Envirobase: PPG Waterborne Paints

Waterborne Advantages

One thing is for sure and that is the Collision Repair Industry is rapidly changing. For many reasons the waterborne topic seems to be a very popular subject.

PPG is the clear cut market leader in the development, and implementation of waterborne technologies. The reduced emission levels offered by waterborne basecoat paints are truly making a positive difference for the environment. PPG first released their waterborne paint system to the automotive aftermarket in 1991. You can rest assured that your transition to waterborne will not compromise your finished product, rather improve it.

Currently CHC has over 100 clients using water based paint; you can count on our experience with a broad range of shops to provide you with excellent results.

Below you will find some of the additional reasons that shop owners throughout the country are making the switch to PPG’s water based paints.

PPG Envirobase: Waterborne Basecoat Paints
Improve the Environment

Going green with PPG's waterborne automotive paint systems is easy—and you won't sacrifice your shop's performance or quality.

Environmental Benefits

Since waterborne contains lower VOC than solvent, it is easier to control the air quality inside a shop or spray facility. While standard safety equipment is still required, you can virtually eliminate the harsh odors associated with using solvent based paint throughout your facility.

Product Advantage

Envirobase High Performance represents the 3rd generation advancement of the innovative, waterborne technology that PPG originally introduced in 1999. EHP basecoat offers a premium-quality solution for collision centers that can benefit from a simple, easy-to-use system offering maximum throughput with globally-accepted OEM approvals.

Key Benefits

Waterborne Conversion Process

Arrange to attend a Convert with Confidence seminar for Shop Owners:

Waterborne Equipment

Spraying waterborne is not much different from what you already use in your daily operations. When it comes to equipment there are five key areas for waterborne application:

Air Volume/Filtration

When using water based paints it is critical to have the appropriate amount of clean, dry air. Every shop has a functional compressor however the method by which you choose to dry your finish may determine your need for a potential upgrade.

Not only is the correct amount of air needed, the air has to be of good quality. We check to make sure there is no oil, water, or vapors in your air lines. If we identify poor air quality in your spray area, we will present you options on how to clear up your lines.

Spraying Equipment

While you can use any gun to spray waterborne paint, you will likely extend the life of your equipment by using spray guns specifically designed for use with water-based paints.

General Guidelines

Drying Equipment

Waterborne coatings require good air flow to quickly evaporate water from the basecoat. For efficient drying, increasing the feet per minute (FPM) of air passing over the surface is key. Temperature and humidity also play a role in dry-times.

Generally, 200 FPM or more will lead to great results.

Drying equipment can range from simple additions to existing equipment or by installing specialized equipment specifically designed for use with waterborne automotive paint systems.

Here is some air drying systems for use with waterborne coatings:

Cleaning Equipment

Cleaning your dedicated waterborne spray guns will help keep them working at their top performance. Check with your gun's manufacturer for instructions on how to clean and maintain your specific equipment.

Water Disposal Equipment

The flocculating agent separates solids from waste water—making it possible to reuse the filtrate at least ten times before its cleaning properties diminish. This makes the cleaning process efficient, minimizing waste.

In addition you may need to contact your local waste disposal company to bring out a lined, or rubber waste drum to store your water based waste. You will need to keep your solvent and water based waste separate from one another.

Waterborne Resources