Monterey Collision & Auto Repair

Have you ever asked yourself, "Is my car really safe after a collision?" If you've been in an accident or your vehicle has suffered damage, this is one of the most crucial questions you should be asking. With so many auto body shops out there, how do you know if you're getting top-notch repairs that restore your vehicle's safety and integrity? As the owner of CARSTAR Robert’s Collision in Monterey, I can tell you firsthand that not all auto body repair shops are created equal. Over the past two decades, we've seen too many vehicles come to us that were previously "fixed" elsewhere but left the owner questioning the quality of those repairs. And honestly? They should have been. Why Attention to Detail in Auto Body Repair is Vital When it comes to auto body repairs, every detail matters—from the smallest dent to the structural integrity of your vehicle's frame. A poor repair job can compromise the safety of your vehi ... read more

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining and restoring your vehicle goes beyond just ensuring it runs smoothly. It encompasses a holistic approach, including performance optimization, aesthetic preservation, and environmental responsibility. At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we believe that comprehensive vehicle care is key to longevity, safety, and overall driving satisfaction. 1. Optimal Performance: Ensuring Longevity and Reliability Maintaining optimal vehicle performance is crucial for extending the lifespan of your car and ensuring it operates reliably. Regular check-ups and adhering to service schedules help prevent breakdowns and costly repairs. By focusing on performance, you not only enhance your driving experience but also ensure that your vehicle remains safe and efficient on the road. 2. Embracing ... read more

Give Your Vehicle the Gift of Safety and Performance: 3 Affordable Christmas Presents! 'Tis the season to shower your vehicle with love, and at CARSTAR Robert's Collision, we've got just the right gifts that won't break the bank. This Christmas, prioritize the well-being of your beloved ride with these three thoughtful presents that emphasize safety, reliability, and accident prevention. 1. Master the Art of Safe and Defensive Driving: This year, wrap up the gift of safe and defensive driving for you and your loved ones. Beyond the joy of the holiday season, it's crucial to navigate the roads with caution. Our blog is here to provide valuable tips and tricks to help you become a defensive driving maestro, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a smooth journey every time you hit the road. 2. Consistent Maintenance-A Gift That Keeps on Giving: Consider consistent vehicle maintenance as the gift that keep ... read more

Holiday Travel Tips: Safeguarding Your Journey and Cherished Moments As the holiday season approaches, the roads are bustling with travelers eager to spend quality time with their loved ones. At CARSTAR Robert's Collision, we understand the importance of a safe and enjoyable journey. In this blog post, we'll explore key tips to help you avoid dings & dents, drive safely in holiday traffic, and ensure that an unexpected accident doesn't cast a shadow on your family holiday. Protecting Your Vehicle: Avoiding Dings & Dents The holiday season often brings crowded parking lots and shopping areas, increasing the risk of dings and dents on your vehicle. To safeguard your car: Choose Parking Spots Wisely: Opt for well-lit areas and spots away from high-traffic zones to reduce the likelihood of accidental collisions with other vehicles or shopping carts. Defensive ... read more

Over time, our vehicles can acquire a few dents. Remember when you parked a little too close to the other car and got a door ding? What about that time you accidentally backed up into something? Lots of cars accumulate small dents and scratches over the years, which is normal wear and tear. However, dent repair matters to those who care about their vehicles looking good. For example, an automotive aficionado who enters her car into one of the car shows at Monterey Car Week has an obvious desire to remove dents from her car. For people who love their cars and want to preserve the value of their vehicles, dent repair matters. Since 1996, CARSTAR Robert’s Collision has been serving the Monterey Peninsula with premium auto body repair, dent repair, and detailing services. Because we are known in the area to be the premier collision repair shop, our auto repair team has provided dent repair to many cars, including one-of-a-kind, multimillion-dollar cars that are for sale at Concours ... read more

