Waterborne Basecoat and Low VOC Frequently Asked Questions

In response to Environment Canada’s pending legislation to reduce VOC emissions, DuPont Performance Coatings recently completed waterborne basecoat & low VOC information sessions in 32 cities across Canada. Over 2,500 customers and distributors took advantage of this unique opportunity to learn more about the legislation and how it might impact their respective businesses, and to witness the unveiling of Cromax® Pro – DuPont’s next generation waterborne basecoat system. 

 

For the benefit of those who were unable to attend the information sessions, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions:

 

Q: What is the proposed low VOC legislation and how will it impact the collision repair industry?

A: Environment Canada believes as an industry we can further reduce VOC emissions by 2 kilotonnes per year with the newly proposed VOC content regulations. They’ve defined different product categories and have set aggressive limits for each category. For example: primers and clears would have a VOC limit of 250 gm/l, and basecoats would have a VOC limit of 420 gm/l. Based on the technology available today, waterborne basecoats will be required to meet the 420 gm/l VOC limit. Environment Canada’s proposal applies to the paint manufacturer in a prohibition of sale, import and manufacturing and distributor, which is more easily enforced than a shop prohibition of use.  

 

The regulation would apply to any coating used or recommended for use in refinishing, service, maintenance, restoration, repair or modification, except metal plating activities, of a motor vehicle (trucks, trailers, passenger vehicles) or mobile equipment (mobile cranes, bulldozers, farm equipment). 

 

The regulation wouldn’t apply to any coating applied during manufacture on an assembly line to motor vehicles or mobile equipment, or their associated parts; any coating or solvent sold in a non-refillable aerosol container; sold in 15 gram / 0.5 fluid ounce size; or any coating sold for use outside of Canada or shipment to other manufacturers for reformulation or repackaging.

 

Q: How will Environment Canada enforce this legislation?

 

A: The proposed legislation is a prohibition of SALE. That means paint companies and will not be able to sell non-compliant product past the effective date of the law, and it will also be illegal for a shop to import non-compliant material. Canada Customs will audit any importation of coatings. There are federal auditors in place, there have been enforcement agreements with provincial government agencies, plus there will be audits at the shop level and non-compliance will result in heavy fines.

 

Q: Will shops need new or special equipment to spray waterborne basecoats?

 

A: A lot will depend on the equipment that the shop already has in place. With waterborne technology, it is beneficial to have a facility that has some degree of climate control (temperature and humidity). A down-draft booth with air make up is preferable for a paint shop that uses waterborne base coat. 

Assuming the shop is well equipped*, some small upgrades will be very helpful to take full advantage of what a waterborne basecoat can deliver. Air blowers that create turbulent air over the wet basecoat enable a great productivity boost. Several options exist that can be integrated into the spray, dry and cure cycle. 

Aside from the more elaborate booth systems, shops can greatly benefit from portable blower systems. These portable blowers will offer the same drying productivity noted above and can be acquired at a fairly low price. The limitations are the size of the repair and the ability to create turbulent air flow over the entire repaired surface. 

Using these portable blowers will reduce drying times to about 15 minutes from a 30 to 60-minutes range, depending on film thickness and climate. Portable blowers will be essential in conditions of very high humidity. 

Additional equipment will include dedicated waterborne basecoat spray guns and gun washer; separate waste streams and waste removal. Plastic or lined cans, plastic paint sticks and nylon mesh strainers will be needed. Non-water soluble tape and masking supplies are required and improved housekeeping in the paint department will also be useful. 

* Recommended capabilities for well equipped shop include: air flow greater than 11,000 cubic feet/min; minimum air speed of 0.6 ft/s; uniform vertical air flow; efficient and sufficient heating system; clean and sufficient process air for spray guns and air blowers.

 

Q: Will there be changes to equipment cleaning and waste management?

 

A: Yes. Dedicated guns and gun cleaners will be required, and the solvent and water waste streams must be separate and distinct from clean up to waste removal. Be sure to contact your local waste hauler for information specific to your area.

 

Q: How does the productivity of waterborne basecoats compare with solventborne basecoats?

 

A: Waterborne basecoat can meet or exceed the productivity of solventborne basecoat in a well-equipped shop. Most waterborne basecoat colours hide in 1.5 coats with no flash between coats, providing a distinct productivity advantage in the case of poor hiding solventborne colours. For better hiding solventborne colours, the waterborne basecoat is equal or slightly faster for cycle time. Air blowing systems (booth or portable) will be key to achieve the productivity advantages of waterborne basecoat. Taking full advantage of air moving equipment could reduce in-booth time by approximately 30%. 

 

A shop with poor airflow and heat capability will be at the mercy of the ambient temperature and humidity and the weather conditions of a given day. Air blowing systems (booth or portable) will enable the productivity advantages of waterborne basecoats.

 

Q: How does the durability of waterborne basecoats compare with solventborne basecoats?

 

A: Waterborne basecoats are exceptionally durable. Waterborne basecoats are already used at over 75% of OEM plants. The majority of shops in Europe are using waterborne basecoats without issue – even those shops operating in countries with a similar climate to our own.

 

Q: Are waterborne basecoats compatible with solventborne undercoats and clear coats?

 

A: Yes, waterborne basecoat is compatible with recommended solventborne undercoats (including UVA cured primers and sealers) and clear coats.

 

Q: Are waterborne basecoats safer than solventborne basecoats?

 

A: Although waterborne basecoats are water-based and emit fewer solvents than a traditional solventborne basecoats, they still contain dangerous chemicals that can be harmful if proper personal protection is not used when spraying or handling. We suggest treating waterborne basecoat with the same respect as you would solventborne basecoat. Refer to the MSDS for additional information.

 

Q: Are waterborne basecoat products susceptible to freezing?

 

A: Yes, waterborne basecoat products can freeze if exposed to sub-zero temperature, even for a short period of time.

 

Q: Do waterborne basecoat products have a shelf life?

 

A: Yes, some waterborne basecoat products have a shelf life of as little as 2 years while others have a shelf life that exceeds 4 years. DuPont packages some of its waterborne basecoat products in smaller can sizes to increase inventory turns and to reduce the concern about shelf life.