The Hidden Costs of ‘Easy’ Solvent Paints
You grab a gallon of solvent-based metallic paint because "it’s what you’ve always used." But have you calculated the true price?
-
$15,000 OSHA fines for VOC violations
-
$200/day in respirator gear for crews
-
3x more labor (primer + topcoat + dry time)
Water-Based Metallic = Faster, Cheaper, Safer
| Factor | Solvent Paint | Water-Based Metallic |
|---|---|---|
| Coats Needed | 2-3 (primer + top) | 1-2 (no primer) |
| Dry Time | 4-8 hours | 30-60 minutes |
| Cleanup | Toxic thinners | Soap & water |
| 5-Year Cost | $18/sq ft | $9/sq ft |
Why Contractors Are Switching
-
Finish Jobs 50% Faster
-
Paint and recoat in the same day
-
-
Win More Bids
-
Eco-friendly specs now required on 60% of projects
-
-
Keep Workers Healthy
-
No more dizzy painters needing sick days
-
Real Savings: A Welding Shop’s Story
An Ohio fabricator switched to water-based metallic paint for guardrails and saw:
-
$28k saved annually on materials/ labor
-
Zero EPA inspections (100% VOC-compliant)
-
Clients requesting the "green metallic finish"
The Smart Choice for 2024
Stop making painting harder than it needs to be. One product. Half the hassle. Double the profit.