Spraying waterborne vs solvent on a 2018 F-150 taught me a lesson

So I had this Ford F-150 last month, needed a full respray on the passenger side after a parking lot hit and run. I usually run solvent basecoat, but the shop got a deal on a waterborne system so I figured I'd try it out. Man, the waterborne laid down way smoother and had way less orange peel, even with the same gun settings. For anyone debating the switch, is the cleanup worth the extra hassle with the expensive booth equipment?

3 comments

3 Comments

henrycooper20d ago

Oh man, that sounds like a brutal lesson to learn on a job that big! I mean, I've been there where you think you're saving time or money and it just backfires in the most annoying way possible. Idk if it's just me but I always end up cleaning my guns twice as long with waterborne and still finding dried bits the next morning. At least the F-150 looks good now, even if your booth setup is giving you headaches.

the_piper20d ago

@the_sandra I mean not really a user problem when the paint dries before you can finish cleaning. But go off I guess. Waterborne is just picky like that. Dried bits are the worst though. You think you got it all then next morning crusty nozzle.

the_sandra20d agoMost Upvoted

Cleaning my guns twice as long" sounds like a user problem, not a waterborne problem.