Exchange! That can be a difficult word for most of us. I still remember the big buzz when HVLP spray guns were introduced to the industry. You remember? In fact, I remember hearing painters say they would leave the industry before making the switch. Well, years later, I wouldn’t trade my Iwata Super Nova for any other weapon…not even the Binks #7. That’s how it is; you weren’t considered a true painter without a Binks #7. The times have changed, and we have all adapted well.
Another example is computers. Switching to Windows system was a big problem. A new system to learn, that was completely different from the old DOS systems. We had to use the stupid mouse. I had a coworker who was very upset when this change happened. In short, who is willing to go back to the old system? I have to admit, I thought email had to be the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard of… I mean, why not just call the person you’re trying to contact? After using email, I have become a huge supporter of email. Heck, I got to the point where I would rather email or text someone than call them. I know, we are losing the social connection, but it sure saves a lot of time in this busy society we live in.
Get to the point
Okay, it’s supposed to be about embracing water-based paint, so I’ll start by talking about paint. Change scares us, but many times it is not that important. I’m not saying that all changes are good, but it’s not like that with water-based paint. Having decided to make the change at our school, we wonder why we didn’t make the change a long time ago. There are a few things I don’t like about it, which I’ll go over in a minute, but for the most part, we love it.
Pros and cons
Have you ever been to a doctor and they suggested that you should take medication? I’m sure you’ve heard, we think the benefits of this medication will outweigh the side effects… kind of scary, huh? Have you ever seen one of those drug commercials on TV? I think I may risk not taking medication after hearing all the possible side effects. Anyway, we have to approach change in the same way. We need to determine if the pros will outweigh the cons.
These are the things I don’t like about the new PPG Nexa Autocolor waterborne paint system.
1) I find the variant deck system confusing. There have been times that I have not been able to locate the number to a section which were the colors. I prefer to look at the variant cover by make of vehicle as it uses the PPG solvent system.
2) I know this is not the correct way to color match, but I used to use “hold the paint stick against the car to determine if the color is a flexible match. You’re not going to do that with water-based. This paint won’t it evens out until it dries. In fact, it can change color multiple times as it dries. You’ll think there’s no way it will even out, but when it dries, it looks good. Then once clear coated…it’s a nice color combination!
The professionals!
1) Color matches (once completed) are excellent. We have much better results with our color matches.
2) You don’t have to worry about a mixing system. Honestly, we didn’t shake solvent paint like we were supposed to. I think you were expected to mix it several times a day for 15 minutes and just before mixing the paint. We tried to do that, but part of that hectic day made it difficult to make sure everything was done correctly. This new system doesn’t even have shake tops. A few hand snaps and stop.
3) I guess I’ll use the fact that it produces less VOCs as a benefit, but I’d still prefer it to solvent now.
4) Paint tends to set better. Students have not had tiger stripes, or mottling and blends are much easier to do.
I’m sure the paint has many more pros and cons, but we’ve only been using it for about three months. I keep waiting for something to go wrong, like an uprising or something, but I haven’t seen it yet. As we get familiar with it, we’ll tell you more.
If you’re considering switching to water-based, I wouldn’t freak out. I heard all the same horror stories as you when the water was introduced but have yet to encounter any problems. I’m not familiar with other brands, but PPG’s water-based paint is great and the students love it.
Have a water story or helpful tips? Leave us a comment and tell us about it.