Water Borne Candy Paints - Tech Project

We all know that Lowriders are all about paint. Without the right paintjob, your automotive masterpiece is just a rough draft. From Candy to Flake, Lowriders have been at the forefront of automotive paint technology; it just comes with the territory of being the talk of the Boulevard. Thanks to advances in paint production, there is no secret that today's paint technology is not the same as it was when our culture was born, some thirty years ago. We have seen great strides in paint technology and techniques, as the industry has evolved from the single stage acrylic paint, lacquer, and urethane basecoats which have lasted for over a decade, to where we are at today. So now, we are showcasing the latest waterborne basecoat technology. This innovation is something that is environmentally friendly, and is still able to give you the luster found in some of today's most sought after paint finishes.

Who ever thought you would use water to thin out your paint? It's not new technology; it's been around for years in Europe. This technology has also been in play at the OEM level in America. Current air quality regulations have led to safer paints, in order to promote a cleaner environment and a healthier world. The local body shops have followed suit, making their own transition into the waterborne paint bases. It's been a learning experience for everybody, but it is not as bad as some people thought the transition would be.

1. Paul and Mitch both started off with flat paint panels, which were sealed and ready to receive custom paint. Mitch mixed some pearl yellow base, following the directions provided. The mixing steps were similar to what painters are doing currently.

1. Paul and Mitch both started off with flat paint panels, which were sealed and ready to

With all of that said, what are custom painters to do? Should they quit painting, or move to Arizona where the laws are a little more lenient for custom paint finishes? For those of you in this boat, we advise you to make the transition, too. After all, you can't really run from it, and you certainly can't just stockpile the old paint. The best thing that you can do is grab the bull by the horns and learn the new system. Once you do, you will realize that it really isn't that difficult.

We caught up with Paul Stoll of PPG Industries, and Mitch Kelly of Crazy Painters, whom some of you might know from Kelly and Sons. They are going to show us how some of today's technology works, so follow along as they pull out all the stops at PPG's Los Angeles training center. These experts are here to shed some light on just how friendly this new paint technique can be.

2. Mitch's technique is like the old fashioned way, as he built up the color to achieve the depth that the old colors had.
2. Mitch's technique is like the old fashioned way, as he built up the color to achieve t
3. This new paint dries fast, and you are able to work on it, or even touch it, once it dries.
3. This new paint dries fast, and you are able to work on it, or even touch it, once it d
4. After a few passes, you can see the color coming to life.

5. The panel was scuffed and readied for the next design.
6. The tape shades were done in steps, to accomplish what can only be done with a little patience, and some very slow passes.
6. The tape shades were done in steps, to accomplish what can only be done with a little
7. The panel was uncovered and sprayed to create the tape shades.

8. Paul mixed up some candy blue for the panel.
9. The top panel was prepared by Frank, so the candy blue could be accented by the other colors.
9. The top panel was prepared by Frank, so the candy blue could be accented by the other
10. This panel was almost complete, but needed a few paint tricks or designs.
10. This panel was almost complete, but needed a few paint tricks or designs.

11. What would this panel be without a signature?
12. This panel was cleared and completed.
13. Frank and Mitch worked together well on this panel.

14. This panel was ready to dry and be buffed out.
15. Paul shows us that by using the same main colors that were used on Mitch's panel, something entirely different can be created. The panel was all masked up with design shapes and ready for paint.
15. Paul shows us that by using the same main colors that were used on Mitch's panel, som
16. Every panel was going to be covered in color, so each section would be masked individually.
16. Every panel was going to be covered in color, so each section would be masked individ

17. Once the last layer was masked off, Paul would be able to shoot some color.
17. Once the last layer was masked off, Paul would be able to shoot some color.
18. Paul started off by doing some tiger stripe designs.
19. As you can see, these stripes were created by using up and down motions.
19. As you can see, these stripes were created by using up and down motions.

20. After masking off the painted panel, Paul added some violet to tie in the colors.
20. After masking off the painted panel, Paul added some violet to tie in the colors.
21. Here is one of the new steps in waterborne painting; the bases need to be dried with an air blower.
21. Here is one of the new steps in waterborne painting; the bases need to be dried with
22. Once the color is dry, it is safe to peel and touch the panel.

23. Paul unmasked the center of the panel, and it was ready to receive color.
23. Paul unmasked the center of the panel, and it was ready to receive color.
24. With the bases dry, they were back-masked so that they could be properly covered.
24. With the bases dry, they were back-masked so that they could be properly covered.
25. Paul worked on the main color, which featured a pearl base.

26. Using stencils, Paul was able to add a character to the design.
27. Paul came back and sprayed the panel evenly, using the candy tangerine.
27. Paul came back and sprayed the panel evenly, using the candy tangerine.
28. Frank hurried up the drying process by air drying the panel. Once it was dry, it received a few coats of clear.
28. Frank hurried up the drying process by air drying the panel. Once it was dry, it rece

29. Paul knocked out the panel in a few hours, showing us that there are not too many differences between the new paint style and the old urethane process.
29. Paul knocked out the panel in a few hours, showing us that there are not too many dif
30. Once the clear was shot, the panel was ready to be washed and hung on the wall.
30. Once the clear was shot, the panel was ready to be washed and hung on the wall.