Tips for Working with Waterborne Paint and Drying Booths

Working with waterborne paint and drying booths? If you’re looking for a unique method of spray painting that literally cuts airborne emissions in half, waterborne paint and paint drying booths are the perfect paint to use for your next automotive project. In some states like California and Massachusetts, the move towards waterborne paints is almost mandatory. Waterborne paint isn’t a new technology. When sprayed onto a surface, the water and solvent in the paint evaporate, leaving behind the pigment for sealing and a clear coat. from Marathon Finishing, here are some tips and tricks to usingwaterborne paint drying systems.

Controlling Humidity

The main difference between waterborne paints and solvent-based paints is the drying process. Solvents are cured through controlling temperature, where waterborne paints are controlled through humidity. In addition, controlling the atmosphere of your spray booth is also critical, with more powerful air flow enabling the faster drying process of the paint. The equipment required to work with waterborne paint doesn’t differ very much from solvents but should be stainless steel to prevent rusting and should be cleaned thoroughly between uses. Controllers (either desert or standard) can be added to further control how fast the paint dries.

Things to Remember

While working with waterborne paint, here are some tips to remember:
• Waterborne paints will sometimes require wet-on-wet application, meaning the color that you apply immediately may differ from the color that appears when dry. Some paints also contain higher solid compositions, meaning full coverage can be achieved in fewer coats. Always follow waterborne spray painting instructions for best result s.
• A CFM gun (also known as a drier gun) can help paint to set up quicker by creating a curtain of air that can dry the paint faster. Use of this type of gun can help prevent sagging and runs.
• Just because VOC levels (or volatile organic compound levels) are lower than solvent-based paints doesn’t mean you can slack off on the protective gear. A respirator is required at all times, as the paint can linger in the air longer due to the long drying times.
Work with waterborne paints on your future projects with help from Marathon Finishing! The electric heating and air cooling systems are perfect for maintaining the perfect conditions for drying and curing both waterborne and solvent-based paints, primers, sealing, and clear coats. Contact us today for pricing information!