Waterbased Touch Up Paint Directions

Overview

Waterbased touch up paints are increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and ease of use in regulated environments.

Drying Times

  • Spray Cans: At 70 degrees, waterborne aerosol touch up paint dries in approximately 10 minutes. Note that higher humidity can increase drying times. Refer to the “Drying Times for Spray Cans” section of our knowledge base for more detailed information.

Application

  • Pints, Quarts, and Gallons: These containers are ready to spray without the need for additional thinning.
  • Thinning: If thinning is necessary, do not use automotive lacquer thinner. Instead, use Envirobase High Performance Color T494, designed specifically for thinning waterbased paints. For detailed instructions on thinning ratios, spray tip size, and temperature requirements, see the “Water Based Paint Thinner” section in our knowledge base.

Clean Up

  • Cleanup Process: Despite being waterbased, these paints contain a slight amount of solvent-based chemicals. Our acrylic lacquer thinner is suitable for cleanup. Refer to the “Clean Up” guidelines in our knowledge base for safe and effective cleaning methods.

Expertise and Assistance

  • Professional Consultation: Waterbased paints require different handling compared to traditional solvent-based paints. If you are new to using waterbased paints, we strongly recommend consulting with a professional from a collision shop. This is crucial to ensure proper application and to avoid common pitfalls associated with waterbased paint applications.