Why Water-Based Metallic is Winning Over Contractors
Jul 03, 2025
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.
EN SAVOIR PLUS