Using Waterborne Paints
Most paints today tend to be solvent based. However, the problem with solvents is that as they escape into the air they also contribute to air pollution. In fact, the majority of such organic solvents impose great damage to the environment.
Today’s higher air quality standards demand the use of waterborne or “water-based” paint, especially for automotive uses. The trend now in the automotive industry is to make waterborne paints a requirement.
In 2005 the California Air Resource Board (CARB) adopted a suggested control measure in order to reduce the amount of volatile organic compounds or “VOCs” starting in 2009
In order to conform to the control measure, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) in turn amended their rules for auto body coating.
Typical VOCs are found in the solvents in paints, adhesives and inks.
However, VOCs are not just limited to paint supplies. Plastics also release VOCs as well when they age. These chemicals are thought to react with gases in the atmosphere that contribute to smog, pollution, and toxic death.
According to the California Department of Toxic Substances and Controls, there are several distinct advantages to using a waterborne coating:
There are several advantages to using waterborne coatings:
• Solvent-borne coatings contain VOCs and Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) including toluene, xylene, methyl ethyl ketone, and ethyl benzene.
• Waterborne coatings are less toxic, have low VOC levels, and are less flammable. Their use will reduce air emissions, improve worker health and safety and may decrease insurance costs.
• The products may cost less than their solvent-borne counterparts and require no thinners, additives, or
hardeners.
• Compared to solvent-borne products, less product may be needed to cover the same surface area.
• The pot life of the waterborne products is much longer and unused coatings can be saved in a sealed container for later use.
• Waterborne primer is best used where solvent primer would react with existing substrate materials or coatings.
• Paint guns can be cleaned with water or water-based solutions rather than paint thinner, acetone, or methyl acetate.