It’s almost time to hit the road and go see the family for the holidays. To prepare your vehicle for holiday travel, we thought it would be wise to provide a checklist showing how you can prepare for smooth, stress-free driving.    We hope you enjoy this helpful pre-trip checklist.   Check your tires for proper tread and full inflation. Pack all the tools you would need to change a flat tire. If you’re planning to drive in the snow, be sure to bring tire chains. Make sure your battery is fully charged and shows no signs of corrosion. If your brakes are squeaking or squealing, have them checked. Is your car in need of oil change service? Get it done before you go. Do you have an emergency kit? If you’re driving in snow or plan to travel on isolated roads, do you have enough water, snacks, and warm blankets to keep you safe if you’re stranded? Is your Check Engine light on? If yes, make sure your auto mechanic checks it out. Have you pa ... read more

At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we don’t just fix cars – we protect them. One of the questions we often hear from our clients is, “Why do you use Carnauba Wax?” It's a great question, especially for those looking to preserve their vehicle’s paint and maintain that showroom shine. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just want to keep your car looking new, Carnauba Wax plays a key role in protecting your investment. What is Carnauba Wax, and Why Do We Use It? Carnauba Wax, also known as "the queen of waxes," is the go-to choice for car collectors, Concours d'Elegance enthusiasts, and those who appreciate a flawless finish. Unlike other waxes that sit on the paint's surface, Carnauba Wax transforms your car's paint into a deep, liquid-like pool that shimmers under varying light conditions. It's not just about aesthetics either – Carnauba Wax offers superior protection against sc ... read more

Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we want to remind everyone that there is so much to be grateful for. Yes, this year has been incredibly rough due to COVID-19 and the other challenges we have faced here in California. However, we choose to focus on the good in every situation. That is why we want to list the many things that we are grateful for here at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision:   We are grateful to have a large number of happy clients who are thrilled with our customer service experience and the quality of our work. We are grateful that today’s modern vehicles have so many safety features, that even when a collision occurs, the precious cargo inside is well protected. Of course, not all accidents allow you to walk away without a scratch. But the safety features that have been added to most vehicles can certainly help reduce the risk of higher fatalities. We are grateful for state-of-the-art equipment, tools, and auto body technolo ... read more

How Long Does Auto Body Repair Take? A Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring Your Vehicle When a vehicle needs auto body repair, one of the first questions many car owners ask is, “How long will it take?” The answer varies depending on factors like the type of vehicle, the availability of parts, and the extent of the damage. At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we prioritize thorough and precise repairs, ensuring your vehicle returns to you in top condition. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect from the repair process. The Auto Body Repair Process at CARSTAR Robert’s CollisionStep 1: Insurance Coordination Begin by contacting your insurance carrier to report the damage and schedule an assessment. They may require an estimate, which is where we come in! Step 2: Get an Estimate Visit CARSTAR Robert’s Collision in Monterey for a detailed estimate. Our team will assess the damage and provide an estimate for your insurance co ... read more

As holiday travel starts to ramp up in November, the risk of traffic accidents increases. We know you drive carefully, but what should you do if other drivers put you and your vehicle at risk of a collision? Here are the top five things you should do to avoid a collision. Drive defensively. They always stressed this tactic in driving school. The goal is to stay focused on the road, your speed, and where you are in relation to other objects. Distractions are bad, so you should avoid getting caught off guard. Driving takes a lot of mental focus, so it is in your best interest to be considerate of others but take care of yourself first. Keep your speed down. Speeding through neighborhoods isn’t safe, especially when pedestrians, children, pets, or local wildlife are nearby. You never know when an animal or bicyclist could jump out from behind a parked car and surprise you. When you keep your speed to the posted limit or slower, you are more likely to avoid hitting any objects ... read more

With holiday travel coming up, you may want to prepare a COVID-Era Emergency Kit for your family vehicle. To help you get started, we have created a checklist that will help you prepare for an emergency. Checklist If you’re headed to the mountains: Pack appropriate chains for your car  Current medications Gloves Warm blankets Shovel Jumper cables Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench A flashlight and extra batteries Battery jumper cables A basic first aid kit A blanket and warm clothing Bottled water and energy bars Safety flares A tool kit and a windshield ice scraper If you are not sure of what to do in the event of minor roadside emergencies, here are some helpful videos: How to change a flat tire:   <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tn-Xh5ldkXw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-pic ... read more

