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    Understanding Vehicle Paint Types: Water-Based vs Solvent-Based

    Solution Repair Group1 February 20254 min read

    The Evolution of Vehicle Paint

    Environmental regulations have transformed how vehicles are painted. Understanding the difference between paint types helps you appreciate what goes into a quality repair.

    Water-Based Paints

    Most modern vehicles now use water-based paints (also known as waterborne). Benefits include:

    • Lower VOC emissions – better for the environment
    • Better colour matching – more accurate metallic effects
    • Improved flow – smoother finish
    • Widely adopted by manufacturers since 2007

    Solvent-Based Paints

    Traditional solvent-based paints are still used for:

    • Clear coats – the protective top layer
    • Some classic vehicle restorations
    • Specific manufacturer requirements

    The MJ Autos Paint Process

    Our state-of-the-art paint facilities feature:

    1. Climate-controlled spray booths
    2. Spectrophotometer colour matching
    3. Manufacturer-approved paint systems
    4. Multiple quality check stages

    Why Quality Paint Matters

    A poorly matched repair stands out and can:

    • Reduce your vehicle's resale value
    • Fade or peel prematurely
    • Look obvious in certain lighting

    Get It Right First Time

    At MJ Autos, we guarantee colour matching on all repairs. Our technicians use the latest technology to ensure your repair is invisible.

    Call 01293 000000 for a free estimate or visit us at Trading address TBC, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 1AA.

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