Water-Based Paints and Eco-Friendly Primers: The New Frontier of High-Performance Painting

New European and international regulations are driving the use of water-based paints, eco-friendly primers, and products with reduced VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

Kustom Service, always attentive to innovation and environmental responsibility, has invested in next-generation formulations that combine high performance with respect for the environment.

Regulatory change: why the market is evolving

European regulations on the environment and air quality, such as Directive 2004/42/EC and its subsequent updates, have introduced increasingly strict limits on VOC emissions.
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are substances contained in traditional solvents that, by evaporating during paint application and drying, contribute to air pollution and the formation of tropospheric ozone.

For this reason, manufacturers have been required to develop new coating technologies capable of drastically reducing environmental impact without sacrificing quality.

The main guidelines imposed by legislators are clear:

• Progressive reduction of harmful solvents in products;

• Promotion of water-based paints and 2K hybrid systems;

• Improvement of catalysis processes to reduce emission times;

• Control of the impact on operator health and the working environment.

Water-based paints: technology and advantages

Water-based paints represent today the most advanced solution for those seeking a balance between technical performance and environmental responsibility.

Unlike solvent-based paints, where the binder is diluted in hydrocarbons or organic solvents, in water-based paints the main carrier is water itself.
This results in numerous advantages:

• Up to 90% reduction in VOC emissions;

• Lower toxicity for the operator;

• Greater environmental compatibility in coating cycles;

• Excellent adhesion on metals, plastics, and complex substrates;

• High resistance to heat and chemical agents when applied correctly.

Kustom Service has long developed a complete line of water-based paints for decorative and professional use, specifically designed for the Automotive, Interior Design, and High-Temperature sectors.

Eco-friendly primers: the foundation of quality

Every successful coating process starts with the primer, and the new generation of Kustom Service eco-friendly primers is designed to ensure:

• Optimal adhesion on metals, alloys, and plastics;

• Anti-corrosion protection without aggressive solvents;

• Full compatibility with water-based and 2K hybrid paints;

• Fast drying and mechanical resistance comparable to traditional products.

These primers not only reduce environmental impact but also simplify workshop management, as they do not require special extraction systems or residue disposal procedures.

The approach is clear: fewer solvents, greater efficiency, and enhanced safety.

⚙️ How the needs of painters are changing

The market — from mechanical industries to custom painters — now demands products that are not only high-performing but also compliant with environmental regulations.
Major automotive manufacturers and motorcycle producers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Italdesign Giugiaro, who use Kustom Service products, have been moving in this direction for some time.

The most frequent requests from professionals are:

• Fast drying times to optimize production;

• Ease of application with spray or gun;

• Compatibility between primers and topcoats;

• Reduced risks for operators during application.

For this reason, Kustom Service has focused on water-based 2K hybrid formulas, where the catalyst is already integrated into the paint and activates only when the diluent evaporates.
The result is a stable, durable product, reusable for up to 12 months, with no waste.

Kustom Service innovation and research

Behind every paint lies precise chemical research, based on years of development and laboratory testing.
Kustom Service constantly works to:

• Improve the thermal stability of water-based paints;

• Increase chemical and mechanical resistance;

• Offer repeatable and industrializable coating cycles;

• Develop customized products for specific customer needs.

Our mission is clear: to make simple, repeatable, and sustainable what normally is not.

Real benefits for the environment and for workers

Adopting water-based primers and paints does not only mean “doing the right thing” for the planet, but also brings tangible benefits for those who work with these products every day:

• Cleaner air in workshops and reduced odor during spraying;

• Reduction of hazardous waste and lower disposal costs;

• Lower fire risks thanks to the reduced solvent content;

• Compatibility with existing coating systems, without the need to replace machinery.

Compliance and the future of green coating

VOC regulations are set to become increasingly stringent in the coming years.
Companies that adapt early by adopting water-based processes will be more competitive and will gain advantages in terms of environmental certifications and production quality.

Kustom Service already produces and distributes VOC-compliant paints in over 20 countries, offering certified and tested solutions for professional and industrial use.

The future is clear: tomorrow’s coating will be clean, sustainable, and high-tech.

Our considerations

Water-based paints and primers represent the most important step toward responsible and professional coating.
Thanks to its experience and research, Kustom Service is ready to lead this change by offering high-performance products with reduced environmental impact.

Technology evolves, but the goal remains the same:
to offer the highest quality while respecting both workers and the environment around us.