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash Though everyone’s summer plans have likely been upended due to COVID-19, that doesn’t mean that you can’t make summer fun for the kids! Many families have chosen to keep their kids home from summer camps, and some might have closed their doors for now. Whatever the situation, there’s no end to the great ideas that will keep your children busy and entertained all summer long. 1.       Make Your Own Camp: This one’s a no-brainer, but there’s nothing stopping you and the kids from making your own stay-at-home summer camp! With a little planning and preparation, you can keep the kids occupied with arts and crafts projects, fun science experiments, and even cooking lessons! Head to Google and plan your curriculum as you see fit. You can even pitch a tent in the backyard or the ... read more

Photo by Victor He on Unsplash Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic. For many people, especially during the summer, physical activity is usually something they’d be doing outside at parks, beaches, campgrounds, and a host of other summer destinations. Keep reading for places to go and ways to stay active, even while shelter-in-place restrictions are in place! Visit parks that are close to home! Places you can and should visit will ideally be close by and won’t require much traveling. Visit those parks that are closest to you and check with the park or recreation area well in advance to learn how to prepare safely. Find out if there are bathroom facilities and other services that are still open and available to the public. Beaches and othe ... read more

Photo by Maxwell Ridgeway on Unsplash Depending on where you live and what you do for a living, you might find that you spend an awful lot of time in your car on your way to and from work, drives to school, and every other little errand you might have. Unfortunately, commuting for more than 20 minutes a day can cause chronic stress. That's why the CARSTAR Robert's Collision and Repair team wants to help you de-stress and decompress while you drive with this list of tips and tricks to try! Healthy Habits While Driving: Most of us hop in the car first thing in the morning, with some toast or a bagel and coffee to try and beat the morning traffic. Try getting up a little earlier so your morning routine is calm, and you have plenty of time to make a healthy breakfast. You might even want to pack some snacks for the road, or blend up a sm ... read more

Photo by Luca Peng on Unsplash At CARSTAR Robert's Collision and Repair, we know that traveling with your beloved pets can be a constant struggle. To help you make the most of your driving time with your pets and keep your family's smaller extensions safe and happy, take a look at this list of tips and tricks to traveling with pets! Before any extended travel, you should always make sure your pets are healthy to do so. Take them to the veterinarian for a checkup, make sure all their vaccinations are up-to-date and copy those records with you. If you're planning on flying with an airline, these records are required. Making sure your pets stay healthy means you also need to bring along enough of their regular food, medication, and water for them to last the duration of the trip. Traveling for humans and pets is a little different depending on what kind of a ... read more

  Aftermarket and alternative parts have their place in the repair process.   Believe it or not, some vehicles over four years of age begin encountering challenges when tracking down replacement parts. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts may simply no longer be available, and the only option becomes aftermarket or salvaged parts to repair your vehicle.   Remember that for your monthly premium to remain affordable; insurance companies use aftermarket parts in the repair process. Would you use a cheaper part to save money if the two were nearly identical in every way? How about reusing a component that is still good? Insurance companies are faced with this same challenge, and so have come up with policies and protocols to streamline their approval process throughout your automobiles repair.   Collision shops love the fit and feel of an OEM part; it is the preferred part to work with. If aftermarket parts are available and insurance will not pay for an O ... read more

  Have you ever wondered what the difference is between OEM and aftermarket parts?   OEM parts are designed by the same factory and the same equipment your car has been built with. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. These parts are an exact match and are equivalent to the parts your vehicle was made initially when new from the factory.   AFTERMARKET replacement parts made in different factories from molds, templates, or casts that attempt to replicate your original car's components. Some aftermarket parts are reverse-engineered and designed to improve the performance of your vehicle, however many of these "generic" parts made in mass quantity with cost savings in mind. These parts don't quite fit or operate as well as OEM parts and can compromise the quality of your repair. Sometimes this can mean your car's body panels don't fit or match up, as well as your original part did.   In the collision industry, some certified ... read more

While we don’t get snow and ice here in lovely Monterey, we do get a fair share of rain. Instead of locking down in hibernation mode, follow these tips to help keep you safe. You can prepare yourself and your vehicle for commuting in the rain and while it contributes to nearly 1.2 million traffic crashes each year, you don’t have to be a part of that statistic. While it’s true that we are fully equipped at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision & Repair to fully restore your vehicle after a crash, we would much rather help you avoid requiring our auto body services! Here are some helpful tips to keep your vehicle safe while driving in wet weather. Posted speed limits are designed for good weather. When conditions aren’t great, slow down and give yourself extra room around you.  Don’t use your cruise control since it can increase the danger when hydroplaning.  Keep your headlights on for better visibility. Minimize the likelihood of hydroplaning ... read more

