Waterbased Touch Up Paint Directions
Understanding Waterbased Automotive Paint
Many new touch-up paints are now being made with waterbased (waterborne) ingredients. These environmentally friendly formulations offer lower VOC emissions while providing the same quality results as traditional solvent-based paints.
Drying Times for Waterbased Paint
Spray Cans (Aerosol)
Testing shows that waterbased aerosol paint dries in approximately 10 minutes at 70°F. Keep in mind:
- Higher humidity will result in longer drying times
- Temperature affects drying speed significantly
- Allow adequate ventilation during drying
Pints, Quarts and Gallons
The pints, quarts and gallons of waterbased paint are ready to spray and do not need to be thinned. This makes them convenient and ready to use right out of the container.
Thinning Waterbased Paint
Critical: Do Not Use Regular Lacquer Thinner!
Waterbased paints cannot be thinned with automotive lacquer thinner. Using the wrong thinner will ruin the paint and your project.
Water Based Paint Thinner
Under some circumstances, you may wish to thin waterbased paint. These paints require a special thinner specifically designed for waterborne systems.
Required Thinner: Envirobase High Performance Color T494
This specialized thinner is available from PaintScratch.com. If you are planning on spraying waterbased paint, please read these detailed directions thoroughly.
The directions include:
- Correct thinning ratios
- Appropriate spray tip sizes
- Temperature requirements
- Application techniques specific to waterborne paints
Application Considerations
Waterbased paints have different application characteristics compared to traditional solvent-based paints:
- Follow temperature guidelines carefully for optimal results
- Monitor humidity levels during application
- Use proper spray equipment and tip sizes as specified
- Allow adequate flash time between coats
- Ensure proper ventilation even though VOCs are lower
Clean Up
Important: Even though the paint is waterbased, you will need to clean up with automotive lacquer thinner as there is solvent in the paint formulation.
This is a critical distinction - while the paint base is water, the complete formulation contains solvents that require lacquer thinner for proper cleanup.
Expertise Required
We would advise consulting with a collision shop professional if you have never used waterbased paint before.
Waterbased paints require different handling and application techniques compared to traditional paints. Professional guidance can help you achieve optimal results and avoid common mistakes.
Key Differences: Waterbased vs Solvent-Based Paint
| Characteristic | Waterbased Paint | Solvent-Based Paint |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Impact | Lower VOC emissions, more eco-friendly | Higher VOC emissions |
| Drying Time | ~10 minutes at 70°F (humidity dependent) | Varies by product |
| Thinning Required | Usually ready to spray; requires special thinner if needed | May require automotive lacquer thinner |
| Cleanup | Automotive lacquer thinner (contains solvents) | Automotive lacquer thinner |
| Skill Level | Professional experience recommended | DIY-friendly with practice |
Important Reminders
- Never use regular lacquer thinner to thin waterbased paints - only use Envirobase T494
- Humidity matters - higher humidity increases drying time significantly
- Temperature control - maintain 70°F or as specified in product directions
- Read directions thoroughly - waterbased paints have unique requirements
- Cleanup requires lacquer thinner - despite being waterbased, solvent cleanup is required
- Consider professional help - if you're new to waterbased paints, consult an expert
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterbased Paint
Please contact us with any comments you have or any additional tips that worked for you!
