How to apply waterborne paint products

Words: Cam Benty; Photos: Cam Benty and Iwata

Our ’66 Chevy pickup had come back from the dead, smoothed and shaped to original configuration and was now ready for a fresh paint. We knew we wanted to stay with the same color, but the remaining question was whether to use waterborne or solvent-based paint.

Waterborne paints have been around for a decade or so, but today are all the buzz. For those who have come to know waterborne from personal experience, they have learned what it takes to achieve success. For those who have not sprayed with water, it is an unknown that makes them uneasy about the results they will encounter. As with anything, it’s simply a matter of having the right tools for the job and knowing what to do.

Currently, waterborne paint is limited to the pigment layer of the painting process; the primer and clear coats still retain the solvent-based chemical and are used with equipment we all know and love. Applying waterborne paints requires a host of ancillary tools and techniques to achieve a smooth, run-free final appearance. A changeover is not simple, but clearly (and luckily) from those painters we’ve polled, waterborne paints perform well with excellent final results.

As with anytime new paints or equipment are used, we suggest practicing on some random, non-important surface until you achieve some competency. Waterborne paint is different from solvent-based paint — different mixing techniques and spray guns, and those mysterious dryers required for proper laying out of the paint.

When working with waterborne paint, make certain you are protected from toxic fumes and materials. It is critical to frequently change out air respirator canisters in your breathing apparatus and dust off that full-body, paint protective suit.

Follow along as we show you the basics and beyond of waterborne paint application.

Source: Iwata spray guns, iwata-medea.com