In case you haven’t noticed, we recently joined the CARSTAR network in an effort to better serve our customers. When we joined, we did so because CARSTAR is North America’s largest network of independently owned collision repair shops. We offer auto body repair, dent repair that’s paintless, and even storm damage repair. When you see the CARSTAR signs, you’ll know that customer service is the number one priority. It always has been for Robert’s Collision & Repair, but now we’ve revved up a few notches by joining the CARSTAR family.  What you can count on from CARSTAR Robert’s Collision & Repair Quality repairs: We provide you with the highest caliber of quality repairs. We have state-of-the-art technology and our technicians are the best possible. Everything we do is based around providing you an excellent customer service experience. Part of that commitment is making sure our turnaround times are as quick as possible without cu ... read more

If you don’t already own a vehicle made out of aluminum, there’s a really good chance you will at some point during your lifetime. Most folks don’t know that aluminum was first used in the production of automobiles over 100 years ago, back in 1899. It was not the go-to for many reasons, but that has changed. In 2015 Ford introduced its all-aluminum-body F150 and that was a game-changer! That immediately shed 700 pounds from the truck body, but it also increased gas mileage. When we start talking aluminum, it’s not just about weight, per se. There are many other benefits of using aluminum vs. steel. The main push toward using aluminum has mostly to do with outcries from the Populus to increase gas mileage at every possible turn. Their engines are smaller, yet can produce the same if not greater power, all the while decreasing fuel consumption. Here are a few of the main benefits of using aluminum in the -industry: Safer: they are at least as strong, if not strong ... read more

When you get into an accident and your car is in desperate need of quality auto body repair, you’ll want the right team of auto body repair professionals on your side. You’ll also want that team to know how to partner with your insurance company to make certain that all goes well and that it happens as quickly as possible to get you back to your regular life.  When you bring your car into the professionals at Robert’s Collision & Repair in Monterey, you can breathe easy. Not only do you have the best auto body repair team on your side, but also a top-notch repair shop that knows how to best work with your insurance company to get it done right, quickly, and in the first go around.  Robert’s Collision & Repair is currently a preferred vendor for State Farm, Geico, USAA, Progressive, and Esurance. What this means to you is that we have already earned a solid reputation for being a trusted auto body repair facility in the Monterey area. The good ... read more

Robert’s Collision & Repair is well-known countywide and beyond for our auto detailing, auto body, and auto repair services. We have an awesome staff that is well trained in all of these areas. We truly specialize in the entire health and well-being of your vehicle.   If your vehicle has been involved in a minor or major accident, we are here to service you. Whether it’s a minor door ding or scratch to major repairs that include the need for replacing multiple car parts, repainting of the vehicle, and glass replacement, Robert’s Collision & Repair has the team of experienced and educated specialists to handle your car’s every need. We can handle it all.   Most of our customers choose to make an insurance claim to cover all the costs associated with all the necessary repairs. On occasion, a customer will decide to cover it out of pocket if their deductible is too high or the don’t want to influence their premium. When you invest in th ... read more

Americans have a love affair with our vehicles. We cherish their beauty, styling, as well as the overall driving experience. They provide freedom, both real and perceived. Some people don’t see the value in paying to have their car detailed. Those who do truly understand the benefits of doing so as well as thoroughly enjoying the end results.  Just in case you’re curious, we’ve compiled a list of a few of the top reasons why it’s a worthy investment: Chemical bug residue: hard to believe the damage a little bug can do to our paint, but if left to do its dirty work, bug residue can actually leave small holes in your paint that look like they came from small rocks. A carwash can’t get all the bugs out like a good detail can.  Oxidation: over time, the sun takes its toll on our vehicle’s paint job, especially on cars parked outside most of the day. A good clay waxing can help to restore the pigmentation and extend the life of your paint job ... read more

