Saw a shop in Tacoma using only water-based paints now

The manager said it's for the environment and worker health, but I worry about the durability and cost. Has anyone switched their whole operation over?

4 comments

4 Comments

kim.nina3mo ago

How long did it take your crew to get used to the new paints? We switched last year and the learning curve was rough but the finish holds up fine now.

cooper.drew3mo ago

It's part of a bigger shift, like the move away from plastic straws. The trade-offs are real, but the tech keeps getting better.

the_paul3mo ago

Cooper's right about it being a bigger shift. I see it with cleaning products and even printer ink now. The first versions of these eco swaps are usually worse, but they do tend to get good enough over time.

roberts.leo1mo ago

I was actually pretty skeptical about water-based paints a couple years ago. My neighbor runs a small cabinet shop and he made the switch back in 2021, I remember him complaining about how the paint would peel on high touch surfaces. But last month I helped him refinish a kitchen he did in early 2022 and the finish still looked good, no cracking or yellowing. He told me the key was getting the right primer and letting the coats dry longer between applications. The cost per gallon is a bit more upfront but he says the cleanup savings on solvents and thinner makes it a wash in the end. Have you talked to other shops in the area that have already made the change?