Solvent based versus water based.... Do you care?

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jbgrant

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So this question has been asked before, but didn't really get any much attention. I'm interested to hear your opinions on whether you look for solvent or water-based exterior or interior products, or if this means nothing to your product decisions. ?

There are lots of instances in product marketing here at AG where the manufacture suggests directly or indirectly that water-based products are safer than solvent solutions, which seems reasonable... Is there anything to this claim?

I used a water-based sealant (Wolfgang DGPS 3.0) today for the first time and my initial impression is that it rocks. Required <1/2 an ounce to cover an accord bumper to bumper and it could not have been easier. The gloss is fantastic. It rained cats and dogs an hour later, so it may be a little compromised unfortunately.

Do you specifically combine/layer solvent/water based products? Some manufactures systems (Carpro, Ultima) recommend a solvent sealant followed by a water-based top coat of varying description.

Opinions?
 
I prefer water based products since this is a hobby for me and I value my health.
 
LegacyGT said:
I prefer water based products since this is a hobby for me and I value my health.
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Very good point. I was speaking to the safety factor for the car's finish, but I suppose lungs are important too.
 
Are you mainly talking about LSP's or dressing here? You first get into interior and exterior products, which I assume you are talking about dressings, and then get into LSP's.

In any case, I mainly stick to water-based dressing for all parts of the car because there will be no build up issues in the long run. The only place I use solvent based dressings are the wheel well as they take the most abuse and need the most durability.

LSP wise I dont really care if its water-based or solvent based. As long as it provides the looks im going for, or its durable, its all that matters. BTW DGPS 3.0 is not waterbased, it's solvent based. There are very few stand-alone lsp's out there that are water based. Gtechniq C2, Klasse/Carlack/Jeff Werkstatt...etc

I dont really think its that much safer. Its not like you are drinking the stuff. Sure you might be inhaling a bit of chemcials now and then but then again there are a lot of people out there that like to sniff their waxes or products.
 
Lasthope05 said:
BTW DGPS 3.0 is not waterbased, it's solvent based. There are very few stand-alone lsp's out there that are water based. Gtechniq C2, Klasse/Carlack/Jeff Werkstatt...etc
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I'm not disagreeing with you, but this has me a bit confused:

"From the manufacture
Quote:
Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0 is a water-based, oxygen activated paint sealant. After buffing off the sealant, the remaining coating needs to cure for 12 hours in dry conditions to fully bond to the paint. Exposure to moisture during this time will drown the polymers. For the best results, allow 12 hours of curing time. "
(http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/21362-wolfgang-deep-gloss-paint-sealant-review-how.html)

So this stuff smells like there is definitely a solvent in it... But volatility seems pretty low compared to others. ??
 
jbgrant said:
I'm not disagreeing with you, but this has me a bit confused:

"From the manufacture
Quote:
Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0 is a water-based, oxygen activated paint sealant. After buffing off the sealant, the remaining coating needs to cure for 12 hours in dry conditions to fully bond to the paint. Exposure to moisture during this time will drown the polymers. For the best results, allow 12 hours of curing time. "
(http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/21362-wolfgang-deep-gloss-paint-sealant-review-how.html)

So this stuff smells like there is definitely a solvent in it... But volatility seems pretty low compared to others. ??
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Most sealants do have water in them but that does not fully make them water-based. They are an emulsion of solvents, polymers, and water. If it was truly water based you could dilute the product with water to make a maintenance spray sealant like the water based products I listed in my previous post.
 
I personally enjoy using the ones that work for me....:dblthumb2:
 
When first starting in detailing, I was drawn to the solvent based products. My thoughts were old school and believed thats what would work best. I've been trying newer products lately in particular German chemistry brands and find the water based products are amazing. Easy to apply and remove, minimal VOC to be concerned with both for personal health and environment. Now I study the make up of every product used and factor that into the decision process. It's a good time to jump on the bandwagon as these products will dominate the market.
 
SeaJay's said:
I don't usually buy products based on if they are water based or solvent based.
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Seajay, Since you do this for a living you might wanna rethink that. Long term exposure to solvents is not a plus on the health ledger.
 
HeavyMetal said:
Seajay, Since you do this for a living you might wanna rethink that. Long term exposure to solvents is not a plus on the health ledger.
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I do understand that. I look at it this way....something is going to end up giving me cancer. It could be because I eat too much white bread, exposure to sun light, breathing on a daily basis, etc.

I do have a lot of water based products and I have some solvent based products as well. I use what works.

I definitely see the trend going towards water based products which is environmentally friendly and "healthier". But if your breathing in a water based product with all kinds of stuff mixed in, or a solvent based product your still breathing in things you shouldn't be....

Just saying! I appreciate you looking out for me though. :props:
 
SeaJay's said:
I do understand that. I look at it this way....something is going to end up giving me cancer.
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Actually I was thnking more along the lines of liver or brain damage - a real risk with solvents. Unfortunately saw too much of the former in industry with those who just wouldn't take precautions.
 
HeavyMetal said:
Actually I was thnking more along the lines of liver or brain damage - a real risk with solvents. Unfortunately saw too much of the former in industry with those who just wouldn't take precautions.
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Good info, I didn't realize that....maybe I'll start reaching for the water based products now...
 
SeaJay's said:
Good info, I didn't realize that....maybe I'll start reaching for the water based products now...
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Or wear gloves and a respirator when using solvents. 'Course that might freak out your customers. The big risk is inhaling solvent fumes several hours a day, all week long for years.
 
HeavyMetal said:
Or wear gloves and a respirator when using solvents. 'Course that might freak out your customers. The big risk is inhaling solvent fumes several hours a day, all week long for years.
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Well I usually always where gloves, but never a respirator. I only detail part time right now (nights and weekends). So, it's full time yet but I get what your saying.
 
I use the product that works best for me. Sometimes it solvent based, sometimes its water based.
 
SeaJay's said:
Well I usually always where gloves, but never a respirator. I only detail part time right now (nights and weekends). So, it's full time yet but I get what your saying.
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That's why I always smoked a cigar when detailing. I have since quit. I don't know what the Hell I'm going to do now???
 
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