In his 1967 song “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree,” Arlo Guthrie mentioned what is probably the quintessential hippy vehicle. To help out restaurant owner Alice, Arlo and his friend decided to take out the restaurant’s garbage:   We took the half a ton of garbage, Put it in the back of a red VW Microbus took shovels and rakes and implements of destruction and headed On toward the city dump   Those iconic 60s buses command high prices today and are in high demand. Despite the fact that they’re slow and not particularly comfortable, they have attained cult status.   And Volkswagen has noticed. During last year’s Car Week the manufacturer unveiled a prototype for an all-new electric version it calls the ID Buzz.     The new design, slated to hit the market in 2022, bears a resemblance to its ancestor--but with a twist. It kind of looks as if it could be a car driven by Marty McFly in “Back to the Future.&rdquo ... read more

At Robert’s Collision & Repair, we are known as the premier auto body shop on the Monterey Peninsula. Ninety percent of our business handles auto body repair from minor dents and scratches to major automotive restoration, while the remaining ten percent of our business handles mechanical repair. We see a lot of auto body repairs in our shop after vehicles have been involved in some form of accident. The accidents can be minor, like door dings and scratches, to major repairs that involve replacement of multiple car parts, new paint in the affected areas, and glass replacement. Whatever the size of the job -- small or large -- Robert’s Collision & Repair can handle it all. Most of the time, our customers will make an insurance claim in order to cover the costs of auto body work. But other times, customers will opt to pay for the auto body repairs directly when they don’t want to involve the insurance ... read more

We have witnessed many of our customer's cars suffer damage from hitting the curb. When the winter roads are slick, you are more likely to, unfortunately, hit the curb. It may seem as if this is a small mistake, but it can, in fact, inflict lasting damage on your vehicle. If you have hit the curb recently, we recommend contacting Robert’s Collision and Repair, so we can have a look at  your vehicle:     Even if you are going as slow as 5-10 mph, the impact from the curb can damage your tires and wheels. When you hit a curb, you are jolting the connection between your steering system and wheels. The damage to this system can inhibit your ability to steer, especially during winter. Hitting a curb can shock your car’s knuckles, spindles, and axles. This can upset your car’s control system and suspensions. The steering knuckle has two parts: the wheel hub and the spindle. When you hit a curb, you can damage this important component of your veh ... read more

When you're involved in an auto accident, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. From dealing with insurance companies to worrying about the condition of your vehicle, the entire experience can be stressful. At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we understand this, which is why our mission is to take those lemons and turn them into lemonade for our customers. We’re here to walk you through every step of the auto body repair process, ensuring that you not only regain the use of your vehicle but also receive it back in pristine condition. Here’s a detailed look at what happens from the moment you bring your damaged vehicle to us until you drive away with it fully restored. 1. First Impressions Matter: Initial Estimation and Production When you first arrive at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, you're greeted by one of our friendly and knowledgeable repair estimators. This first step is crucial, as it sets the tone for your entire experience. We understa ... read more

Updated Blog From 1/15/24: Our Commitment to Your Pristine Ride: Embracing Cosmetic Repairs at CARSTAR Robert's Collision As the proud owner of CARSTAR Robert's Collision, I understand that if your vehicle has been on the road for over a year, it likely bears the marks of its journey—minor scratches, dents, and encounters with nature along doors, bumpers, and paint. These imperfections may seem minor, but as a fellow car enthusiast, I know that addressing them through our cosmetic repairs is not just about maintaining your vehicle but preserving its value and instilling a unique sense of pride in your ride. Do Dents Get Harder To Get Out Over Time? As a car enthusiast and the owner of CARSTAR Robert's Collision, one common question that often arises is whether dents become more challenging to repair as time goes on. It's a valid concern, and understanding the dynamics of dents over time is crucial in making informed decisions about cosmetic repairs. The short ... read more

The Benefits of Waterborne Paint: A Decade of Green Innovation at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we take pride in being pioneers in environmentally friendly practices within the auto body industry. Since becoming the first and only green-certified body shop in the Monterey area, we've continued to advance our commitment to sustainability and quality. One of our standout initiatives has been the adoption of waterborne paint technology, which remains at the forefront of our eco-friendly efforts. Why Waterborne Paint? Environmental and Safety Benefits: Waterborne paint technology significantly reduces the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to both the environment and human health. By using water as the primary solvent, we lower the levels of hazardous chemicals released into the air, contributing to improved air quality and a safer working environment for our employees. S ... read more

