I want to colour change my GSA from silver to white. I've contacted a couple of different companies who both come recomended. One however uses 2 pack, the other waterbased paints. Which is best and why? All info appreciated
Hi Pigglet. There are many urban myths about paint finishes and why people prefer some over others. As an experienced paint sprayer who has used literally dozens of paint types on all applications - including classic cars, racing cars, motorbikes of all ages & even powerboats, I'll do my best to give you a simple explanation.....
99% of all modern vehicles vehicles are given what is referred to as a 'clear over base' finish. This quite simply means that there is a clear coat of lacquer applied to a base coat of the chosen colour. This applies to both solid & metallic colours.
The clear coat used by all manufacturers at present is what is referred to as '2-Pack' this is because there are two components i.e. lacquer & hardener. Thinners is then added to get the right consistency for spraying.
Traditionally, the base coat was a solvent-based paint which used a very strong solvent in it's application. In more recent years, water-based basecoats have been introduced to meet more stringent emission laws & to help reduce the amount of VOC's being produced (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Hope you're still with me here!!
Bearing in mind the above, it doesn't matter whether you chose solvent based, or water based paint because the top-coat will remain a 2-pack finish, as there are no water based lacquers in use at present. If you think about it, why would there be? if you rode your bike in the rain, or was washing it one Sunday afternoon - then you'd be looking at bare metal/plastic pretty soon wouldn't you??
So, in short, if the sprayer you choose knows his stuff, then you should get exactly the same durable finish regardless of what basecoat he's using.
Another point worth noting is that some paintshops (although very few) still use cellulose paints. You'd be wise to avoid this paint, as it is much softer & prone to scratching very easily. The only advantage of it's use is that it's much cheaper than the above finishes.
When people tell you that their car/bike has become scratched because of water-based paints, you now know that
this is not the case. Some colours however show scratches much more easily than others (blacks, dark blues & reds are the worst among them).
I hope the above is of some help. If you need more info, then let me know.
Good luck,
Stu.
) which he's going to lacquer in.
