB in 2 minutes and UVC (safest uv waves) in 3 minutes. But the UVC rays seem to leave a dark reaction in the clears that goes away over a couple days. I'm guessing this will eventually where we go for production paint. Safe, easy and really fast.

Bruce

 

I 've used auto air on a few pieces, it alright for something that is not exposed to uv light on a daily basis. did a pin up girl on the back of my buddies daily driver and it is faded as all hell, it two years old. just imagine how long the deck lid and roof would last. in my opinion its not good for out door use unless you use a uv protectant clear. and that is just as bad as the urethane.
so to each thier own, use the stuff responsiblly don't crusify the stuff if you can't handle, and use it properlly.

 

Am I missing something but doesn't this still need to be cleared with a urethane clear, so you still have the same issues that you would with the color coat. Is this correct?

I am really wanting to paint my truck but don't want to kill myself doing it. Since it will all be piece work (meaning the bed sides, tailgate, hood, cab, etc.) will all be apart, I really can't take it to a shop to do.

 

This stuff isnt really new technology and the changeover is something thats been comming for awhile now. As Four-thirteen said Spies Heckler water based paints have been available for years as well as Auto air colors....my problem is that the auto air paints are just as expensive as any other on the market yet they're lacking all the costly chemicals. If this is simpler, safer technology shouldnt the price reflect it? Maybe its just me...

I read your other posts Scrounger and it ****s man what happened to you. Ive sprayed laquers, enamels, urethanes, you name it and Ive got a couple of really good friends that are in the paint business but I have to say that even those people who are "in the know" dont always warn you completely. Ive hardly ever painted with anything more than a respirator and long sleeve shirt on. The first time I shot straight high gloss urethane my paint guy gave me this warning "put your respirator on BEFORE you even open the can". That was pretty much it, no big spill on the real dangers of it. We all pretty much live and learn. Like Tman said about paint going downhill since all the lead and stuff is gone...kinda makes ya look at guys like Bill Hines, who has been slingin' lead and smokin cigars for the better part of his 90yrs on earth, and think would he really live any longer if he WASNT doing what he loves to do? LOL

 

Good then the adults can spray with urethane and the kiddys can spray waterpaint without getting sick.......


watercolors yeah!!!!!

 

Show me a car painted with this stuff in 1995 and run through every northeastern winter since in the salt and **** with the only washing being from the rain in the summers, and if it still looks like anything halfway decent you'll convince me.

 

****... i better stock up on house of colours NOW. I dont like the idea of using water colors on my vehicles

 

That sounds good in theory, but I want my car to have a glossy finish and no brush strokes. The problem isn't making paint that is water-based, the problem is making it long lasting and good looking.

I like America, I like freedom of choice and a free marketplace. I do not approve of the EPA strong-arm tactics to get changes made. How about substantial incentives to get companies to develop and use these products instead of outlawing solvent-based products?

I foresee EXACTLY the same problems when the EPA mandated low-sulphur diesel be used in all non-agricultural engines. American refiners weren't mandated to make it, so instead of converting to manufacture it, they started exporting all the regular diesel they made. We now import basically ALL the low-sulphur diesel we use, and export nearly ALL the regular diesel we make. All because of the EPA and the lack of common sense that lies at their core. However, we do get to enjoy the high prices for diesel fuel and ***ociated costs with transporting all goods over-the-road. What a great tradeoff.

It sounds good to mandate use of this new waterborne paint; the problem is that very few manufacturers are prepared to make it in quan***y, very few shops are prepared to use it, the cost is high and the comparative results are low. Please explain how policies like this are allowing us to compete globally when other countries do not undermine their economy with the same environmental laws that we impose on ourselves.

 

I'll have to see how well it holds up long-term before I p*** my judgment.

 

Right now it is only the base colors that are being converted. You use less paint get better coverage and still use urethane clears so you have the UV and rain protection.

Lots of shops in Canada have switched already getting ready for the deadline and I have not been in one yet that does not like the water-bourne basecoats better. In the long run they are cheaper as you use less material and less solvents thus lower costs.

 

****in hippy bull **** ,green this green that. Say good bye to all the cool looking paint jobs,and yes you do have to paint the bad **** over the good ****.Go Figure............

 

That's interesting. So you still use the dangerous / lethal / environmentally unfriendly top coat that requires an entirely different set of solvents and catalysts from the waterborne basecoat?

Incredible.

 

i'm not a painter but wouldn't water-based paint make a car rust quicker?

 

I could be wrong about this..and im sure i will hear about it if I am.

but there are still solvents in this "water born" paint..

so it aint all the eco friendly..its just another B.S. product to jam up our ***es..brought to you by the folks that have ****ed up every thing else that was good and worked..

Just keep re-inventing the wheel..sooner or later they end up with nothin'

 

Clears have a lot less VOC's than basecoats do thus they are less environmentally damaging. I'm sure over time this will change as well but for now, in Canada at least, it is just the basecoat that is being mandated.

 

Yes there are still solvents in water based paint but they are greatly reduced but you also due away with a large quan***y of the thinners etc that have to be disposed of when they are done being used. You clean up water based paint with water not solvents.

 

California is not switching the first of the year, it is still unclear when they are going to force everybody to swith. La area and the Bay Area are going to be the first. It costs alot to retrofit your booth because you need to force air dry the base to make sure the water has evaporated. The colors cover better and match better.