The other week, I did something dumb. I backed up into a pole without realizing it was there. My brand new 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman (aptly named Pepe Le Bleu since he’s peppy, he’s true blue, and has white bonnet stripes) not only had its first scratch, but I completely broke the rear passenger tail light. Major bummer! My poor car! Being the gal who does marketing projects for Robert’s Auto Repair, I knew exactly where to take my Mini for auto body repair....Robert’s Auto Repair, of course. Even though I knew this was going to cost me plenty (since Mini is made by BMW, and BMW parts aren’t cheap), I decided to look at the bright side of it all. Finally, here was a great opportunity to experience the full service that Robert’s Auto Repair provides its customers. Now, when people ask me how is the customer service and quality of work at Robert’s Auto Repair, I can happily report that yes, I’ve pleasantly experienced oil changes, new tires and alignment, detailing the t ... read more

Exciting things are happening around Robert's Auto Repair. We have installed our state-of-the-art Spot Welder equipment system that will drastically improve the turnaround time on most of our auto body repairs. Yay! We're all giddy with excitement, and we can get lost in all the techie terms that come with this system, but here's what this system means to you in layman's terms. Its special rack and all of its corresponding tools will allow us to precisely weld your vehicle back together in such a way that we 1) meet your automobile's factory specifications and 2) reduce the number of steps to complete the overall repair process. Call us silly, but here's a photo of our new baby--our fully automatic spot welding machine! We're so proud to have this system, because you're no longer going to have to drive out of the area or rely on your automobile's dealership to repair your vehicle "just right". Woo-hoo! If you don't mind, we'd like to gush about this system, what it can do, and show ... read more

Robert's Auto Repair is known for being a "spa for your car". With our "facials" (detailing and waterborne painting services), our "pedicures" (tire service), and "re-hydration" (coolant and radiator services) offerings, its only natural that we would get a "facelift". Drumroll, please... After 14 months of planning, we will soon break ground on the new facade of Robert's Auto Repair. Isn't it pretty? If you've never given a "facelift" to your business before, here's a snippet of our 14-month-long path that's taken us this far: From concept --&gt; to the Architect's blueprints --&gt; to the City approvals and permits --&gt; we expect to break ground in January and hope to have it all finished up by Spring of 2011. Yay! This lovely design will include heavy timber accents, a Spanish-tile roof, a stone entryway, and large picture windows. Inside, our lobby and waiting area will shelter our clients from the cold weather and the loud sounds of busy equipment from our repa ... read more

Ahhh, Fall. Autumn leaves begin to fall past the window... The air is fresh and the weather lovely... And the lucky car parked under a tree catches the birdie poop falling from above. Err....okay, so bird poop happens! Anyway, if you're looking to bring your car into Robert's Auto Repair "car spa" and get it detailed, we'd love to do it for you. Everyone likes it when they are clean and pretty, bright and shiny...including your vehicle. Bring your car, truck, or motorcycle in to Robert's Auto Repair during October so you can "Fall" in love with your car again! See our Detail Center video for a good look at what our detailing center can do for your ride, then make an appointment for your car's "spa treatment" at 831

Robert's Auto Repair is very proud to be the only green-certified auto body shop in the Monterey Peninsula. What makes us so green? Mostly, its our environmentally-friendly paint that we use on the vehicles. Here is a definition of waterborne paint: "Waterborne paints have been evaluated as alternatives to solvent-based paints. The volatile organic compound (VOC) content of waterborne paints is significantly lower than conventional solvent-based paints, thereby reducing VOC emissions. Waterborne (or latex) paints are composed of synthetic resins and pigments that are kept dispersed in water by surfactants. They also contain small amounts of coalescing solvents. Waterborne paints dry by evaporation of the water. The coalescing solvents allow the resin particles to fuse together (coalesce) as the water evaporates to form a continuous coating. Waterborne paints must be protected from freezing and applied at a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit.' 'Waterborne paints reduce VOC ... read more