Waterborne Automotive Paint Equipment: Storage, Application, Spray Gun, Drying, and Cleaning
Spraying Waterborne: What to use to get the job done
Spraying waterborne is not much different from what you already use in your daily operations. There are three key areas for waterborne application:
- Spraying Equipment
- Drying Equipment
- Cleaning Equipment
In addition to these, PPG also has storage equipment specifically designed to store either Aquabase Plus or Envirobase High Performance bottles.
Spraying Equipment
While you can use any gun to spray waterborne paint, you will likely extend the life of your equipment by using spray guns 
specifically designed for use with water-based paints.
General Guidelines
- Use 1.2mm to 1.4mm fluid tips.
- Dedicate spraying equipment for water only.
- Make sure to use corrosion resistant components.
For a complete reference guide, check out the gun setup charts for both Aquabase Plus and Envirobase High Performance.
gun setup charts
Envirobase High Performance
Aquabase Plus
For these and more documents and technical bulletins, check out the waterborne product information page.
Drying Equipment
Waterborne coatings require good air flow to quickly evaporate water from the basecoat. For efficient drying, increasing the feet per minute (FPM) of air passing over the surface is key. Temperature and humidity also play a role in dry-times.
Generally, 200 FPM or more will lead to great results.
Drying equipment can range from simple additions to existing equipment or by installing specialized equipment specifically designed for use with waterborne automotive paint systems.
Here are some air drying systems for use with waterborne coatings:
- Handheld blowers and floor stands
- Booth retro-fits with mounted
blowers and fans
- Downdraft booth with flash mode
Handheld blowers and floor stands can be set up in a booth to increase air flow and quickly evaporate water from the basecoat.
Booths can also be retrofitted with mounted blowers or fans making it easier to start the flash process after spraying waterborne.
Specialized waterborne downdraft booths use accelerated air make-up systems—fans will double their speed in flash mode—to increase dry times and productivity at the flip of a switch.
Cleaning Equipment
Cleaning your dedicated waternborne spray guns will help keep them working at their top performance. Check with your gun's manufacturer for instructions on how to clean and maintain your specific equipment.
Many guns can be cleaned using a gun cleaner that integrates the use of a flocculating powder, such as OneChoice® SWX100 or Nexa Autocolor's P980-8212, to clean out waterborne residue from dedicated spray guns.
The flocculating agent separates solids from waste water—making it possible to reuse the filtrate at least ten times before its cleaning properties diminish. This makes the cleaning process efficient, minimizing waste.
Note: PPG Industries, Inc. does not endorse or promote any specific equipment manufacturer. Many equipment manufacturers have developed and are continuing to develop useful tools to assist with the use of waterborne paints.