Written by Ben Smith, General Manager & Operations Director at SprayPlant
Modern water-based paints have advanced significantly in recent years, manufacturers like, Teknos and Ankorstein, offer high performance, durability, and finish quality that rivals, or even exceed many traditional solvent-based paints, especially given regulatory and environmental trends, customer expectations, and technology improvements. So the question many contractors ask us is when they should use solvent-based paint and when should or could they replace solvent paints with water-based paint?
Solvent-Based Paints: Traditional Uses & Limitations
Solvent-based paints (also known as oil-based use organic solvents like mineral spirits or turpentine as carriers and they have been favoured for decades due to:
- High durability
- Smooth finish
- Excellent adhesion to difficult surfaces
- Good flow and leveling
Common applications include:
- Metalwork (e.g., railings, doors, pipes)
- Exterior trim
- Industrial surfaces
- Priming wood and masonry
However, solvent-based paints come with major downsides:
- High VOC emissions (volatile organic compounds), which contribute to air pollution and pose health risks
- Long drying and curing times
- Strong odours
- Flammable and hazardous handling
- Increasing regulatory restrictions
Water-Based Paints: A Modern Alternative to Solvent-based paints.
Modern water based coatings have closed the performance gap with solvents in many key areas.
Applications Where Water-Based Paints Now Excel:
- Residential & Commercial Interiors
- Trim, doors, cabinets, walls
- Excellent flow, minimal odour, fast drying
- Exterior Wood & Siding
- Elastomeric coatings, water-based alkyd hybrids now last as long as solvent-based paints
- Metalwork & Industrial Applications
- New waterborne DTM (direct-to-metal) formulations resist rust and provide strong adhesion
- Priming Difficult Surfaces
- Stain-blocking water-based primers like shellac-modified or hybrid acrylics perform close to traditional alkyds
Benefits of Water-Based Over Solvent-Based Paints
|
Benefit |
Explanation |
|
Low VOCs |
Healthier indoor air quality and easier compliance with environmental regulations |
|
Faster Dry Time |
Reduces labour costs and turnaround times |
|
Easier Cleanup |
Wash tools with water, not hazardous solvents, which also impact the environment. |
|
Low Odor |
More customer-friendly, especially in occupied buildings |
|
Non-Flammable |
Safer on job sites and in storage |
|
Durability |
Advanced formulations rival or surpass solvent-based longevity |
|
Colour Retention |
Less yellowing over time compared to oil-based finishes |
Application with Graco Spray Machines:
For professional contractors, Graco spray equipment makes applying water-based paints efficient, consistent, and high-quality.
Why Graco is Ideal for Water-Based Paints:
Graco manufacture a wide range of machines suitable for use with water-based paints, from entry level through to professional spray machines.
Check out: GX19, GX21, GXFF, 390 Classic, ST Max 495, ST Max 595, Ultramax II 695 & more
- ProConnect™ pump system allows fast pump swaps for minimal downtime
- SmartControl™ technology ensures precise pressure control for even finish
- BlueLink™ integration enables real-time job and maintenance tracking
- Fine Finish Tips (FFLP) deliver smooth results for cabinetry and trim with minimal overspray
Water-based paints tend to have higher viscosity, but Graco’s powerful pumps and optimised tips make them flow smoothly. Many models are specifically engineered for waterborne acrylics, latex, and hybrid coatings.
Message to Contractors: Why You Should Switch from traditional solvent-based paint to more modern water-based paint alternatives?
You're not losing quality, you're gaining efficiency, safety, and market relevance.
Switching to modern water-based paints doesn't mean sacrificing performance. Instead, you're:
- Keeping up with environmental laws
- Providing safer, more comfortable conditions for clients and crews
- Delivering quick-drying, low-odour jobs that meet or exceed customer expectations
- Using the same trusted Graco gear with minimal changes to your workflow
Recommended Graco Setups for Water-Based Paints
-
Interior/Exterior Walls & Ceilings:
Graco Ultra Max II 495 or 695 with RAC X FFLP tips -
Trim, Doors, and Cabinets:
Graco FinishPro II 595 PC Pro for fine finish work -
On-the-Go Jobs:
Graco Ultra Cordless Handheld Sprayer (ideal for touch-ups or tight spaces) -
Priming & High Viscosity Applications:
Graco GMAX II or Mark V models handle the toughest materials with ease
Contractors who embrace modern water-based paint systems are positioning themselves for compliance, cost efficiency, and client satisfaction, without sacrificing quality. Paired with proven Graco equipment, the transition is smooth and straightforward. For more information and advice, contact the team.
The question isn’t whether water-based paints are ready. The question is, are you?
If you need ny further advice or information regarding your spray paint or plaster project, contact the team at Spray Plant UK through our contact page, phone, Chatbot or if you're local come and see us in Leeds, UK.
Ben Smith is the General Manager and Director in charge of operations and Spray Plant UK. His role involves the day-to-day running of the business and Head of Purchasing and Sales. With over 20 years of experience in the spray equipment industry, Ben combines technical expertise with a strong commercial focus to help ensure SprayPlant delivers the right solutions for its customers.