Waterborne Coatings

Waterborne Coating Use Europe U.S. Original Equipment Manufacturing Refinishing California Primers European cars Eastern U.S. – base-coats Regulatory driven – air quality Shops converting from high VOC coating products have challenges Color matching for U.S. colors Coating application and drying for best finish quality Waterborne coatings are being used in Europe for refinishing, but not much here. Some manufacturers are using waterborne coatings. In california most used is for primer and on European cars. The air regulations concerning the VOC content in refinish coatings may change operations, in some air districts. SCAQMD is the first.

Advantages Less toxic Lower VOC Solvent paint may contain xylene, toluene, ethyl benzene, MEK Waterborne paint may contain glycol ethers, propanol Lower VOC Alternative to TBAC and PCBTF to reduce VOC formulation in coatings May cost less No additives, reducers Thin with water if needed Less reaction with substrate Longer pot life Water-based clean-up Typical paint currently used– xylene, toluene, ethyl benzene, MEK No additives – don’t need thinner or may need to thin with water

Equipment Changes Corrosion resistant spray guns Drying and curing technology Spray booths with heat & turbulence Requires very clean spray booth Infrared and uv lamps for primer Job scheduling Plan for increased drying time Drying and curing of waterborne paint takes longer. For faster production times, equipment must circulate heated air to

Retro-fitted air movement devices for curing and drying Place in 4 corners of spray booth

Regulatory Impacts- Air Quality CARB adopted suggested control measure (SCM) to improve consistency and enforceability of regulations Reduce VOC in primer and top coat by 2009 Primer-sealer, single stage coatings by 2010 SCAQMD adopted December 2005 Effective date July 1, 2008, clear and color coats SJVAPCD proposed – workshops January 2006 Rulemaking updates http://www.arb.ca.gov/coatings/autorefin/scm/rulemaking.htm SCAQMD rule is a little different

Waterborne Coatings Future for refinishing industry Expect coatings industry to develop more products to meet needs Shops will need to upgrade spray booth equipment for faster production Allow time for conversion to waterborne Manufacturer training for painters Work with new coatings and equipment in each shop to achieve best results