Thinking Thursday - Why choose water-based products?

Fifty years ago, virtually all paint products were solvent based.  They contained high levels of organic compounds.  These solvents facilitate application, drying and the formation of a durable, regular film.  On the negative side, when these compounds evaporate, they release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere resulting in a strong odor and toxic impact on the environment.  Stricter environmental regulations have required paint manufacturers to dramatically reduce the levels of VOCs in their products. 

Today, advances in paint technology mean that water-based products are in many ways equal, or superior to their solvent-based counterparts.  They are durable, have a quick drying time and the emission is far less odor.  Overall, water-based products are more environmentally safe.  Other advantages of using water-based products are: 

• They have low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
• Low odor
• Quick drying times
• Excellent durability
• Less hazardous waste problems
• Less flammable than solvent base products
• Easy clean up with only water
• Rag fires from stain and fillers are less of a problem with water more than solvent

The SDS provides information on the materials and its relative safety to a user.  Likewise, the SDS helps identify and lists instructions in the event of an accident that could occur in your environment.

At Aqua Coat, our water-based products provide hardness and durability but without the strong smell and high levels of toxins.  All of our finishes are water-based, non-flammable, non-combustible, low odor, eco-friendly, easy to apply and clean up, and are a breeze to master.  You will wonder why you haven’t made the switch to water-based sooner.  Visit us at www.aquacoat.com to learn more about our products.