Painting with a spray gun...first time..

[Heaving Earth]

Solvent based paint is easier to use and gives a much nicer finish than water based paint. Be careful with the polisher - the last thing you want to do is burn through the CC.

I disagree. Water based are much easier to use.
If you have trouble with it, it is because you aren't using it properly. Most old timers refuse to like it cause they're set in their ways.
Electric, I am certified by ppg in solvent and waterborne systems if you have any questions.
I would never go back to solvent

[Heaving Earth]

Ppg enviro base is the best stuff btw. It's a true waterborne, where other companies are calling their stuff waterborne, by starting with enamel resin and adding all kinds of chemicals to make it thinable with water. Ppg starts with latex resin.
You can always tell by the can the paint comes in. True waterborne comes in plastic container. False waterborne comes in metal.
DuPont comes to mind when I think of fake waterborne. Terrible stuff

[Heaving Earth]

One last thing about waterborne is this, most people who will say bad things about it have either not really sprayed much of it, or they've sprayed the really crappy stuff.
I have sprayed thousands of cars with it and love it.
It def will not smell like those solvents do. It is no voc

[Heaving Earth]

heres a restoration i did, yes this is waterbourne basecoat. who can tell me this looks any better or worse than solvent? noone
P8070003.jpgP8070005.jpgP8070002.jpg

[egneg]

One last thing about waterborne is this, most people who will say bad things about it have either not really sprayed much of it, or they've sprayed the really crappy stuff.
I have sprayed thousands of cars with it and love it.
It def will not smell like those solvents do. It is no voc

Maybe things have changed over the years. I tried some of them when they first came out including PPG's envirobase, auto air, etc and was not happy with the results. I have airbrushed with many water based paints on various surfaces but prefer the solvent based paint.

[Heaving Earth]

im sure things have changed, but you really shouldnt be critisizing something you havent much experience using. youre gonna give people false perceptions of things....
most people cant get past how the basecoat looks when they first put it on. they expect it to look like solvent does when you apply it, so they just keep spraying it trying to get the solvent look instead of just waiting for it to flash, then wonder why it isnt coming ouit right.

[electric]

Sounds like I have stumble onto a controversial topic. I like the idea of a low VOC paint and I am assuming the clean up is much easier as well. Might give it a try on my next boat.

[Heaving Earth]

Well, I am strongly opinionated based on the amount I have used the stuff. 4 years now 3-4 cars per day. That's ALOT of cars with the stuff.
The reality is, a good paint job is gonna look good no matter what you use. Hok is no better looking than a well done waterborne job. Visa versa, hok will look crappy if it's not done well. In the end application is the most important part and can determine how the job looks.
I will say that with a little practice waterborne is much easier, lower voc, easy cleanup. It just makes more sense.

[egneg]

Sounds like I have stumble onto a controversial topic. I like the idea of a low VOC paint and I am assuming the clean up is much easier as well. Might give it a try on my next boat.

Best of luck to you ... I still say solvent based paints are better.

[Clueless1]

Jim,

Very nicely done! Thanks to all for sharing...great information!

[Cooper]

I have a question, if I prime and use a base coat of waterborne paint can I clear it with spraymax 2k clear coat?

[Heaving Earth]

The only way to be sure is to test on a piece of scrap. Mixing paints can go wrong from time to time. Should be ok, but never know. Spraycan clears contain ALOT of reducers which can cause trouble

[Cooper]

Would it be a good idea to let the base completely dry say a day or two before clearing?

[Heaving Earth]

Not necessarily. Paints have certain windows in which you should recoat. Generally I try to clear soon after the basecoat flashes off. You should read what the recommendations are on the paint

[Cooper]

Have a hull to paint before long and this thread has given me lots of information. I will be asking on my build thread MADD CATT about What to use for primer, base ,and I have the clear. It's about a month before I tackle the paint. I've just used rattle cans before but would like to try something new. I like the waterborne paints for airbrushing. I can keep up with the cleaning and multiple color choices easier but I like the effects of the 2k clear coat I've used before. No pealing from hatch tape, no cracks, it just seems to hold up well for me. So again thanks guys. I just don't know it all yet,,,,,,,,lol,,