Waterborne vs. Solvent-Based Car Paint: Which Is Better?

When looking for automotive paint, you may see two words stand out: waterborne and solvent. That’s because these are the two main types of vehicle paint used today. When considering waterborne vs. solvent-based car paint, read this brief comparison. You’ll see which one is the better choice.

Waterborne Car Paint

Water-based paint is the most widely used type of automotive paint today. Its acrylic polyurethane enamel base is considered environmentally friendly, and it currently makes up the colorcoats and clearcoats on most vehicles. Waterborne paint has considerably fewer odors but still produces bright, clean colors. You also need less clearcoat with water-based paint. It even requires less clearcoat to even out the car’s surface over multiple layers.

Solvent-Based Car Paint

Solvent-based paint remains another option for your vehicle. Unlike waterborne paint, solvent is more durable and less sensitive to the base underneath. Also, it spreads out thicker, which makes it easier to hide the imperfections below. Solvent-based paint holds up better against humidity too. Humidity makes waterborne paint dry faster, which affects the overall result. 

Which Is Right for You?

Still, with the pros and cons of each, you’re probably wondering which is better for you: waterborne or solvent car paint? The answer depends on your personal preferences, but waterborne stands out as the top contender. Waterborne paints contain less volatile organic compounds than solvents, which is safer in terms of air quality. When solvent paints dry, their VOCs release and contribute to climate warming. Waterborne paints also offer better color quality. Shades come out brighter and richer, and there are more color options available. You also don’t need to spend as much time mixing primers, paints, and clearcoats to reach the desired result with waterborne paints as you do with solvent-based ones.

For the best waterborne automotive paint for your vehicle, check us out at TouchUpDirect. We’re the leading distributor of automotive touch up paint and applicators to help you get your car back to normal. The process to buy car touch up paint online is easy. Simply use our vehicle database to find your car’s make, model, year, and color. Then choose the right paint applicator and package to start. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Call us, and we’ll find it for you so that you’re ready to touch up your vehicle.