A quick heads-up on those new water-based clear coats

I used to spray solvent-based clears for a decade, no problem. My process was simple: mix, spray, and you had a solid, glossy finish that held up. About six months ago, a regular shop in town switched suppliers and the new stuff they sent me was all water-based. The first time I used it, I treated it the same way. Big mistake. The flash-off time was totally different, and I ended with a finish that looked milky in spots. I had to re-sand and re-spray the whole rear quarter panel on a Honda Civic, which cost me half a day. The reason for the switch, from what I gather, is stricter rules on fumes in our area. Now, I always do a test panel first and watch the shop's temperature gauge like a hawk. Has anyone else run into this and found a good trick for getting a consistent shine with these new clears?

2 comments

2 Comments

fiona_reed9d ago

My shop's temp gauge is my new best friend after a similar milky mess.

davidmurphy9d ago

A milky mess usually just means condensation in the oil, which happens on short trips in cold weather. It's pretty common and often not a big deal at all. A temp gauge is handy, but it doesn't always mean you've got a blown head gasket. People jump to the worst case right away.