One of these days, I hope, my ne-er do well body shop guy is going to get around to painting my coupe. He's given me a choice of using the newer Glasurit water based paint if I want it. He says MB has been using water based paint for 12 or 15 years now and that the tint is more durable than the older acrylic and urethane paints. Does anybody know if I should be going with the water based?

That's true they might have even pioneered it. Glasurit has a very short flash-off and dwell time make sure your guy has knowledge of its characteristics

If he'll do it with the BASF Glasurit 90 waterbourne series of paints then go for it. You'll get a much better color and durable paint than the original. Added bonus is it is also better for the enviroment.

Starting in July of this year, waterbourne paint will be your ONLY choice of respray in Californio.

It's a little different to spray I've heard but I'm looking forward to working with it when I respray my '74 280C "anthracite gray- clearcoat"

I'm used to working with Imron urethanes and I can't wait to get away from THAT nasty stuff.

Well, now that I told him I'd like the 90 line, he is trying to get me to pay part of the cost of some new machine he needs to use it. He apparently has used water-borne paint at some other shop, but isn't set up for it at his shop yet. He claims the machine is $2500.

I think I'm going to have to sue this guy to get my car back. He's had it for four months now. He does really nice work, but it's now clear to me that he treats non-collision work like a hobby.

Is the Glasurit any less hazardous than other paints, also?

We are not using water base yet, but understand it is coming,,, I hope to be a former business owner when the big change comes, but I digress. The water based base coat is the only thing that really changes in the process. In using water for a reducer, instead of petroleum reducers, VOC's are almost eliminated, in that part of the process. The same clears, which are really quite hazardous, are still used. I understand you need some way to really circulate the air, that even our downdraft booths won't do in a timely manner. So it means getting a new style downdraft, or investing in expensive air circulation devices to speed the flash time.

"It's not easy being green . . . "

Kermit the Frog