How much does it cost to change a conventional mixing machine with one intended for water-based paints?

Initially I would like to remark that it is not my goal to give specific sums of money. This is because they can vary depending on the stage of preparation of our workshop, i.e. its equipment and accessories. The objective of this article is to indicate the items that should be considered when estimating the necessary expenditures..

Let me start with the most important thing, i.e. from a positive attitude towards changes. I believe that without a positive attitude, no changes make sense. One can provide many arguments concerning the differences between conventional and water-based paints, but in reality you just have to be convinced that what you are doing is right.This is similar to energy-efficient light bulbs: there are still discussions about whether the changes were necessary but all of us use energy efficient light bulbs at home. The situation with water-based paints will sooner or later be the same.

As a reminder, the key difference between those two types of paints (which is important in the case of paint shops) is the application method where paint particles are transferred from the gun onto the substrate. Traditional solvent-based paints quickly spread on the surface and the solvent evaporates very quickly, while water-based paints need more time for evaporation of the water they contain. In the latter case, temperature and humidity are very important.

What do we need to change to start using water-based paints?

In most cases, the change can take effect right away. The products that are used to prepare the substrate are identical. The entire process is completely the same until the time of application of the base coat. One must note, however, that water-based paints do not react with unstable substrate as easily as organic solvent-based paints. The colors of water-based paints are more similar to factory-applied paints. Before the painting starts, one must make sure that the spray gun can be used with water-based paints.

Based on my own experience, I can say that a majority of guns made nowadays can be safely used with conventional paints and with water-based paints. The first expense must be made if a suitable spray gun needs to be purchased.

I would like to disprove the myth about the need for a paint cabin when painting with water-based paints. It must be clearly stated that good painting conditions, namely a paint cabin, translate most of all into fast work and cleanliness, which is true in the case of both types of paint. Touchup painting can be performed without a cabin and the longer drying time of water-based paints can be compensated using Venturi nozzles. This brings us to another possible expense related to the purchase of Venturi nozzles. This expense will pay off very quickly.On the other hand, I do not recommend using special Venturi nozzle sets for painting with water-based paints that are installed in the entire cabin — they only cause more pollution and require more powerful compressors.

What is not needed for painting with water-based paints?

Solvents to clean tools after the work is completed. The suffocating smell of solvents will soon be forgotten.

However, painting with water-based paints requires some skills and is different than painting with solvent-based paints. I did not mention that earlier on purpose because this problem is solved when you buy a mixer. Before you buy one, you should attend a training course conducted by makers of water-based paints. During such courses, you can get used to the product and its application methods.

What about the mixer?

The design of a mixing machine intended for water-based paints is different than that of standard machines, mostly with regard to the rotational speed of the mixing blades. The cost of the water-based machine is very often covered by the paint maker or vendor.

Let us now briefly sum up the information about the items you should pay attention to when switching from conventional paints to water-based paints.
• substrate preparation — identical for both types of paint;
• spray equipment — most guns available in the market are suitable;
• mixing machine — often delivered within the price of purchase of the system;
• paint cabin — the same as in the case of organic solvent-based paints;
• Venturi nozzles — an extra expense;
Clear Coats — no special requirements if you use products of one maker.

When analyzing the cost of painting with water-based paints, one must keep in mind that any repairs are fully reimbursed by insurance companies. The key benefit from switching to the new system, which is also the reason for developing water-based paints, is that water-based paints are less harmful to the painters and the natural environment.