Water based paint systems

[GSmith]

Anyone here using one? I'm in the early phase of switching over, and would appreciate any thoughts, good or bad.

[Dave Anderson]

Nearly all of my bikes (and other bikes I've painted) are painted with Auto Air Colors and have been for the last five+ years.....

It took some getting used to, but I like the stuff a lot. I have no experience with any of the PPG or other water based products, though.

With respect to Auto Air:

The good: Water Clean Up, Low Toxicity, No recoat or clear coat time frames, Inexpensive in the case of AAC, Clean tape lines, good adhesion, etc
The Bad: More coats for full coverage, learning curve, works best when cured with heat between coats, doesn't sand well (of course you don't often sand base coat anyway), etc

Dave

[GSmith]

Nearly all of my bikes (and other bikes I've painted) are painted with Auto Air Colors and have been for the last five+ years.....

It took some getting used to, but I like the stuff a lot. I have no experience with any of the PPG or other water based products, though.

With respect to Auto Air:

The good: Water Clean Up, Low Toxicity, No recoat or clear coat time frames, Inexpensive in the case of AAC, Clean tape lines, good adhesion, etc
The Bad: More coats for full coverage, learning curve, works best when cured with heat between coats, doesn't sand well (of course you don't often sand base coat anyway), etc

Dave

Thanks Dave.

I've been checking out AAC, since they are just a few hours down the road in Granby CT, and seem to have a great training program/facility. A few of the hot rod/custom car guys that I've spoken to swear by their stuff, and recommend a heated make-up air system for the booth along with curing lamps. I'm wondering if a curing oven is a better route for frames, since they are more portable than an entire car.

Gary

[Dave Anderson]

Thanks Dave.

I'm wondering if a curing oven is a better route for frames, since they are more portable than an entire car.

Gary

Thats what I do. I have an oven that I used to cure AAC and to force dry primer & clear. It has a circulation fan as well and so its perfect for water based base coat. I spray a coat, throw it in the oven for a few minutes and then spray a couple of more coats. AAC goes on great on a warm frame. You put AAC on as dry as possible and it dries almost instantly when the frame is warm, etc. I also use a heat gun for spot work when doing detail work. You can not put AAC on wet on wet.

Dave

[Todd Mosley]

I am looking to experiment with AAC - how much is needed to do one frame?

[seankanary]

A painter I'm friends with is slowly making the transition over to water based systems. He seems to really really like it. He said (just like Dave) that there was a learning curve, but it squirts nicely.

[Dave Anderson]

I am looking to experiment with AAC - how much is needed to do one frame?

Todd,

A 4 oz. container of AAC is more than enough for a frame and fork. I can sometimes get two framesets out of a 4 oz. bottle, depending on the color.

Dave

[Todd Mosley]

I meant to say I did use light costs on the fork, but not the frame. Anyway, ask and ye shall receive...



image-1991817283.jpg



image-163592677.jpg



image-1046272812.jpg

The color is AAC Nightmare Blue over black sealer.

[Todd Mosley]

light costs

coats. I should stop posting from my phone.

[Dave Anderson]

Cool! Nightmare blue it my favorite AAC. It looks almost like a candy with a lot of depth and really pops in the sun.

Dave

[Todd Mosley]

I finally had a sunny day this week and it was stunning in the sunlight. Camera's don't do it justice and always make it appear more blue than sparkly midnight/purple/blue that it really is.